Hosting a vacation rental can be an exciting and lucrative venture. You’ve put in the effort to create a beautiful space, and now it’s time to boost your direct bookings. Whether you’re a seasoned host or just starting out, the right inquiry template can be a game-changer in to boost your direct bookings. FLARBO is here to help you uncover the secrets to crafting an inquiry template that will have guests eagerly hitting the ‘Book Now’ button.
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Step 1: A Gracious Greeting
Begin your response with a warm and personalized greeting. Express your appreciation for the guest’s inquiry, making them feel valued from the start.
“Hello,”
“Thanks for emailing us your request for a quote.”
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Step 2: Highlight Your Booking System
Mention your efficient and automated booking system. Let the guest know that you’ll be providing an official booking quote, assuring them that the process is smooth and user-friendly.
“I am going to send you an official ‘booking quote’ from my booking software, it’s an automated system, which makes everything a snap.”
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Step 3: Provide Additional Information
Direct the guest to your website, where they can explore property videos and more details. This step offers a chance for the guest to visually connect with your rental.
“In the meantime, take a look at the property video and more details on my website here:” [Insert Your Website Links]
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Step 4: Promote Ease of Booking
Inform the guest that any questions they may have will be answered within the quote itself. Highlight the presence of blue text at the bottom of the quote for an easy transition from inquiry to reservation.
“The booking quote also includes blue text at the bottom that will allow you to activate the booking into a reservation.”
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Step 5: Payment Options and Security
Detail the payment options available, such as PayPal and credit card payments. Emphasize the security measures in place to protect guest payments.
“Currently, the payment options are Paypal or Credit Card payments, all of our payments are taken on a secure platform to protect our guests.”
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Step 6: E-Signature and Final Payment
Explain the seamless process of e-signing a rental contract, making the booking process user-friendly. Mention the system’s automatic final payment reminder set to your preferred selected days prior to the guest’s check-in date.
Alternatively, you can check out a pre-made rental agreement template that is ready to use. These legal documents explain the terms of a rental property. A lease agreement, can establish and provide agreement on essential house rules that tenants and landlords should follow to avoid any lease disputes. Send the guest the lease agreement in PDF, they fill out the critical information, and download your completed document.
“Once your details and payment have been received, the rental contract will also be emailed to you for your e-signature checkbox so that makes it super easy too.”
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Step 7: Sharing Important Information
Share essential details about your property, including amenities, proximity to attractions, and unique offerings. Make the potential guest feel excited about the experience.
“Each of our homes offers year-round heated pools, hot tubs, backyard beach areas, outdoor showers, waterfront docks for boating and fishing, hammocks, fully equipped kitchens, stainless steel appliances, 2 sets of washers and dryers, 2 full-size refrigerators, big fluffy beach towels, and in some cases sauna, tiki huts, and more….”
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Step 8: Accessibility and Insider’s Guides
Offer information about the accessibility of your property and additional luxuries that set your rentals apart from the competition. Also, mention the availability of Insider’s Guides to help guests plan their vacation.
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Step 9: Informing Guests About Rules and Respect
Share important information about any rules or regulations specific to your property. Make it clear that you value respect and a peaceful environment.
“I thought I would include this information about AMI’s ordinances; There is a noise and parking ordinance that is quite strict. No parking is allowed other than in a designated spot (we have space for 4 cars) and no excessive noise past 10 pm. We have full-time residents that live next door so we do enforce this.”
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Step 10: Additional Services
Highlight any additional services you offer, such as grocery concierge, mid-week cleans, and recommendations for activities. Make it clear that you’re dedicated to providing a top-notch experience.
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Step 11: Clear Cancellation Policy and Travel Insurance
Communicate your cancellation policy clearly and recommend the purchase of travel insurance for flexibility. Stress the importance of protecting the guest’s vacation investment.
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Step 12: Call to Action
End your response with a strong call to action, encouraging the guest to proceed with the booking process.
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Step 13: Express Your Enthusiasm
Reiterate your enthusiasm for hosting the guest and assure them that you’re available to answer any questions they may have.
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Depending on your specific rental property and the needs of your potential guests, you may consider including some additional information to help boost your direct bookings. Here are a few points you could add if applicable:
- Check-In/Check-Out Times: Provide information about your property’s check-in and check-out times, ensuring guests are aware of your policies.
- Property Address: Include the property’s exact address to help guests with travel planning.
- Pet Policies: If your property is pet-friendly or has specific pet-related rules, share this information in your response.
- Accessibility Features: If your property is accessible or has features for guests with disabilities, mention these amenities.
- Local Attractions: Highlight nearby attractions, restaurants, and activities to make it easy for guests to plan their stay.
- Reviews and Testimonials: Include snippets of positive reviews from previous guests to build trust and showcase the quality of your property.
- Special Offers: If you have any discounts, promotions, or special offers, communicate them to potential guests.
- Response Time: Mention your typical response time to inquiries, assuring guests of your commitment to prompt communication.
- Emergency Contact: Provide an emergency contact number in case guests encounter any urgent issues during their stay.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Anticipate common questions and include them in your response to proactively address potential concerns.
- Customization: Tailor your response to the specific needs and questions of the guest, showing that you’ve paid attention to their inquiry.
- Additional Contact Methods: Besides email, offer alternative ways for guests to reach out, such as a phone number or a messaging platform.
- Local Weather Information: Depending on the location and time of year, sharing weather information can be helpful for guests planning their stay.
- Driving Directions: If your property is in a remote location or may be challenging to find, providing detailed driving directions can be invaluable.
- Guest Reviews and Testimonials: Sharing positive feedback from previous guests can build trust and confidence in your property.
Remember, the goal is to provide potential guests with all the information they need to make an informed decision about booking your property. Tailor your response to their specific inquiries and needs, and always be prepared to answer any additional questions they may have.
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In the world of vacation rentals, a well-crafted inquiry can make all the difference to boost your direct bookings. With FLARBO’s ultimate inquiry template, boost your direct booking conversions and make your vacation rental a guest favorite. So, revamp your inquiry template today and watch your bookings soar to new heights!
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About Florida Rental By Owners – FLARBO
Florida Rental By Owners launched in 2014 when two hosts decided on a better way to advertise rentals. Restrictive ‘big box’ style listing sites created barriers in the booking cycle with high traveler & host fees and policy restrictions. FLARBO was created so that hosts could take control of their reservations, where travelers also save money. To date, the site has over 16,700,000 views with hundreds of thousands of inquiries. FLARBO hosts offer short term and seasonal stays that are unique to the Florida traveler whether they need a pet friendly rental, beach house, waterfront dock or more. FLARBO leads the way in Florida vacation rentals.