Community: Message List - Give aways for your rental, what do you think?

Re: Give aways for your rental, what do you think?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Thu, 03 May 2012 05:37:36 GMT

Our caretaker tells me that I do more for our renters than other owners in the area. All I usually do is put out a bottle of wine, but recently I purchased a stash of a really great CD with songs from this area to gift as gifts.

I haven't received any acknowledgement specifically for the wine, but I have noticed a jump in reviews since I started the practice. We have more reviews than any other VRBO in our area, which I think really helps our rental rate. I also have had a jump in return rentals and referrals.

The wine is not expensive, usually $10 - $15 per bottle given that we get a 10 - 20% discount since we buy in volume for our home cellar as well.

When we travel, the last thing we want is something to carry home, so wine works well, IMO. Renters will drink it or leave it. A CD is also good because it takes no room to pack it and if the renters are coming by car, they can enjoy the music of the region on their way home (and back the next time).

Re: Give aways for your rental, what do you think?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:42:55 GMT

I would try to find more if I can.

good luck

From : Vacation Rentals

Re: Give aways for your rental, what do you think?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:09:10 GMT

Last summer I bought cases of water (cheapest band on sale) and made up labels using our logo and with Compliments of Hampton House Properties on the label. Wrapped the label around the bottle of water and placed two bottles in each bedroom. Mentioned to guests arriving that if they were thirsty, there was bottled water waiting for them in their bedrooms. Everyone loved the idea, but interesting, very few commented.

Marilyn

www.hamptonhouseproperties.info

Re: Give aways for your rental, what do you think?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:05:49 GMT

This is a great idea. Love it. Will definitely implement the bagels and cream cheese as a welcome basket to my returning tenants.

Marilyn

www.hamptonhouseproperties.info

Re: Give aways for your rental, what do you think?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 16:35:44 GMT

I rent in the mountains to skiers. I have my cleaning man leave a case of the cheapest bottle water he can find, ($3.50) and a box of hot chocolate packets, ($2.50) with a note saying have a cup of hot chocolate on your way to the slopes and drink lots of water so that you won't get dehydrated. Believe it or not everyone say's thank you for the water and chocolate. Does it get me any return renters? Most likely not. But it does start them off thinking that I care about them.

Re: Give aways for your rental, what do you think?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 15:17:10 GMT

For my high-season rentals, I leave a basket with a bottle of wine plus some gourmet snacks or coffee I pick up at Homegoods or the grocery store. I used to include a box of waffle mix plus the maple syrup, but found that many guests didn't use it up -- and the maple syrup was a bit pricey here.

For my off-seaon rentals, I don't leave anything. I'm not nearby to do it at that time of year, and they are getting a great bargain in the house.

A great bagel store just opened up outside of town; this year I may leave them a dozen bagels & cream cheese. I've also thought it might be perfect to leave them a coupon for free ice cream cones at our local ice cream parlor or maybe a gift certificate to the fabulous cheese shop a few blocks away. I like the idea of supporting local businesses this way.

Re: Give aways for your rental, what do you think?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 02:23:26 GMT

This summer we are trying something new.

As most of our rents are extended families, most of our guests have mny BBQ on our property.

We have purchased a three piece BBQ set which guests can use while at our home and then take home as a souvenir. Hopefully, each BBQ they have at their home using our BBQ tools will remind them of the wonderful vacation they had at my home.

Marilyn

Www.hamptonhouseproperties.info

Re: Give aways for your rental, what do you think?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:46:18 GMT

sf,

It's been a year since we talked about this and was re-reading everyone' s post and I'm wondering if you scaled back and what you are doing? If so, have you seen a difference?

Re: Give aways for your rental, what do you think?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Thu, 05 May 2011 02:11:14 GMT

Wow, I am amazed at the time you guys are spending doing these things. With 3 houses it is an impossibility. I have been renting my homes for a few years and have done numerous things but have stopped doing many things because it didn't seem to matter to guests and I wasn't getting anymore reviews from them or any other comments:

Things I used to do but DON'T anymore because most people wouldn't even acknowledge it or use the items:

1. Fresh eggs, fresh orange juice, tons of breakfast cereal (individual), numerous kinds of oatmeal, huge containers of full size candy bars and snacks, microwave popcorn, pancake mix, fresh milk, speciality popcorn from my state.

2. Bouquets of fresh flowers from the florist

3. Bottle of french wine (their choice, red or white)

4. Movies from Pay per view (with me paying)

5. I even gave a personalized birthday cake for someone whose birthday occurred while in the home and got nothing more than a thanks, that was nice.

This was a huge amount of work, stress and cost before each check in and I don't feel there was any benefit from it so I quite doing it after about a year.

The things I still do are:

1. Starbucks coffee, hot chocolate, numerous teas, flour, sugar, popcorn, spices, condiments and chocolate on pillows.

2. Welcome booklet with all information on dining, attractions, menus, etc.

3. Soap, lotion and bath gel from L'Occitane. Sewing kit and manicure kit.

IMHO, If I was on the side of the renter, I probably wouldn't answer a questionaire as to my likes and dislikes or what my plans are as I feel that there is no privacy left in this society with on-line searches, facebook, my space, email, etc. You can search you name and your Pandora playlist pops up on the web.

Re: Give aways for your rental, what do you think?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:35:58 GMT

Dear aznative,

Would you be willing to share your pre check in list? I love that idea and would love to use that same pre check in list for our property in Walla Walla, WA.

Thank you!

Stephanie Avey

stephanieavey@gmail.com