• Trouble logging in? Send us a message with your username and/or email address for help.
New posts

Mermaid

picky
Aug 11, 2005
7,871
335
How do you handle this one? I've been getting a fair number of requests for discounts on the rental rates now that it's getting to low season. I'm happy to offer a discount in some situations--for example, when someone is staying across seasons. I have one renter who's arriving in "summer" and departing in "fall" so I split the difference between the two rates even though they were staying more in summer than fall. I don't mind doing that.

However, I honestly can't offer a discount for everyone who asks. The rental income covers precious little in the scheme of things, and I also feel that I've priced my rates fairly to start. So what I need help with is some diplomatic wording for telling people I can't accomodate them.

How do the rest of you handle this? Help!!
 

imasunbum

Beach Fanatic
Oct 16, 2005
412
1
How do you handle this one? I've been getting a fair number of requests for discounts on the rental rates now that it's getting to low season. I'm happy to offer a discount in some situations--for example, when someone is staying across seasons. I have one renter who's arriving in "summer" and departing in "fall" so I split the difference between the two rates even though they were staying more in summer than fall. I don't mind doing that.

However, I honestly can't offer a discount for everyone who asks. The rental income covers precious little in the scheme of things, and I also feel that I've priced my rates fairly to start. So what I need help with is some diplomatic wording for telling people I can't accomodate them.

How do the rest of you handle this? Help!!

Mermaid - Complete honesty in a tasteful way, which you did in your second paragraph above. You state fairness. You state your need to cover expenses. The renters know why you rent. I basically tell the ones that ask me exactly what you said above and when I do they usually say something like, "I understand, but thought I would ask".

I would tell them this and without skipping a beat move right into how much you are looking forward to renting to them and how much they are going to love the area, etc.....

Good luck!
 

Rudyjohn

SoWal Insider
Feb 10, 2005
7,744
233
Chicago Area
Mermaid - Complete honesty in a tasteful way, which you did in your second paragraph above. You state fairness. You state your need to cover expenses. The renters know why you rent. I basically tell the ones that ask me exactly what you said above and when I do they usually say something like, "I understand, but thought I would ask".

I would tell them this and without skipping a beat move right into how much you are looking forward to renting to them and how much they are going to love the area, etc.....

Good luck!
I've never had the nerve to ask but they always say you should ask for a discount on just about everything you buy. So, that's what they're doing, being savvy consumers.
 

imasunbum

Beach Fanatic
Oct 16, 2005
412
1
You are right Johnrudy. Can't blame them for trying, however, like you, I have never asked either.

Ummmm...maybe we should give it a try.
 

Mermaid

picky
Aug 11, 2005
7,871
335
Mermaid - Complete honesty in a tasteful way, which you did in your second paragraph above. You state fairness. You state your need to cover expenses. The renters know why you rent. I basically tell the ones that ask me exactly what you said above and when I do they usually say something like, "I understand, but thought I would ask".

I would tell them this and without skipping a beat move right into how much you are looking forward to renting to them and how much they are going to love the area, etc.....

Good luck!

I like what you said in the last paragraph. It might make them see that even at a non-discounted rate, what they're getting is still great value for the money. That's a very good point to make, thanks!
 

tivoli

Beach Lover
How do you handle this one? I've been getting a fair number of requests for discounts on the rental rates now that it's getting to low season. I'm happy to offer a discount in some situations--for example, when someone is staying across seasons. I have one renter who's arriving in "summer" and departing in "fall" so I split the difference between the two rates even though they were staying more in summer than fall. I don't mind doing that.

However, I honestly can't offer a discount for everyone who asks. The rental income covers precious little in the scheme of things, and I also feel that I've priced my rates fairly to start. So what I need help with is some diplomatic wording for telling people I can't accomodate them.

How do the rest of you handle this? Help!!


Mermaid - Today's Wall Street - Your Money Matters Section -
After the Peak - Vacation homes can still generate rental income
in the off-season-if your're creative
Article by - Daisy:love: Maxey

States....Drop your price, but not too far.....package it.....long term......
etc., etc., etc.......

Great article about rental property incentives.........thought it might be
of interest........
 

spinDrAtl

Beach Fanatic
Jul 11, 2005
367
2
How do you handle this one? I've been getting a fair number of requests for discounts on the rental rates now that it's getting to low season. I'm happy to offer a discount in some situations--for example, when someone is staying across seasons. I have one renter who's arriving in "summer" and departing in "fall" so I split the difference between the two rates even though they were staying more in summer than fall. I don't mind doing that.

However, I honestly can't offer a discount for everyone who asks. The rental income covers precious little in the scheme of things, and I also feel that I've priced my rates fairly to start. So what I need help with is some diplomatic wording for telling people I can't accomodate them.

How do the rest of you handle this? Help!!

If your off season rates are already priced fairly, you should be able to sell them on that. We price very reasonably in the off season, but begin to entertain discounts as dates get closer and are still unoccupied.
I often tell them that 'x' days in advance, the price is firm but very reasonable and then let them know that if days are still available 'y' days in advance, I would be willing to negotiate. You have to know what your competition is doing as well.

Also, based on having had my place for a while, I know what time periods in the off season rent more often and depending on demand, typically decide that some rental income is better than an empty night. However, you have to be comfortable with what $ figure you decide to accept.
 
Last edited:

Paula

Beach Fanatic
Jan 25, 2005
3,747
442
Michigan but someday in SoWal as well
Hi Mermaid:

I think each interaction you have with a potential renter is the beginning of a relationship. So, I would respond honestly with good will. For example,
"thanks for your interest in our ... and we'd love to hve you stay at our place"
"We can offer you ... off at most because, as you can imagine, we also need to cover our expenses."
"If it doesn't work out this time, we hope you stay with us in the future. We'll take good care of you!"

Maybe you could offer them an extra night if you don't anticipate someone else coming in. I have a few repeat guests in the fall and I let them stay an extra night (or check out late) if no one is coming in. I tell them I can't confirm the late check-out or extra day until closer to their arrival date, but there's usually a good chance I can give it to them.

I'm happy to reduce rates in the off-season as long as I get my expenses covered. I like having someone in the cottages because they're there to notice any problems -- I don't like them sitting unattended for too long. Our agency checks in regularly and there are people in the neighborhood to notice if anything is going on, but that's not the same as someone actually using the equipment, hearing the sounds of the equipment, etc.

Best,
Paula
 

STL Don

Beach Fanatic
Mar 7, 2005
324
17
Mermaid - Today's Wall Street - Your Money Matters Section -
After the Peak - Vacation homes can still generate rental income
in the off-season-if your're creative
Article by - Daisy:love: Maxey

States....Drop your price, but not too far.....package it.....long term......
etc., etc., etc.......

Great article about rental property incentives.........thought it might be
of interest........

Thanks for the mention of the article--interesting read.
 
New posts


Sign Up for SoWal Newsletter