Perks - They're Grreat!
When I used to travel for a living, I enjoyed the perks offered by the airlines and the hotels. Upgrade to first class? Sure! Upgrade hotel room? Don’t mind if I do!
Everyone likes perks and incentives not available elsewhere. For your vacation home, perks make your rental stand-out. They can make things easier on your renters so they enjoy their stay more.
You can provide perks for your guests and increasing bookings at the same time. Here’s some ideas:
Upgraded bedding
Have you noticed that hotels now all have their exclusive one-of-a-kind bedding system? They might be on to something. If you go the extra distance with a nice pillow-top bed and nice sheets/comforter/duvet, let everyone know! Putting this information on your vacation rental listing and telling prospective renters might just close more bookings.
Free Internet Wi-Fi
Get DSL or a cable modem for your rental. When you sign-up, ask for a wireless modem so renters don’t have to plug-into your network. If you live in a condo or other dense housing, see if your association will vote for wi-fi access for everyone (so you don’t have to maintain it).
Exercise room access or complimentary gym visitor membership
I don’t go on vacation to exercise. But, some folks don’t want to miss their workouts – and this is a great perk for those people. If they can have access to run off those extra calories, they may book your place rather than the unit across the street without gym access.
If your resort / community does not have an exercise room, call around to local gyms and ask them how you can get your renters access during their stay.
Tickets to shows/parks
If you are near a theme destination such as Disney World, Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, or Branson, you might want to offer free or discounted tickets to your guests. Chances are, they are booking a rental in your area for a reason.
Beach Chair Rental
If your beach condo has access to beach chair rental, talk to the company that does the rental. They will often cut you a deal for the entire summer for some chairs. Your renters will love it!
Gift basket
Okay, maybe this isn’t something that will close a sale. But, I have learned that first impressions for renters make all the difference. When your guests walk into the condo, they will probably smile if there is a nice little gift basket waiting for them.
The basket can be pretty simple (some snacks, etc) or can be above & beyond (some beers or champagne might be a nice touch).
Gift Card (Gas, Groceries, etc)
If competition is tough, you might score with some small perks such as these. Everybody complains about the gas prices!
Free nights
Maybe not a perk exactly, but offering a free night if someone books a minimum stay with you might just help increase your bookings. This is especially helpful during the off-season.
Repeat Customer Discount
I offer my past renters some sort of discount. Past renters are less likely to cancel on you and they are easier to manage since they’ve stayed with you before. Any way you can increase bookings from past guests should be in your vacation rental advertising arsenal. You can make the security deposit smaller, offer free nights, or simply discount their stay.
I’m sure there are plenty of others I’m missing. What kind of perks do you offer your guests to increase your bookings?
Posted by Jon M of http://www.FindVacationRentals.com
adding additional amenities and perks to your vacation rentals is a great way to keep your guests happy and increase your bookings. We have received great feedback from our guests about our free linens and towels, free WiFi, free tennis club and fitness center membership, a 4th night free offer, and gas cards when gas prices were so expensive. It is possible to increase profitability with a few small ideas that will please all of your guests
I was going to add the commend about linnens as draw especially for off season rentals. What I do for repeat renters is offer them last years pricing if they book by January (My peak rentals are in the summer) and will usually honor that regardless or else a very small increase (below what I list it at). I also off my repeat renters rewards for referrals. $100 towards a future booking for anyone they refer to me and books a peak week ($50 for off-peak).
Another amenity that seems to keep people coming back is a well stocked kitchen – we have two sets of dishes (nice stoneware my wife picked up when Dansk was going out of business at 90% off – and a decent heavy gauge plastic set in easy reach).
Finally, make improvements every year (even if its a new toaster) and MAKE a big deal about it. People will notice and appreciate it.
Andy
My rentals are on the FL Gulf Coast, complete turn-key. Present economy and stock market has made it a challenge for the vacationer/snow bird due to affordability. Supply with increased volume due to lack of home sales, I’ve been successful in renting.
My attitude is “some rental income is better than nothing!” I’ve incorporated high season rentals all inclusive with utilities and 11% tax, showing value and a ‘bargain’, while accommodating their incoming arrivals, not always on the 1st of the month. I’d prefer during “rough times” to work with renters while still able to meet expenses. 85% incoming is better than waiting for full price and collect zero while having empty units!
Amenities are as if I, the owner, were living there with high count linens & towels, new furnishings, and appliances. I also include local phone coverage and a TRAC cell phone with agreement and instructions of how to replenish. This is most appreciative to international renters. Internet is available via the cable company to obtain a modem for their minimum 3 months duration at their cost. This is very simple and affordable for at home convenience. Every condo community is different. Some have activities with a TV channel giving the calendar of social events and activities to network. I’ve been told, if you are lonely, it is your own fault.
Lastly, I’ve learned everyone has their own definition of “clean”; hence, going foward I insist on $100. cleaning fee, and for them to leave their short-term home how it was upon arrival. “Leave it as you found it for the next tenant, not as if you were at home!” My last repeat tenant left the floors and ceiling fans dusted; however, every cabinet, drawer and linen closet was another story!
Here’s to a better 2009!
This is a great site!
Thank you!
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