In receiving inquiries from potential renters, it's important that you respond promptly or you may lose the booking to another vacation rental property in your area. But-- that's not always possible. An alternative is to set up an auto-responder (also called a vacation auto-reply) that will send out a response to inquiries as soon as they come in.

For a downloadable version of our Inquiry Checklist with Sample Responses that you can save, edit and check off yourself, simply follow these instructions. Submit your request for a downloadable version by clicking the button below. Enter a valid email address.  (NOTE: Your email address will not be given, sold or lent to any third party.) You will receive an email with a link to the printable version of the Responding to Inquiries Checklist with Sample Responses.

What to include in an auto-responder:

• Thanks for inquiring, etc. 
• An assurance that you'll get back to them in a timely fashion. 
• A recap of your vacation home to refresh their memory. 
• A link to your listing, personal website, and/or photo album. 
• An email signature with all of your contact information.

You have two options in setting up an auto-responder: Create a separate email account for your inquiries and have the auto-responder go out to all incoming mail. Use your existing email account and set up an auto-responder with a defined set of rules. *This option is trickier. For tips on how to set up an auto-responder in: Outlook, Yahoo, Gmail, Eudora

What do you think about using a vacation auto-reply? "I like the idea because I think it will help legitimize my business.  It's also a courtesy that shows potential renters that I want them to become my guests." Marina T., Atlanta, GA.

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Seal More Bookings with Your Inquiry Responses Learn when to say yes, when to say no, and when to just pick up the phone!   How to Encourage Repeat Renters Having a past renter come back to your vacation rental property makes good business sense.   After Your Vacation Rental Guests Say, "I Would Like To Book Your Property" The next steps in the booking process.   How to Receive Inquiries You've posted your listing. Now what? Answers to the most commonly asked questions.

© Copyright, Christine Karpinski 2006. U.081114.AF