Convert Inquiries into Bookings

One of the most exciting aspects of vacation rental homeownership is checking your mailbox for inquiries. Once you've received an inquiry from a potential renter the ball is in your court to convince them that your vacation home is the perfect base for their stay. The absolute most important tip from all the experts in the vacation rental field is to respond quickly and accurately to your inquiries. Timeliness matters. The more responsive you are to your potential guests sends them the message that you are a professional who is attentive to the needs of your guests.

You should also be sure to highlight some of the key features and amenities of your home based on the information they have given you, for instance, they list their group as 4 adults and 4 children. This sounds like 2 families in which case try to mention the kid friendly aspects of your home as well as the benefits for the parents to enjoy some adult time. This sound be done in a well thought out concise form, one or two paragraphs at most.

Your e-mail reply should include confirmation of the dates they requested and the number in their party and price for rental period inclusive of all taxes, cleaning fees and other potential charges. It should also discuss your rental agreement,deposit requirements and your payment methods.

Lastly, try to convey to your potential guests how much you appreciate their consideration and time. Today, renters have many choices for their accommodations and your success in great part depends upon the how well you are at selling your place in this intial correspondence.

"User-Friendly" Vacation Rentals

The phrase user-friendly can and should be a consideration for vacation rental homes. When your guests arrive at your rental, many for the first time, they are unfamiliar with something as basic as light switch controls. A label on light switches and fan controls is a much appreciated convenience and one other little extra that shows that you, the owner, truly are working to make their stay carefree and pleasant.

Other ways to make your home user-friendly are to provide an Owners Guidebook to your home which includes manuals for electronic devices and appliances. Posting the house address and telephone numbers along with emergency numbers near the telephone are essential. A clear step by step list for operating spas and pool equipment is also very important.

Take a walk room by room through your house and look critically at anything that may be confusing for a renter to operate or locate. It may seem like a small thing but in the end its all the small things that add up to making your home the first choice for their next vacation.

In the end, your guests will remember how easy your home was to settle into without fussing with searching for switches, finding the TV Channel lineup, and looking for directions operate the washing machine.

How to Pamper Your Guests

The vacation rental industry, in general, caters to more sophisticated travelers seeking luxurious accommodations with the comforts of home. It's important that your home stand out from the competition by giving them an accommodation they'll never forget.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Start pampering with your first impressions- these are your website, e-mails, phone manners and brochures. They should reflect warmth and the quality of your home.

2. Be sure to list all your amenities even the small stuff! Guests have many choices for their lodging and you never know what is important to each individual.

3. A simple "Thank You" goes a long way.

4. Provide extra pillows, blankets, towels for your guests.

5. Make sure guests have information with whom they should contact should they require assistance during their stay.

6. Provide information about the local area such as things to do, shopping, restaurants, brochures of local attractions, etc.

7. Offer to help plan a local itinerary.

8. Greet your guests with a "Welcome" gift with a personal message. Such as one of the themed gift bags from our gift service Welcome Your Guests Gifts

Top 3 Things You Should Know About First Impressions

First impressions are made within 3 seconds. When adapted to the vacation home rental market, we have to revise this a little, as separate impressions are likely to be made based on curb appeal, and then later on the big flourish open of the door (oh come on, you know you’ve done it!) When your clients step into their vacation rental, those first three seconds will be irreversible.

You can manipulate a first impression. Using common knowledge about how and where first impressions are made, you can prepare for the first three seconds. Take on your client’s viewpoint. Open that front door and see where your eyes rest. Take a deep breath. How could these things be improved? Are your guests greeted with an empty foyer, lacking warmth and welcome? Perhaps you could add a candle, gift basket, or beautiful painting.

First impressions are shared. When reporting on an experience, an evaluator will think back from the beginning. This means that, when your guests first share details of your rental with others, they’re going to use the first impression as a reference point. Make it a good one.