Many agencies charge the same rate in February and December. It is simple — and expensive: you turn people away in high season at low-season prices, and your vehicles sleep in the car park the rest of the year at a price too high to attract locals. Seasonal pricing is not complicated: three levels are enough.
The Mauritian demand calendar
- Peak season: mid-December to mid-January (festive break) — demand outstrips supply, calendars fill weeks ahead.
- High season: July–August (European holidays), Easter break, local long weekends.
- Shoulder season: October–November and February–March — steady tourist flow.
- Low season: May–June and September — this is where your annual occupancy is won or lost.
The three-level grid
Start from your current rate as the shoulder level. Add 20–30% in high season (and up to 40% over the festive fortnight): demand absorbs it without blinking, and your competitors already do it. Cut 15–25% in low season with clear 'low season offer' labelling: a car rented at Rs 1,100 earns infinitely more than one parked at Rs 1,450.
Complementary levers
- Duration discounts: −10% from 7 days, −20% from 15 days. Long rentals cut your turnaround costs (cleaning, inspections, handovers): share the saving.
- Low-season monthly rentals: target expats and posted workers with an attractive flat rate — one full month at a reduced price beats four scattered rentals.
- Minimum-days tuning: require 3 days minimum in peak season, accept single days in low season.
Steer with your occupancy rate
The right grid is tuned with a single indicator: monthly occupancy, visible on your RentCar.mu dashboard. Above 85% for a month: your prices are too low — raise them. Below 50%: too high, or not visible enough — lower the low-season rate or switch on the marketplace. Review quarterly: thirty minutes worth tens of thousands of rupees.