Snowbird Advertising Ideas

[Paula]

Ok, so today I happened to drive by our sr. center in our neighborhood and stopped by to see if I could drop a few brochures about our cottages there. They said I could. I also asked them if they thought it would be useful for me to do a presentation about the 30A area, given that so few northerners know about it. They thought that might be a good idea. So, I'll be following up with this in a few weeks with the sr. center. I'm mentioning this because other SoWal property owners may want to do the same thing in their own communities -- I would think that there are some seniors who would love to go south in the Winter, yet can't afford the high rates of more southern areas of Florida, or who want a more tranquil setting without high rises.

If you were to do a presentation about SoWal off season for Snowbirds, what information would you give them? Here are some of my ideas:

1. Undiscovered area for Snowbirds
2. Beauty
3. Average high and low weather in each month
4. Activities
5. Snowbird dinner specials -- there are some great ones
6. Activities
7. Library
8. Airport
9. Taxi
10. Hospitals and local clinics
11. Resources for seniors -- what would these be? Are there any activities particular to seniors or snowbird clubs in the area?
12. Family activities for when their families come to visit
13. Are there health clubs/pools they could join on 30A since we don't have a heated pool?

Any other ideas?

 

[Beachlover2]

Paula

I know there is a snowbird club in the Destin area. I can ask my snowbird for the particulars if you need it - as she is/was the secretary for it.

 

[Beach Bimmer]

Tell 'em there are great garage sales during the winter months...we've had several sales, and each time the snowbirds drive up show up in their minvans and Crown Victorias around 6am at our house. And let me tell you how strongly they bargain...

That and the early bird specials for dinner can put a snowbird in heaven!

 

[Mango]

Tell 'em there are great garage sales during the winter months...we've had several sales, and each time the snowbirds drive up show up in their minvans and Crown Victorias around 6am at our house. And let me tell you how strongly they bargain...

That and the early bird specials for dinner can put a snowbird in heaven!

I would also add as well as the garage sales, there are also quite a few antique shops as well in Destin. One of my neighbors couldn't let anyone in while she had a sno-bird because she had bought so much stuff it was everywhere and people would have tripped over it.

Just an FYI- my sisters in-laws could not believe how inexpensive and how much you got for the money in SoWal compared to Pompano Beach where they sno-birded before buying a place eventually. But had they not done so, they were going to be staying at my place through the winters.

 

[DD]

Paula, you little marketing guru! I call on senior centers quite often and it looks like you've got some great ideas. Will you offer discount rates to seniors? Be prepared for that question. That's one of the first ones I always get..."how much".

 

[Paula]

These are helpful ideas. Thanks.

As for sr. discounts, DD, the winter rates in SoWal are so low, it will be quite a deal compared to anywhere else. If someone books more than a month (e.g., 6 weeks, two months) I could see giving an extra discount. Frankly, many of us will work with the rates for people who want to spend a month or two in SoWal over the winter. And in some communities, like ours, snowbirds can come to the area with friends, live in the same community, and have a good time hanging out together and enjoying 30A.

 

[Mango]

Paula, you little marketing guru! I call on senior centers quite often and it looks like you've got some great ideas. Will you offer discount rates to seniors? Be prepared for that question. That's one of the first ones I always get..."how much".

DD, the rates for sno-birds are already so heavily discounted, that if I was asked to lower my rate, I would just rather have my place sit depending on who the sno-bird was. I had one sno-bird family that NEVER cleaned the house the entire stay. It took me a two whole days to clean the place or pay for a deep clean of at least $400. They also broke into our pool heater and raised the temp to 85 degrees which resulted in a $3000 gas bill to our Association. Mr. Mango and I have been around to do renovations while sno-birds were still visiting, and once they see an owner around, start following us around to chit chat, groan about a broken plastic chair which got blown in the wind etc. They thought we were the groundskeepers because he was doing exterior work on grounds. So much time on their hands, and everything to complain about sometimes. Sno-birds think that we are making money on them, but the reality is that owners just would like to have their houses occupied to have someone around. We get in peak spring and summer months in one week, what a sno-bird pays is willing to pay for an entire month. Don't get me wrong, I love the elderly and can sit for hours talking to them. I understand they are on fixed incomes and trying to make the most of their money, but calling me and asking me to add a frappaccino machine, expensive mixers, have someone come in to a lamp light bulb, etc. can be at times a annoynance, especially when they are getting the best end of the deal. No snow removal and a beautiful view every day in paradise.

 

[DD]

I sincerely don't think you should discount...just thought you might wanna be prepared for that question. If the snowbirds are saavy shoppers, they will know that they're getting a good deal, but I just know that for some, it's all about how low they can go.

 

[InletBchDweller]

We have encountered the same problem, the lightbulb went out can you come and change it?? (it was in a lamp!!!) the towels are not big enough, the sheets are not the same as last year, the salt/pepper shaker is empty. I am not kidding you, these are all calls that we have had. I appreciate them coming but sometimes it gets to be enough. Especially when they know you live down the road...

DD, the rates for sno-birds are already so heavily discounted, that if I was asked to lower my rate, I would just rather have my place sit depending on who the sno-bird was. I had one sno-bird family that NEVER cleaned the house the entire stay. It took me a two whole days to clean the place or pay for a deep clean of at least $400. They also broke into our pool heater and raised the temp to 85 degrees which resulted in a $3000 gas bill to our Association. Mr. Mango and I have been around to do renovations while sno-birds were still visiting, and once they see an owner around, start following us around to chit chat, groan about a broken plastic chair which got blown in the wind etc. They thought we were the groundskeepers because he was doing exterior work on grounds. So much time on their hands, and everything to complain about sometimes. Sno-birds think that we are making money on them, but the reality is that owners just would like to have their houses occupied to have someone around. We get in peak spring and summer months in one week, what a sno-bird pays is willing to pay for an entire month. Don't get me wrong, I love the elderly and can sit for hours talking to them. I understand they are on fixed incomes and trying to make the most of their money, but calling me and asking me to add a frappaccino machine, expensive mixers, have someone come in to a lamp light bulb, etc. can be at times a annoynance, especially when they are getting the best end of the deal. No snow removal and a beautiful view every day in paradise.

 

[spinDrAtl]

That and the early bird specials for dinner can put a snowbird in heaven!

There is no way I am force feeding myself a steak at 4:00 pm to save $1.50.