Make Your Vacation Rental Special with These "After Rental" Communications
Owners of vacation rentals can do a lot to improve their business by focusing on customer retention as well as acquisition. There are countless couples and families who book the same vacation rental every year, and some of whom will even pay a premium to be allowed to do so. You can make your vacation rentals alluring to this audience with some "after rental" amenities.
The Thank You Card
Send a "thank you" card a week after your renters have stayed with you. Let them know that your rental is going to be open for the same time next year. You can even offer them a discount for booking in advance: that will be cash in hand that you can use to invest in your properties now.
It can be especially beneficial to take the time to contact the renters who were excellent with your property. You want renters coming back who left the property spotless and didn't get any complaints from the neighbors.
The Newsletter Blast
Make sure you get emails from your renters and ask them if they want to opt in to receiving news and information. You can periodically send them newsletters about what's going on in the area, and potentially entice them to come back. Just don't send emails to anyone unsolicited. That's a fast track towards being marked as spam, and it's more likely to irritate people than endear them to you.
The "Similar Properties" Email
You may not be able to put them in the property again, but you might be able to put them in another, similar property. Consider sending an email with the other properties that you rent out, highlighting the things that they could enjoy.
The Holidays Letter
Sending a card or a letter during the holiday is a good way to make renters know that you care about them. Especially with luxury rentals, you could be sending out a $0.05 envelope to secure a $5,000 rental. Holiday letters also ensure that your contact lists are still valid.
Most importantly, avoid doing some of the "fast cash" things that can alienate guests. No unexpected charges — make sure they know if any extra fees are going to be assessed, and give them time to respond to any issues. If you're able to successfully market to an audience that has already rented your home or suite, you'll be able to build a roster of continued clientele.
Learn more about vacation rentals by contacting companies like Marina Hawaii Vacations.