Building trust with your renters
Whilst vacation rentals aren't a new phenomenon online, some people rightly have concerns about booking a property through someone they don't know.
It's naïve to think scams don't happen within the industry - they do. However there are many ways to build trust with potential renters and going the extra mile can make all the difference in securing bookings easily, so read on for some obvious, but helpful tips!
Use availability calendars
When renters search the web and hone down their shortlist of favourite property, their final question before enquiring will be "Is it available?" If you don't have an availability calendar while another advert on their shortlist has, you will most likely lose the lead.
The main gripe from owners for not using calendars is the work it takes to update information across all the websites your property is advertised on. However there are a few services that offer free availability calendars which you can attach to your adverts quite easily such as www.rentors.org and www.rentcalendar.com. Simply amend the calendar when a you take a reservation and watch the changes update across all your adverts.
Beware that an empty calendar can be as damaging as not having one at all. Renters may think there's something wrong with the property if they see no bookings have been taken. As the bookings start rolling in, get a calendar added and update it regularly. Give people faith that the information they see on the screen is accurate and don't let them down.
Get a personal website
No matter where you advertise your property, the information you can display will always be restricted. The answer is to supplement your advertising with a personal website giving you complete control over the information you provide.
The costs of building and hosting your own site should be factored into your annual marketing budget, the rewards can be high and you can have great fun showcasing your property to its fullest potential!
Renters will respond positively to personal websites offering more pictures, 360° views, hot tips on the local area, etc. Positive feedback from people who've stayed with you before is marketing that money can't buy, so if you have any testimonials from previous renters, be sure display them.
One note of warning: ensure your website looks good. A pink page with yellow text and Bob Marley playing when the page loads looks amateurish. Play safe by getting a web designer to build your site or, if you want to self-build, buy a good template.
Keep pricing simple
The best way to look at pricing is to pretend you're the renter and keep prices simple and unambiguous. Most importantly, avoid confusing renters to the point where they have to get a calculator out!
Try to allow for things like pool heating and welcome packs when setting your prices and ensure your advert gives a bottom line figure wherever possible. This conveys to the renter that your service is well-rounded and customer oriented.
Accept card payments
Considering what forms of payment you accept is vitally important. Remember you are asking people to part with hard earned cash and it is essential to offer protection for all parties involved.
To gain trust you should ensure your payment policy is fully explained in writing. Details should include your position on booking deposits, payment terms, cancellations and refunds policy. Ideally ask renters to sign a copy of your policy upon confirmation of the booking.
Accepting card payments is the best route to safeguarding both parties in the bookings process and many owners choose PayPal for the pure convenience of taking card payments over the internet. It's easy to open an account and doing so means you can accept most credit cards, debit cards or bank transfers instantly via a trusted service.
Be prompt and friendly!
Whether you're replying to an e-mail enquiry or discussing a booking over the phone, have all your answers prepared, respond quickly and focus on being both helpful and professional. The best services will respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.
Remember: Happy renters means profitable rentals (and even happier owners!)
