By: Joel Ross

In the rental car business, every detail counts—speed, cleanliness, convenience, and customer satisfaction. Yet one of the simplest details often gets overlooked: offering phone charging cables as an upsell during check-in.

A small, inexpensive product can quietly transform the customer experience while adding thousands in incremental revenue across locations. A customer who spends an extra $8 for a charging cable not only improves their own trip but also leaves with a stronger impression of your brand.

Below, we’ll explore why this low-effort, high-impact idea works so well for rental car agencies and how BLOKK Technologies makes it effortless to implement.

The Modern Traveler’s Most Common Pain Point

Every day, travelers arrive at rental counters after hours in airports, rideshares, and security lines—phones dying, battery icons flashing red. It’s an almost universal problem.

Charging cables are the new toothbrush: a small item travelers frequently forget but instantly need once they’re on the road.

Rental car agencies are uniquely positioned to solve that problem because they own the moment of urgency. When you ask, “Would you like to add a phone charger to your rental?” you’re offering an immediate solution to a high-stress need. Customers rarely say no to convenience.

Small Product, Big Margin

Cables take up almost no space, but they pack impressive margins.

Here’s a quick look at typical economics for a BLOKK Essentials cable:

A modest five upsells per day per branch equals roughly $825 in profit per month. Scale that across 50 branches and you’re looking at over $40,000 in monthly revenue from one simple product.

For multi-state franchise groups, the upside approaches half a million dollars annually—without new systems or staffing.

An Effortless Way to Improve Customer Experience

Rental customers judge an agency in minutes. Solving their immediate problem creates gratitude and goodwill.

Fewer guests will ask to borrow chargers. Fewer negative reviews will stem from frustrations that could have been avoided. Instead of saying, “Sorry, we don’t have any,” your staff can reply, “We have premium charging cables available right here.”

It’s a tiny touch that converts frustration into satisfaction. Happy customers mean better post-rental surveys and stronger brand loyalty.

Professionalism at First Sight

Customers equate preparedness with professionalism. A small display of neatly packaged charging cables at the counter signals that your company anticipates traveler needs.

BLOKK’s retail packaging—sleek, durable, and ready for vending or countertop displays—looks nothing like discount-bin imports. It complements your counter aesthetic and reinforces brand confidence. A customer who sees quality at the small details assumes quality at every level.

A Fast, Frictionless Upsell

The charging-cable upsell is a rare kind of add-on: one that doesn’t slow the line. There’s no extra paperwork or lengthy explanation.

A simple line from the agent—“If you forgot a charger, we’ve got fast-charge cables for all phones, $8 each”—takes ten seconds. It’s polite, relevant, and helpful.

Because it’s a practical, low-cost item, customers rarely feel pressured. The conversion rate is high, and the tone stays positive.

Zero Returns, Zero Complications

Unlike apparel or accessories, cables are nearly universal. There are no sizing issues, no buyer’s remorse, and almost no returns.

BLOKK cables meet California Proposition 65 requirements and are built with reinforced alloy connectors and braided nylon for durability. They’re made to last—something customers immediately notice when they hold one.

Simple SKU management keeps operations clean: Lightning for Apple devices, USB-C for newer Android models, and USB-A legacy options if needed.

Benefits That Reach Every Department

Offering phone chargers impacts more than just sales.

Operations benefit from fewer customer complaints and smoother transactions.
Marketing can include the upsell in loyalty-member emails or online check-in flows.
Procurement gets an easy-to-manage, high-turnover product.
Training takes minutes; staff can master the pitch during one team meeting.

It’s a win-win across the organization.

Sustainability and Brand Alignment

Travelers increasingly prefer companies that make sustainable choices. BLOKK’s nylon-braided cables are built for repeated use—an eco-smart alternative to disposable convenience items.

Adding signage such as “Durable, Reusable, Eco-Smart Charging Cables” communicates shared values with environmentally conscious customers. It’s a small detail that enhances your corporate reputation without additional effort.

Implementation Is Straightforward

Starting an upsell program like this requires no new software or logistics.

1. Choose your mix.
Begin with BLOKK Essentials 3-ft cables in USB-C and Lightning versions.

2. Train the team.
A 10-minute briefing covers the pitch, pricing, and restock process.

3. Display and reorder.
Keep a clear countertop display or mount a small acrylic rack near payment stations. BLOKK replenishes directly to branches or regional warehouses.

That’s it—no contracts, no tech setup, no headaches.

A Symbol of Service

The strongest travel brands succeed because they anticipate needs. A forgotten charger may be a small inconvenience, but solving it instantly tells customers you care about their experience.

A cable that costs a few dollars becomes a gesture of empathy and preparedness. Those gestures create loyalty. When customers have options on their next trip, they’ll choose the brand that saved their phone at one percent.

Why BLOKK Fits the Rental Industry

BLOKK Technologies was built for environments just like yours—fast-paced, customer-facing, and operationally lean. Our products are engineered for durability and packaged for both vending and countertop presentation.

What you get when partnering with BLOKK:

• Low minimum orders for easy pilot programs

• Premium retail packaging that enhances your counter aesthetic

• Fast U.S. fulfillment and simple restock options

• Custom labeling available for larger groups

You get a premium, compliant product line designed to move quickly and look professional.

The Numbers That Matter

Let’s take a conservative example:

A single branch checks in 80 customers daily. Even a 5 percent attachment rate equals four cable sales a day.

4 × $8 = $32/day → roughly $960 per month per branch
Across 100 branches, that’s $96,000 in new monthly revenue with negligible labor.

The economics make sense at every scale.

How to Launch the Program

1. Request wholesale pricing and starter displays from BLOKK Technologies.

2. Select your mix of cable types.

3. Train your front desk on the quick-pitch script.

4. Track sales for 30 days and analyze results.

Most partners see instant adoption and steady repeat performance within the first month.

The Bottom Line

Travelers forget chargers every single day. Rental car agencies are sitting on the perfect opportunity to fix that problem while increasing profit per customer.

A phone charger isn’t just an accessory—it’s a convenience, a courtesy, and a brand differentiator. Offering one at check-in improves the customer experience, strengthens loyalty, and adds meaningful recurring revenue with minimal effort.

BLOKK Technologies makes it turnkey: durable products, professional packaging, and simple logistics.

Turn forgotten chargers into remembered service. Start your rental-counter upsell program today and keep your customers—and your profits—fully charged.