Just the thought of trying to book a vacation rental during the low-season may strike some owners as daunting, but any owner concerned about attracting renters after the peak season should remember that there are plenty of people who prefer to travel anytime but high season. Couples or families with very young children are not constrained by school schedules. Some people prefer traveling when the crowds have ebbed or when the temperature drops. It may require a little extra creativity, but the rewards will come this slow season and the next. Here are just a few tips for appealing to these great not-so-off-season markets:
1. Winter marketing tips. Playing up features like hot tubs and fireplaces and sprinkling your description with words like warm or cozy will attract renters interested in braving the cold weather for some relaxation. Remember that photos often speak louder than words, so try to post images of your vacation home framed in brilliant autumn leaves or dusted with snow. You can even swap out pictures of your rooms to show beds overflowing with fleeces and comforters or a roaring fire in your fireplace.
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2. Get as much mileage as possible out of the holidays. Holiday trappings are a great marketing tool because almost anybody gets excited about taking off from work or school to spend quality time with family and friends.
3. Try offering specials or discounts. The truth is that people expect a discount during the slow season and so you might consider a deal like, "rent three nights and get one free". Or, consider calling or e-mailing prior "VIP" guests and offering them discounted stays.
4. Reduce your minimum stay. In the low-season, people are typically looking for shorter getaways and perhaps more local trips. Shorter minimum stays will also mean lower prices, and this will attract the bargain hunters that just need a quick vacation.
5. Make your home smaller. You can close off (lock) a few bedrooms in your vacation rental, making it a one or two bedroom home, and lower your rates accordingly. Remember to negotiate a cleaning fee with your housekeeper for the lower number of bedrooms.
6. Make your home baby- and toddler-friendly. People with very young children are more likely to travel during off-season because they're not constrained by school schedules. Appeal to these travelers by including baby and toddler paraphernalia. A high chair and a port-a-crib should cost less than 0 combined, and can drastically increase your low season bookings.
7. Accept pets. Vacation rental homes that accept pets increase their occupancy by 10 to 50 percent. When you accept pets, it's okay to take an additional to /night or 0 to 5/week. This extra (which pet owners would have to spend anyway on boarding fees) is enough to pay for any carpet cleaning that may need to be done.
8. Advertise to European travelers. Many Europeans have a fixed holiday period so they are another group of potential renters who will be arriving after the high season. Advertising on websites in Europe will help you reach this target market.
9. Feature special events. Don't forget about alumni or sports fans that will be heading to (or near) college towns in search of sporting event tickets. Local festivals and events might draw in a semi-local crowd looking for a getaway. In addition, many people book vacation rentals for weddings or church retreats. You may be able to register your vacation home as a venue for corporate retreats with your visitors and convention bureau.
One a word of caution: exercise moderation. It's okay to spend some money on things to attract slow season renters, but don't go overboard. You're renting at a deeply discounted rate so you don't want to spend too much. Doing a good job with the basics and being a friendly, hospitable host is plenty. As word gets around and your guests become 'regulars,' your off-season problem will solve itself.
Off-Season Marketing Tips - Staying Booked After the Peak Season LOWES 10 PERCENT OFF COUPON
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