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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
ohst8er Apr 22, 2019 2:35 PM (in response to familyfirst)Gosh, I hope you didn't send that. Sales 101, I never ever trash the competition to make a sale. You place should stand on it's own merits. If they choose to go to the other place rather than seeing the value of your place, then I say, "buyer beware." I'd personally be hesitant to rent from someone who sent me such an email, but that's just me.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
familyfirst Apr 22, 2019 2:43 PM (in response to ohst8er)I don't want to rent to them. I wish I could copy and paste what she wrote, believe me, this renter was trying to say that I should lower my price $6000 because they can't afford it and that I should charge what these two homes charge.....she was very snarky. I gave her facts of the other homes, why they both are considerably less than mine. Giving facts on why I am higher is not trashing the other homes.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
green_mango Apr 22, 2019 2:49 PM (in response to familyfirst)I agree, I wouldn't want to rent to them either - but I would stay professional and not match the snarky tone. They go low, you go high.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
familyfirst Apr 22, 2019 3:01 PM (in response to green_mango)so easy to say for one email, but multiple where I am spending my time, like I said, I'm venting, lol.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
familyfirst Apr 22, 2019 3:04 PM (in response to green_mango)one thing I will add is she said, "well these homes do it this way, and you should too" That was the breaking point for me!
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
green_mango Apr 22, 2019 2:42 PM (in response to familyfirst)Compared to other nearby vacation rentals, our home is on the higher price side so I occasionally get an inquiry asking for a lower price. I reply with the various reasons that set our home apart - the extras that we include etc. I highlight what we bring to the table. I actually made a bullet point list in our listing descriptions that highlights these differences.
I see that the info you shared is helpful (location, for sale), but I would have omitted the 'by the way, just an FYI, & I'm sure you knew that" - it sounds condescending & not welcoming. Even great guests sometimes ask for a discount - all the travel articles have them trained to ask. I won't discount on a site where a guest pays a service fee (VRBO/Airbnb). If a guest wants to #bookdirect then there's their discount.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
familyfirst Apr 22, 2019 2:49 PM (in response to green_mango)She was very snarky in her emails and knew the area well, either she knew this already or thought I didn't know.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
familyfirst Apr 22, 2019 3:07 PM (in response to green_mango)I just added to the other post that she was telling me, actually telling me to price my house like the other two homes, that is just crazy to me.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
ohst8er Apr 22, 2019 3:46 PM (in response to familyfirst)People will act however they act. And if she chooses to tell you you should price your home like X, that's fine too. Remember the penguins from Madagascar? Just smile and wave. You just sell your place as you sell your place. There's no requirement for you to answer all her emails. State your rate, state all the amazing things about your place, and let the guest decide where they want to book.
If you haven't sent that email but are just venting, go for it here. I've certainly gone off about a few things on this forum. I just would not ever send anyone anything like that in writing in regard to my rental vs the competition. You never know what someone might do with it.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
koko Apr 22, 2019 4:09 PM (in response to familyfirst)You might look at it in another way: these guests would like to rent your house but can't afford it. This should be something which makes you feel good.
People have for the most part champagne tastes on beer budgets but that does not mean that they could afford the champagne when their circumstances change and then they might not choose your brand if they thought you had been condescending or dismissive. Always keep the long term effect in mind, this email might have given you an instant gratification to respond to their affront - but that is where it ends. Keep in mind, that people are far less likely to share positive things about a business than negative. the ratio is 1:11; quite impressive and with social media I might think it is even worse.
The advice you got here is sound and good - take it.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
familyfirst Apr 22, 2019 4:24 PM (in response to familyfirst)Thanks everyone, will do and I will remember your words and remain calm! In 6 years, I have never received an inquiry like that. A friend of mine asked for a discount once via an email on VRBO...she said the owner asked her if she ever tried to negotiate a gas price at a gas station? She laughed about it told her that it was an insult to owners who work hard, last minute bookings are one thing but a reservation over a year out with a $6,000 price difference, not nice.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
hmmmm Apr 22, 2019 4:57 PM (in response to familyfirst)So, after 30 years I can get hooked as well.
Let them know what the benefits of your home and area are.Then ask them what you are looking for.
Next let them know that there is a perfect fit for everyone, and that you want them to have the best home for their budget.
** Now, I am talking to you, Its your home, your pricing and your business, and no one of any sense of respect would do that or ask that.
They most likely will nickel and dime you and find fault if you rent to them.
If you do, make sure in your contract, next to the pricing you disclose that you are discounting at their request.Most of all, don't fall for it. If they cannot afford you home, they need to budget for a home they can afford.
Only take them is you find them to be amazing.Good luck.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
linky17 Apr 22, 2019 5:00 PM (in response to familyfirst)Bummer that you've erased your original post. That important context -- vis-à-vis -- (IMO) the thoughtful, ensuing responses of folks who took the time to reply to you, is how we all learn + share.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
familyfirst Apr 22, 2019 5:27 PM (in response to linky17)sorry! I basically had an email from a renter asking me to accept their bid of $6,000 below my rental rate and then in another email tell me I should do what these two homes do...the two homes she listed are nothing similar to our home and her tone was so snarky, it angered me, lol. She had false information about the homes she listed as well in her email. I waited, and edited my response back and shared it here. I gave facts about these other homes that were truthful but you could see my displeasure using some of the phrases above. 'by the way, just an FYI, & I'm sure you knew that" I did say that either home would be great and have a great trip. But I got their points, I needed to breath and just let it go.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
scowol Apr 22, 2019 7:21 PM (in response to familyfirst)Anytime I get an outlandish request or demanding message/inquiry, I disengage quickly and politely:
"Thank you for your inquiry. I regret that we do not offer discounts for our property. Thank you again."
