6 Secrets to Starting a Successful VRBO Business

If you have a property you are interested in renting out to vacationers and business travelers, consider listing your property on VRBO. VRBO offers opportunities for renters to stay in unique locations. VRBO focuses on putting the guest first in order to not only meet but exceed their needs.

Running a VRBO business requires a lot of hard work, but if you follow the tips and secrets below, you can ensure your property will be a success.

  • Market Your Rental 

For renters to be interested in your VRBO property, you must properly market your listing. Marketing your rental property can be accomplished in numerous ways, but it is important to always showcase the best aspects of your property to potential renters. 

Take Photos

Renters need to see your property to figure out if the space will work for them and their vacation. Stage your home to increase interest in your property. Take quality photos or consider hiring a professional to ensure your photos will appeal to renters and help grow your business. 

List Nearby Attractions

If your property is in a popular city or near unique attractions, make sure to include the information on your property listing. Act as a tour guide for your guests to show them the unique, local color in your town. By providing entertainment options, you will appeal to more potential renters and help them better plan their vacations.

Include Amenities

Provide your guests with everything they’ll need for a perfect stay. Load up on snacks, offer a coffee and tea bar, and include fun games and movies. Consider what small details you would enjoy as a guest, and do what you can to meet their needs and wants. 

  • Pick the Best Price

Vacationers turn to VRBO to discover unique places to stay that aligns with their budget. Guarantee you pick an ideal price for your rental and location to ensure potential guests won’t be turned off by the price.

Choose a reasonable price for your VRBO listing, so your rental will get good reviews and grow in popularity.

  • Respond in a Timely Manner

When a renter reaches out to you through VRBO, make sure you respond in a timely manner. If you take forever to answer their question or message them back, they may lose interest and move on to another property.

Fast-response times show guests that you are a friendly host who cares about your renters time and vacation. Leave a good impression with renters by turning on your notifications and quickly responding to their inquiries. 

  • Keep the Place Clean 

No guest wants to stay in a dirty house or cabin. If your property looks unclean, you’ll get bad reviews that will plummet your business. Take the time to clean your property well, so guests are pleased by the appearance.

If you don’t live near your rental or if you don’t have enough time between guests, consider hiring a professional cleaning company to do the job for you. A good VRBO cleaning company will ensure everything is sanitized and perfect before your next guest arrives.

  • Stay Organized

It can be stressful to keep up with every detail of running a VRBO rental property. If you want to successfully start a VRBO business, you must get organized first.

Tips for organizing your work involving your VRBO rental property include: 

  • Keeping your schedule up to date, so renters can see whether or not your property is booked
  • Create a system for passing keys to guest whether it be in person or through a lock box
  • Take time daily to respond to potential customers questions

Organize your schedule and carefully consider all aspects of the business to ensure you will be prepared to book and serve guests successfully.

  • Legal Obligations

Before you can rent out your property via VRBO, you need to research any legal requirements that apply to you. Different states and locations have various laws about renting your property through these types of services, so make sure you are fully covered before opening your VRBO location. 

There are many things to consider before listing your rental property on VRBO. Focus on serving your guests and helping them have a quality, stress-free vacation through every step of the process. By following these tips, you can guarantee that your VRBO property will be a success.

Annika Bansal
 

Annika "The Chick Geek" is the founder of AnnikaBansal.com. Small Business Sense shares small business ideas, tips and resources for independent Entrepreneurs and Small Business owners.