Getting Started With Vacation Rental Do we have to bring pots and pans? Is there an Ipod docking station? How many pillows are there on each bed? How often do you empty the hot tub? Are there enough outdoor chairs for all of us? Should I bring my blender? Do you have sports channels on your satellite program? Is there a cell phone signal? What sort of wild animals might we see? Where’s the nearest marina, pharmacy, hospital, takeaway, deli stocking Sushi, Starbucks, Macdonalds……….. How many times do you find you’re answering the same questions over and over? Often, the answers can be found on your web site or listing, but if they are on different pages, your potential renters may find it’s easier to send you a list of questions rather than trawl through trying to find them. If this is the case, why not write a page of Frequently Asked Questions? Make a list of all the commonly asked questions; add a brief but succinct answer to each one, and either publish it on your web site, or include it as an attachment in your email enquiry response. If it’s a long list, separate it into sections such as Inside, Outside and Out and About. If most of the questions are about what is included, then an inventory list is helpful too. There’s no real substitute for talking to your potential guests, as that conversation can be a conversion trigger, but FAQ lists can often reduce the time spent on minor issues. Of course, there will always be the questions that will have you shaking your head in disbelief, but the fact that you’ve been asked means the answer is important to the renter. Even these (collected from our question archives): What will the weather be like on the August long weekend? Can we use the water from the taps to wash our dog? We like to leave windows open at night. Is there a possibility of wild animals getting in? How often will we see stars at night? Is the campfire self-lighting? How will we know when we have got to your cottage? How far is it from the well to the house and how many buckets are there? Could my child fall off your dock? There’s more but I think I’ll stop there. There really is no such thing as a stupid question, but they sure make us laugh.