There is no need to explain, and offer a list of reasons or justifications. Your price is your price. Anyone asking for an outlandish discount isn't deserving of your time.
For situations like this, my golden rule I learned in life is always "LESS IS MORE."
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
hmmmm Apr 23, 2019 11:31 AM (in response to scowol)Amen Amen
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
wildiris Apr 22, 2019 8:18 PM (in response to familyfirst)I take the same approach as scowol to requests for a discount. Although such requests irk me, I don't let it show in my response. My reply to a request for a discount is to simply state, "I believe that our vacation home is competitively priced when compared to other rentals in the area with a comparable location and amenities. We do not offer discounts." I don't want a discount-hunter as a guest. They tend to be problem guests in other respects as well.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
hmmmm Apr 23, 2019 11:31 AM (in response to wildiris)Absolutely
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
familyfirst Apr 23, 2019 1:31 PM (in response to familyfirst)She's back!!! She just sent me another email saying she wants to book our home BUT may want to change the week or cancel because we are over a year out!!!!
LOL, I don't want this woman, any help guys?
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
feibus Apr 23, 2019 1:35 PM (in response to familyfirst)"No Refunds" policy is especially helpful for this situation.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
familyfirst Apr 23, 2019 1:40 PM (in response to feibus)Amen! Yes I have that.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
feibus Apr 23, 2019 1:47 PM (in response to familyfirst)Then there's nothing to worry about. Just assume she's neurotic and not a danger to you.
And tell her to get trip cancellation insurance.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
margaret Apr 23, 2019 1:38 PM (in response to familyfirst)What is your cancellation policy? If it is not already "No Refunds" you may want to change it before she books.
I would respond telling her I cannot accept a booking and block my calendar until she is ready to commit to the dates.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
familyfirst Apr 23, 2019 1:40 PM (in response to margaret)LOL no refunds, we keep about 20% of the full rental rate if cancels, 100% if within 90 days.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
margaret Apr 23, 2019 1:48 PM (in response to familyfirst)Then let her book at her own risk.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
scowol Apr 23, 2019 2:24 PM (in response to margaret)familyfirst You stated you don't want her. Others are giving options to let you accept her with conditions (blocking calendar, convert to no refunds policy, advising trip insurance, etc.). Again, you stated you don't want her.
Simply say "Thanks again for your interest in the property. Since the time of your original inquiry, I apologize that the property is not available. Thank you again."
Less is more.
You are not required to provide explanations for your reasons.
You are not required to give advice to the traveler.
You are not required to give this person any reasons for saying it's not available (for her).
Simply write the above and ignore any replies. In fact, any reply you do get will likely show this person's true colors, and you'll realize you are averting a nightmare guest from hell.
Trust your gut.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
wildiris Apr 23, 2019 2:12 PM (in response to familyfirst)Remember the anti-drug use campaign from the 1980s? "Just say no." Based on your experience to date with this woman, she's going to be a very difficult guest. Why put yourself through that? It sounds as though the dates she is interested in are prime weeks more than one year from now. You'll find another, less difficult guest to rent those dates. Run, Forrest, run!
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
familyfirst Apr 24, 2019 9:51 AM (in response to familyfirst)Guess what? She just did a reservation request.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
wildiris Apr 24, 2019 9:57 AM (in response to familyfirst)Are you going to accept it or respond as scowol suggested?
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
familyfirst Apr 24, 2019 10:02 AM (in response to wildiris)Yes, I don't want to get dinged! But, my rental agreement is strict and I will send her trip insurance info. It's about a $24,000 sale so she will take the risk, even after I warned her.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
wildiris Apr 24, 2019 10:43 AM (in response to familyfirst)I hope that this guest's stay will go smoothly for you.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
familyfirst Apr 24, 2019 10:50 AM (in response to wildiris)Me too wildiris. I will keep everyone posted. It's clear, even with my snarky tone, she knew my house was in a different league, I don't play games. Thanks for you help.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
crcasablanca Apr 24, 2019 9:59 AM (in response to familyfirst)Let us know what you decide and how your respond.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
familyfirst Apr 25, 2019 6:45 PM (in response to familyfirst)I spoke with this new guest of ours today for about 30 minutes, the nicest lady, lol. She was very kind and is excited for her stay. I've learned that even when someone is snarky in emails, they may not be that way and just to relax. Sometimes emails and texts can appear snarky when they aren't. And my snarky emails back didn't seem to hurt, I think it helped actually.
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
koko Apr 25, 2019 9:20 PM (in response to familyfirst)Glad it is working out for you!
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Re: Inquiry today wanting discount comparing apples to oranges in terms of homes
thaxterlane Apr 26, 2019 8:08 PM (in response to familyfirst)I'm late to the party . . . I would offer the reply I have relied on for many years . . . "My home is an excellent value". If you wish you may add a qualifier such as "for its location" or "for the amenities offered". That's it. No more . . . Just an affirmative and polite reply when a discount is requested. Don't engage the traveler with a drawn out explanation. They don't care . . .