Offering Guest Extension to Reservation to Fill Vacancies

Offering Guest Extension to Reservation to Fill Vacancies

Investor · Maggie Valley, NC · Member since 2020 · 284 posts · 85 votes

I was curious if anyone has considered giving guests currently booked a couple of days a discounted extension to their reservation in order to fill vacancies? 

For example, if one guest books FRI-SUN, another from the following TUE-THUR, and a third from SAT-SUN. 

On the one hand, I would think the guest would simply extend if they have any inclination to do so, as most have plans set before-hand and don't have the flexibility to simply extend their reservation. That, at least, is my intuition. 

Then again, if they are a remote worker / student, it might be very convenient. 

I am tempted to increase my minimum to 3 days because I keep getting holes in my calendar. 

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Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
4y

I prefer to have the open days for property upkeep, maintenance and yard work, etc...

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  • Dave StokleyBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2015 · 705 posts · 799 votes
    4y

    We offer it frequently and occasionally have someone accept.

  • Investor · Greenville, SC · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4y

    Whenever we have a 1 day gap, we always offer a discounted rate for the guest on either side to book it.  We probably have a 65% or more take rate on that.  The key is - at a discount to entice them to stay the extra day.

  • Real Estate Agent · Smoky Mountains, TN · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 984 votes
    4y

    My property management system is programmed to automatically offer the dates before and after a guests reservation at a 25% discount. I am currently at a 3 night minimum but will offer 2 if it gets within 5 days and remains unbooked. 

  • Quinn OlivarezBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Houston, TX · Member since 2021 · 115 posts · 131 votes
    4y

    yes, I pretty consistently offer an add on day at a fairly steep discount.

    Quinn Olivarez @ J. Lindsey Properties57 Reviews
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    4y

    I prefer to have the open days for property upkeep, maintenance and yard work, etc...

  • Investor · The worst town to live in, KS · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    4y

    I'll let people stay an extra day or two for free.  But then again they have already stayed there for a month or two and paid rent.  It brings them back on future visits.  They stay here for temporary jobs that pay for their living expenses.

  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    4y

    I have done that. Sometimes it works.

    I've also seen a day or two opening and offered a discount to guest on either side to add a day.

  • Investor · Maggie Valley, NC · Member since 2020 · 284 posts · 85 votes
    4y

    Thanks to everyone. I guess it was more common than I thought. Some people are adamant about never offering discounts. Right now I could actually use the shorter consecutive bookings because the listing is new and I need the reviews. 

  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    4y

    Just about everyone staying at our home is on a schedule. Personally I like having a day here and there of downtime to head over and reorganize, fix things and deal with logs on the beach.

  • JD MartinBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
    4y

    I haven't, but I like the idea. But I also have a 3 night minimum so it's not as big an issue perhaps. 

    Skyline Properties
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  • Rental Property Investor · Member since 2022 · 37 posts · 28 votes
    4y

    I think that is a pretty great idea actually. I mean, you have zero downside, and all upside. McDonald's has made all the money in the world with the simple "would you like fries with that?" questions - and grocery stores are set up the same way with all of the $0.99 items right where you have to wait to checkout. Upsells are a phenomenal way to boost your per-customer income.

    I would wait until the guest has just one day or so left and send them a message like "Hey there, I hope you are enjoying your stay. I've noticed that I don't have a booking right after you checkout, and wanted to offer you a ($) discount in case you would like to stay another night". What's the worst that could happen? I would assume you wouldn't find that you have to ask as hard for good reviews after checkout too.

    Great idea! Good luck with implementing it!

  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    4y

    Our gaps are always available for extensions, but rarely taken. Most guests have an itinerary and can't extend on a whim.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
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