Sound Familiar?
Pesky Problem
Your guests forgot their swimsuits.
Or their kiddo’s life jacket. Or maybe it’s their hiking boots. Or their winter coats. Now they’ve arrived at your Airbnb, and realized their mistake. They’re staring at your greatest amenity or local attraction, unable to take part and understandably bummed out. They toss around the idea of driving to the nearest big box store to try and remedy the situation, but in the end, they stay put. Just like that, your Airbnb’s greatest strength transforms into a constant reminder of what they forgot to pack.
Let's Try This
Bite-Size Solution
Remind folks what to pack before they arrive.
A reminder about what to pack shouldn’t be typed up in the house manual sitting on the coffee table. Nor should it be buried in an enormous day-before text message, sandwiched between instructions for the air-conditioner and the wifi password. Ideally, a packing reminder should be sent as a short and sweet text a few days before folks are set to arrive. Something like, “We can’t wait to host you this weekend! Don’t forget to pack your swimsuits. We’ve got the pool and hottub ready for your stay. See you soon!”
This accomplishes two things. First, it helps folks pack the items that will help them get the most out of your space. But secondly, it’s the perfect little excuse to demonstrate that you actually know these guests are headed your way. We have definitely had trips that we booked months in advance, and when the big day finally rolled around, we were left wondering…“Do these people remember that we’re about to knock on their door?”
5 Minutes
Here's Your First Step
Walk through your space and note what folks should bring.
As you look around your own space, jot down the items you hope guests bring with them to have the best possible stay. A great book to enjoy that reading nook? A swimsuit to relax in the hot tub? A nicer outfit to wear to the incredible restaurant just around the block? Identify the most important item or two, and craft a short text you can start sending to guests a few days before arrival. They’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness as much as they’ll appreciate the amenities you’ve helped them enjoy.