How do I prepare for periods of lower bookings?
Wherever your property is located, you probably have periods of high and low bookings. This might be due to things like weather or local events, or simply just when more of your target market are available for vacations.
If your peak booking season is coming to an end, it's a great idea to use your extra time to get things ready for the next rush. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the off season:
1. Reflect on your latest bookings
How did this season go? Did you get as many booking as you hoped? If not, why not? Did your guests enjoy their stay? What did they do during their visit?
These are all things you're probably already thinking about as a Property Manager, but it's worth thinking carefully about the guests who booked your property. It's always a great idea to try to get reviews and feedback from guests, so you know where you can improve for next time.
Check your previous bookings here
2. Plan your renovations early
Wear and tear is an inevitable aspect of property ownership. There's also bound to be some larger jobs that you've been meaning to get round to for a while. Perhaps the kitchen cabinets need fixing, or the living room needs a fresh coat of paint. The off season is the time to get all these things sorted so that by the time your next peak season rolls around your property is looking in top shape.
While you're refreshing your property, it's important to block dates in your calendar so no guests can book it while you're hard at work. If you're also managing your property calendar on another website, it's best to set up Calendar Sync so that the calendars update automatically on all websites.
3. Update your listing
Your.Rentals allows you to create and edit a listing and have it appear on many vacation rentals websites automatically. This means you should be making sure your listing is as appealing and up-to-date as possible so that you give the best first impression - a description that says your bathroom was "recently refurbished in 2009" doesn't fill the reader with confidence!
Think about your guests from this season. Did they all visit a particular attraction? If so, mention your property's convenient proximity in your description! Did you find most people were looking for a cosy couple's get-away? Big up the romance angle and mention romantic restaurants and scenic views nearby. If guests wanted to be able to cook, consider investing in a few new amenities and facilities, such as kitchen supplies, or a high chair or cot for travellers with infants.
4. Take new photos
If you're updating your property or its listing, you probably should also take another look at your photos. Your photos are the first thing your potential guest will see about your listing, so they should be eye catching and professional. It's also really important that they reflect your property accurately, so if anything has changed make sure your photos change too.
If you're shifting your emphasis to highlight different aspects of your property, you'll probably want some new photos too. For example, if you want to make your property the go-to place for sporty travellers, some pictures of sports equipment or nearby facilities can work wonders. A pair of muddy football boots by the door tells your guests exactly what kind of holiday they can expect if they book with you, and a clear advert is key to attracting bookings.
5. Check your rates and dates
If peak season is coming to an end, it can be tempting to try to forget all about property management for a while and take a well-deserved break. However, your guests don't see things that way! By listing your property through Your.Rentals, it can be seen by thousands of people on many different websites all year round, and some guests have already got one eye on their holidays next year.
It's really important that your calendar is up to date so that you don't risk double bookings or cancellations. If you've got dates that you know your property will be unavailable, you should block them in your calendar. If you're not ready to receive bookings for next season, you can close your property's calendar temporarily so no one can book it.
You should also check your rates. Even if you had Seasonal Rates this year, they won't automatically apply next season, so you should check now to make sure your prices for the future are as you expect them to be. Some rentals websites allow guests to book 18 months (or even longer) in the future, so we really recommend making sure you've got seasonal rates set as far into the future as possible, and for the next 12 months as a minimum. Otherwise, you might receive a booking at your basic rate, meaning you'll either earn less money than you want or you'll have to decline or cancel the booking and pay a cancellation fee.
After the chaos of the peak season, you definitely deserve a rest before the next busy period starts up. By getting ahead of the curve and laying the foundations early you can sit back and put your feet up, comfortable in the knowledge that your listing is looking as good as possible and your account is running smoothly! 😎
Now you've learned how to prepare for off season, why not read how to get more bookings during low periods?
Good luck and happy renting! 👍