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By Kent Krueger
If you are going to spend money advertising your vacation
rental property on vacation rental websites, you want to make
sure it is a success. Here are 6 things you can practice which
will help ensure you receive the most "bang for the buck".
1. SET RENTAL RATES APPROPRIATELY - If you want your vacation
property to rent, you must be realistic, optomistic, but not
greedy! Set realistic rental rates for your property and
ensure
that the rates are correct on the site(s) your listing and
regularly reviewed as the market changes. Search for
comparable
properties ("comps") in the same location as yours. Only
charge
a premium if your property has some distinct features. And, be
willing to discount your property on occassion as needed. In
this business, if you lose money for a week long rental, you
can't make that up!
2. CHECK E-MAIL REGULARLY - When using an internet vacation
rental property website such as Rentals2Remember.com or
eVaca.com, remember your users. They are typically
Internet "savvy" and probably check their e-mails
frequently...especially if they have requested some info.
Also,
be sure your phone number is listed on sites that allow you to
as sometimes people choose to just call you directly, so be
sure to check phone messages.
3. RESPOND IMMEDIATELY - Vacation goers usually see a few
properties that are of interest to them and then contact those
owners. The faster you respond, the better chance (most of the
time) you have of winning them over. There have been times I
have rented properties in the past and because it took an
owner
24 hours to respond, I had already chosen another property. A
timely and efficient response gives the renter confidence that
the rental experience will follow suit.
4. YOUR LISTING SHOULD BE ACCURATE AND COMPLETE - Be sure that
your listing details are kept up to date and are complete.
Review your online listing frequently to be sure that your
contact information are up-to-date. Also, be sure that it is
accurate on the description of your property and its
amenities.
This will help you with repeat customers, but will also keep
you
out of trouble with rental contracts or laws in regards to
such
things.
5. GREAT PHOTOS - It is true what they say, "a picture speaks
a
thousand words". Remember, renters are considering staying at
your rental based (most of the time) solely on your pictures
and your word. The more pictures to help them be comfortable
with the decision, the better. Here is how I look at it. If
you
were going to buy a used car, would you do so over the
Internet
without a good look at the outside/inside of the vehicle, the
engine, etc. Not exactly the same, but you get the picture.
The
more pictures and the prettier, the better. Be sure to have
pictures of your rental amenities such as a pool, the beach, a
mountain view, the lake or a golf course - these are top
vacation rental sellers!
6. BOOST YOUR EXPOSURE - There are many "hot spots" for
vacationers throughout the world. Before we owned property, my
family used to head to Destin every year, usually twice. There
are thousands of vacation rental properties in the Destin,
Panama City Beach area. In areas like this, boost your
exposure
by getting to the top of your sites search engine. If it costs
you $20, $50, even $100 to do so but that gets you one extra
rental a year, that makes it more than worth it.
About The Author: Kent Krueger has been involved in the Travel
industry for over 3 years. He has advised thousands of people
in the travel industry and independent corporations on travel
ideas, cost savings and successfully marketing vacation
rentals
by owner. Kent is the President of
www.Rentals2Remember.com and www.evaca.com
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