Giggster

Giggster is a location rental platform that specializes in helping owners monetize distinctive properties for creative projects, events, and celebrations. The platform serves a primarily North American market with strong presence in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Miami, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, plus UK locations including London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Where Peerspace emphasizes the full event experience, Giggster focuses heavily on creative shoots: film productions, photo sessions, music videos, and commercial projects where the property itself is the star. The platform has carved out a niche serving the creative and production industry, positioning itself as the go-to location scouting tool for filmmakers, photographers, and production companies.

The platform connects property owners with renters seeking locations for creative work. A film production might book a warehouse for action scenes, a mansion for a period drama, or an apartment building facade for an urban thriller. A photographer books a loft with good north-light for fashion portraits, or a park pavilion for family sessions. A music video director rents a rooftop, abandoned building, or warehouse lot. Wedding planners, corporate event coordinators, and party planners also book through the platform, but the core audience is creative professionals and productions where the venue choice significantly impacts the final product. For instance, a photographer shooting a luxury brand campaign might choose a sleek modern loft worth far more than a generic studio, because the space itself is part of the creative vision. That's where Giggster's value proposition lies: connecting owners of exceptional spaces with creatives who understand that location quality directly affects their output.

Giggster's search interface is straightforward. Renters specify what they're planning, their location, and desired dates, then browse available spaces. The platform emphasizes transparency with "clear hourly rates and no surprise fees, you'll know what you're paying for, right from the get-go." This upfront pricing approach appeals to production professionals accustomed to detailed budgets. The platform also offers a concierge service where experienced location specialists help renters find off-market properties, negotiate rates, obtain permits, and handle logistics like parking or overnight accommodations. This added service appeals to complex productions requiring more than just a space rental.

For property owners listing on Giggster, the process involves setting a base daily or hourly rate for the space. The platform doesn't dictate pricing; you set what you believe your property is worth based on location, amenities, size, uniqueness, and local demand. Owners can adjust rates up or down for specific bookings, offering discounts to attract bookings or charging premiums for high-demand dates or popular activity types (film shoots reportedly command the highest rates on the platform). Owners also have the option to require security deposits from renters to protect against damage.

Giggster publishes some payment details on its host resources. The platform states that "Renters are charged as soon as you accept their booking request" and that "The final payout will be deposited into your preferred bank account and is processed within seven days of the start of the reservation." This relatively quick payout timeline appeals to hosts who want to access income soon after a booking. However, the platform does not publish its commission percentage or fee structure on its public website. Interested property owners would need to contact Giggster or complete the host sign-up process to learn what percentage Giggster retains from each booking.

Beyond payment logistics, Giggster offers protection for both parties. Renters can purchase liability and damage protection coverage through the platform, reducing the risk to property owners. The platform handles contracts, reducing the need for owners to draft agreements with renters. Giggster's team also moderates bookings and reviews, helping ensure hosts aren't renting to problematic guests and renters aren't booking from unresponsive hosts.

The types of properties that perform best on Giggster tend to be visually distinctive or architecturally interesting. Modern minimalist lofts, industrial warehouses, historic mansions, rooftops with city views, and unusually designed homes or studios attract booking interest from creative professionals. Suburban homes and standard suburban offices struggle to compete, unless they're being rented for parties, corporate events, or other activities where the specific location matters less than the size and amenities. Properties in Los Angeles and New York see more bookings and higher rates than equally interesting properties in smaller markets.

What distinguishes Giggster from other location rental platforms is its focus on creative professionals and the concierge service. A photographer booking for a few hours is different from a wedding planner organizing an all-day event, which is different from a film production crew arriving at 4 a.m. with trucks, grip equipment, and a dozen crew members. Giggster's platform and tools cater to all three, but the expertise and support lean toward the production side. The concierge team's ability to handle permits, negotiate complex bookings, and connect renters with hard-to-find locations appeals to professionals who've rented locations many times. For property owners, this means you're more likely to host serious professionals who understand location etiquette, expect to negotiate terms clearly, and bring insurance and permits to the table. These renters are less likely to cause problems than casual party planners discovering a location for the first time.

Hosting on Giggster requires property owners to be responsive, professional, and flexible. Creative shoots often require early start times, long shoot days, or access during unusual hours. Productions may need to move furniture, bring in equipment, or make temporary changes to the space. Owners must communicate clearly about what's allowed, what requires additional fees, and what's off-limits. You're responsible for ensuring the space is in good condition between bookings and available as promised. While the platform handles contracts and protection, disputes occasionally happen; hosts need to be willing to work through issues professionally.

Giggster appeals most to owners with visually distinctive properties in major creative hubs (Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, London). Owners in secondary markets or with standard properties will see fewer bookings and lower rates. The platform works best for owners who appreciate the creative industry, can handle the logistics of hosting production crews and event planners, and want income from their distinctive space. Owners in quiet neighborhoods or residential areas where film trucks and events would disturb neighbors should think carefully before listing.

For property owners with interesting locations in media-rich cities, Giggster offers a path to substantial income, particularly from film and commercial productions that value location aesthetics. The clear pricing model, quick payouts, and concierge support make it accessible to first-time location hosts, while the platform's reach and reputation attract repeat productions.