Hi! I’m Nikos — founder of the Sync car rental marketplace. Fifteen years ago I created Taxibeat, and with it we made a big change in the way people get around our cities. Now I want to share my vision of a better way for all of us to rent a car: fast, easy and affordable. And maybe one day we’ll decide we don’t need to own a car at all, because we can have whichever one we want, quickly and cheaply.
How many times have you rented a car and heard the classic “we’ll give you a similar model”? It happened to me so many times that in the end I decided to build Sync, precisely so that nobody has to go through that disappointment.
You want a Golf and you get… a sedan that doesn’t fit your things? Or you ask for an SUV and they bring you a hatchback? Been there.
My own experience (and why we built Sync this way)
When I started working on Sync, I had one simple question in mind:
“Why can’t I choose exactly the car I see in the photos?”
With traditional rental companies:
- They sell you a category (e.g. “Compact SUV”), not the vehicle you see.
- They say “or similar” because their fleet changes constantly and they won’t commit.
- If you insist, you may pay a premium for a “guaranteed model”.
On Sync:
- Every car is a real listing uploaded by its Host, with the Host’s own photos.
- You can filter by make, model, car type or extra services.
- If the Host has it available, that’s the car you get. Period.
- You see photos of the exact vehicle and can ask the Host for details before you book.
- You pay by debit, credit or prepaid card — no requirement for a credit card deposit like at traditional rental companies.
Tips to make sure you get what you see
- Use Sync’s filters: choose the make, model, fuel type, transmission and extras (e.g. child seats).
- Look at the photos carefully: they show the actual vehicle, not stock images.
- Read the description & reviews: Hosts include details on luggage space, fuel consumption and more.
- Ask the Host: before you book, send a message to confirm (“I definitely want this Golf — is it available for my dates?”).
- Choose a Protection Plan online so you’re covered, with no surprises at check-in.
(On Sync, the Host has already done the pre-check-in: photos and details, and you can see everything in the Sync app. No stress at the rental desk.)
Why it matters
Getting the car you want isn’t a luxury — it’s practical:
- You know how many suitcases will fit.
- If you want an SUV for dirt roads, you get an SUV, not a crossover “or similar”.
- If you want specific infotainment (CarPlay, Android Auto) for the kids, you’re sure to have it.
And yes, you also avoid the credit-card-only “hold” that almost all traditional rental companies require.
FAQ
What if the Host doesn’t deliver?
Sync has ratings and reviews. If a Host doesn’t provide the vehicle they listed, you report it and you’re protected.
Can the car change at the last minute?
It’s rare, but if it happens (e.g. a breakdown), the Host must let you know in good time and either find a solution or you get a refund. In cases like this, we’re there too, so you’re never left stranded.
Can I pay without a credit card?
Yes — Sync accepts debit & prepaid cards. This is often the deal-breaker at traditional rental companies.
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