FleetWise vs a spreadsheet
For most Turo hosts the real alternative is a spreadsheet. A comparison of importing trips, duplicates, profit per car, tolls and direct booking, and when a spreadsheet is still enough.
| Feature | FleetWise | spreadsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to start | Free for up to 3 cars; paid plans from $39/mo | Free, or the price of the apps you already use (Plus the hours you spend maintaining it) |
| Bringing in your Turo trips | Upload the two Turo CSV files, or forward the emails (English or Spanish files) | You build the sheet and paste the data in each month (Re-saving a CSV in a spreadsheet can change dates and numbers) |
| Importing the same trip twice | Each trip is recorded once (Importing again does not create a second copy) | You check for duplicates by hand |
| Profit per car | Calculated from your trips and expenses (Reports from the $39 Starter plan) | Yes, if you build the formulas |
| Tolls matched to trips | Matched to each trip window (From the $39 Starter plan) | By hand, toll by toll |
| Direct booking site | Yes, from the $39 Starter plan | Not part of a spreadsheet |
| Full control and flexibility | Works the way FleetWise is built | Total: you decide every column |
Where a spreadsheet wins
A spreadsheet is free, you already know how to use it, and you control every column. For one or two cars it can be all you need. A general accounting app can also cover things that have nothing to do with renting cars, such as invoicing or payroll. If your fleet is small and your records are simple, keep what works.
Where FleetWise fits
The trouble with a spreadsheet shows up as you grow: each month you download the Turo files, paste them in, check for duplicates, match tolls by hand and rebuild the profit per car. FleetWise imports the two Turo files, records each trip once, matches tolls to trips and shows profit per car, so that monthly routine takes less of your time. You can run it next to your spreadsheet on the Free plan for a month and compare the numbers.
FleetWise is software, not tax or accounting advice. Ask your accountant how to treat each item in your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is a spreadsheet enough to run my Turo business?
For one or two cars, often yes. As you add cars, trips, tolls and expenses, a spreadsheet takes more of your time each month and it is easier to miss a payout or record a trip twice. A tool that imports your Turo files does that work for you.
Do I still need an accountant if I use FleetWise?
Yes. FleetWise is software, not tax or accounting advice. It organizes your trips and expenses so your accountant gets clean records. Ask your accountant how to treat each item in your situation.
Can I start with FleetWise without leaving my spreadsheet?
Yes. The Free plan covers up to 3 cars with Turo CSV import and email sync, so you can run it next to your spreadsheet for a month and compare the numbers.