How to Book Last-Minute Rentals at Your Vacation Home
While your goal may be to have all or most of your rentals booked ahead of time, realistically, booking in advance is not always possible. Especially in tough economic times, you may find that your bookings are coming in a bit closer to the arrival date than in the past. Instead of panicking because of procrastinating travelers, try to increase your bookings year-round by targeting last-minute travelers.
Who Travels at the Last-Minute?
Special event travelers Maybe they just got tickets to a sold-out concert in your area or maybe they just decided at the last minute to attend their cousin Mildred's wedding. Either way, they need accommodations and fast.
Weekend getaway seekers Last-minute travelers tend to stay closer to home than their forward-thinking counterparts.
Weekend getaway seekers Last-minute travelers tend to stay closer to home than their forward-thinking counterparts.
Budget travelers Especially these days, many travelers are watching the airlines for weekend airfare deals. Since most of these deals don't come up until a week or so in advance, often travelers don't even know where they're headed on Friday until Thursday night.
How Can You Capture Last-Minute Travelers?
Include the opening in your headline. A popular way of grabbing last minute vacationers is to change the headline on your listing. Think of something that would be eye-catching to a potential vacationer looking to rent a vacation home in your area. For example, “May 10-17 Open! Luxury Penthouse Condo w/ 3 Pools, Ocean Views.” If a renter does a search for a vacation home for those particular dates, your property might show up. Even if they are not looking for specific dates, showcasing an available week might make a renter jump on a particular opening.
Run a “Special Offer” or "Deal" for your open week or weeks. Another effective method for booking those hard-to-rent weeks or to fill a last-minute cancellation is to offer a special. You can run a Special Offer on HomeAway.com or a Deal on VacationRentals.com that highlights your listing in the search results and includes your home in the deals sections of the websites. To catch the eye of renters on VRBO.com, put the special rate in your headline. A special offer doesn't have to be a deeply discounted rate. It can be a complimentary dinner at a local restaurant, free attraction tickets or even a welcome gift basket left for renters at your second home upon arrival. Advertise whatever makes your property unique. Be creative!
Respond quickly to inquiries. When travelers are looking for last-minute accommodations, they most likely don't have much time to wait around for an answer. The best way to grab these late bookings is to respond promptly to your inquiries, whether it's with a quick email or an introductory phone call. Let your guests know that you're available and ready to help them finalize the details of their vacation.
Respond quickly to inquiries. When travelers are looking for last-minute accommodations, they most likely don't have much time to wait around for an answer. The best way to grab these late bookings is to respond promptly to your inquiries, whether it's with a quick email or an introductory phone call. Let your guests know that you're available and ready to help them finalize the details of their vacation.
How Do You Handle Payment for Last-Minute Bookings?
When someone calls you today and wants to rent your property tomorrow, here are some suggestions for collecting the funds at the last minute. Keep in mind that all rentals, especially last-minute rentals, must have signed rules and reservation contracts.
Accept credit cards or PayPal.
Overnight mail secured funds like cashier's checks and money orders. Be leery of anyone who wants to pay more than you're asking.
Overnight mail secured funds like cashier's checks and money orders. Be leery of anyone who wants to pay more than you're asking.
Wire transfer the funds directly into your bank account via a bank-to-bank transfer (not to be confused with an untraceable wire transfer service like Western Union, which you should avoid).
Have your housekeeper meet your renters at your property; make sure they have cash or certified check.
The Bottom Line: Avoid handing out the keys or directions until the rental is paid in full. The key to booking last-minute rentals is to think like a last-minute renter. Consider upcoming dates and what you're willing to offer to get those bookings.
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© Copyright Christine Karpinski 2006 |
Updated: September 17, 2009 |
Owners Speak
How do you attract last-minute travelers?
“I enrolled in HomeAway's Reservation Management System. It has made all the difference. I was able to fill a last minute cancellation for a week in June with several last minute bookings. Using this system expedites the entire process. The HomeAway Reservation System allowed me to get a booking completed in 24 hours. I have completed five last minute bookings for three or more days in the 10 weeks I have had access to the booking system. Combined with a last minute discount and rapid response to inquiries, my results have soared since signing up!” Donna, Maggie Valley, N.C. (HomeAway #322464, VRBO #74242)
Related Webinar
The Booking Process
Learn the ins and outs of accepting bookings from vacation rental guests, from creating a rental agreement and collecting deposits to avoiding cancellations and following up with renters after their stay.
Watch Now
- Rental Contract & Invoice
- Inquiry Responses
- Directions & Pre-Arrival Information for Guests
- Welcome Letter & Check-out Policy
- Security Deposit Refund/Withholding Letters
- Turning Your Second Home into a Vacation Rental
- Creating Your Vacation Rental Listing
- Vacation Home Cleaning & Maintenance
- Amenities Checklist