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When Do Your Guests Form Their First Impressions?: Part 2
Part two discusses the importance of full disclosure, how to avoid check-in day surprises, and the biggest mistake you could be making.
Before You Take a Booking… The Importance of Full Disclosure
You know your home and should know the things that renters tend to complain or at least grumble about. If there's nothing you can do about the object of the complaints, you should be upfront about it to potential renters. While you may worry that disclosing a less-than-stellar aspect of your home might turn away potential bookings, many renters will book your home anyway and will appreciate your candor. You'd be surprised how flexible your guests can be if you're just upfront and honest with them. Either way, it's better to lose a rental early in the game, than to have an angry guest who feels bamboozled in your home. |
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A few examples of things you should probably let potential guests when you talk to them on the phone and before you take their booking:
• Your home doesn't offer a modern convenience that some travelers likely expect: indoor plumbing, air conditioning, electrical outlets, dishwasher, etc.
• Your home features an item that some travelers may not be used to: composting toilets, a rainwater collection system, well water, etc.
• Your second bedroom is 6' x 6'
• You've had pets stay in your home
• Your complex is beachfront, but your actual condo is not
• You're located in a very remote location
• You're property is teeming with local wildlife
• You have satellite television and don't get local channels
Set Clear Expectations to Avoid Check-In Day Surprises
The best way to avoid unhappy guests is to make sure that they have all of the information they need—upfront. If your third bedroom has bunk beds and you're talking with a group of 3 couples, your place may not be the best one for that particular group… and that's okay. Your home isn't going to be the best option for every single traveler group out there. Be upfront and honest with the group of couples and let them know about the 3rd bedroom bed setup. They may love other aspects of your home and its location enough to book your home anyway. This principle doesn't just apply to bed setups. The best way to avoid miscommunication with your guests is to have a thorough rental agreement, directions, and photos of your home from every angle.
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A Huge Mistake You Could Be Making… Underselling Your Home
Setting clear expectations can go the other way as well. We've found that most homeowners actually undersell their home and find that their guests are surprised at just how nice the home is when they arrive. If your guests consistently tell you that your home is much nicer than your photos… it's time for new photos. |
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Back to Part 1
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Continue to Part 3
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