Barefoot Technologies Blog- Vacation Rental Industry News

Vacation rental operators have a unique opportunity to offer guests more than just a place to stay; they can transform their role into that of a trusted local expert, enhancing the vacation experience. Beyond simply putting heads in beds, vacation rental managers can curate additional services and amenities that cater to the needs and desires of their guests. From providing personalized recommendations for local attractions, restaurants, and hidden gems, to arranging special experiences such as guided tours, outdoor adventures, or in-home chef services, you can elevate the rental experience leaving visitors with cherished memories and a desire to return.

Empower Your Reservationists:

Equip your team with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively promote upsells. Train them to identify guest needs and preferences through conversations or pre-booking questionnaires. Track this information in your property management software so that the reservationist can easily tailor their recommendations, suggesting relevant experiences that genuinely enhance the guest's stay.

Level Up on Unique Packages and Experiences

Go beyond the basics and offer unique features to set your properties apart. This could include anything from in-house spa services and gourmet breakfast baskets to curated activity packages and private chef experiences. Do you offer mountain cabins? Allow guests to order a s’mores gift basket. Vacation rentals on a lake should come with the ability to rent a paddleboard? Appealing to bachelorette parties—have a private chef and a masseuse available to take their experience to the next level. 

Offer Personalized Recommendations:

Personalization is key in today's travel landscape. By understanding guest preferences and travel goals, your team can suggest upsells that cater to their individual needs. For example, recommending grocery delivery services for families with young children, offering those who have furry family members the ability to book pet friendly rentals or those who like to ski the ability to book tickets and equipment.

Leverage Technology:

Technology can be your ally in streamlining the upselling process. Consider implementing automated upsell prompts during the booking confirmation stage and utilizing guest communication platforms to showcase relevant add-ons pre-arrival. Barefoot offers the ability to upsell with multiple vendors and services and our clients select what kinds of packages or concierge services that they want to upsell to their guests as part of the eSignature process for signing rental contracts.  

Remember, the key is to provide clear information and transparent pricing while avoiding an overly sales-driven approach. 

Showcase Exclusive Experiences:

Remember that once a guest has booked a stay with you, you become the local expert for all the recommendations for “things to do”. Partner with local businesses or service providers to offer exclusive experiences that guests can't find elsewhere. This could include private tours, cooking classes, or discounted tickets to local attractions. By creating unique packages that combine accommodation with these add-ons, you can increase perceived value and encourage guests to splurge on a more memorable stay.  

Remember: 

Upselling is not about pressuring guests to spend more. It's about providing additional value and enhancing their overall experience. By focusing on genuine recommendations, transparent communication, and personalized offerings, you can build trust and encourage guests to embrace the upsell opportunities you present. 

In conclusion, by leveraging strategic upselling techniques, you can maximize your revenue potential while simultaneously creating exceptional guest experiences.  

***

Barefoot provides an all-in-one solution for vacation rentals and those that act more like resorts, with access to industry-leading partners to extend their technology stack. Our technology assists the professional vacation rental manager acquire and retain guest, owner, and vendor relationships with industry-leading trust accounting. Barefoot is under continuous development, with a new user experience being implemented as version 5.0. Because we place an emphasis on knowing and delivering on our client's needs, we have a 95% client retention rate. For more information, please visit the Contact Us page.