An important step to success in the Vacation Rental business is making it convenient and easy for your guests to pay for their stay in your Vacation Rental home.
Do you remember the commercial where a guy is in line at a store and everyone stops moving and the room goes silent because he tries to pay with cash instead of a credit card?
That commercial was great marketing on Visa's part because although it was exaggerated, it's a reality!
Another smart marketing move on Visa's part was offering rewards to the card holder!
People are using their credit cards more than ever to earn the rewards and for some, it has truly become an obsession!
We all like rewards! For example; why do you put your extra money in a savings account instead of your regular checking account? Because you earn interest!
It’s the same with reward credit cards... Why pay cash and get no reward when you can use your rewards credit card and earn the miles that will get you to your vacation destination!
In addition to the benefits your guest will get when using a credit card, as a Vacation Rental home owner you are more protected when you accept credit cards for payment because in the event that a guest damages your Vacation Rental home, you will have a credit card to charge to pay for the damages.
Of course your rental contract needs to read as such with a statement that says that you reserve the right to charge the guests card if damage is done beyond the amount of the security deposit.
On your rental contract; ask your guest to provide credit card information (even if they pay by check) along with their billing address, the expiration date and ask for a signature acknowledging that they understand.
Adding credit card processing through eCom to my vacation rental business has increased my bookings while simplifying my life. Working with eCom to set up my account initially was exceptionally easy, with quick response, helpful emails, and strong customer service. Within days I was up and running with credit cards, and since then most of my guests choose this option of payment. They can pay online at their convenience, and I love not driving to the bank to make deposits.
I have had numerous situations where I responded to an inquiry at night, and woke up in the morning to a booking and approved credit card processing. It has been particularly valuable for last minute bookings, where I can get the transaction approved within minutes. I typically see my funds deposited in my bank account in 2-3 days. Everything is electronic and convenient. I've also simplified my security deposit process by using the credit card authorization to hold funds a week prior to check-in; I don't have to collect or refund security checks, since I can just void the authorization after a satisfactory checkout. eCom's service has been crucial to the growth of my vacation rental business over the last six months, and every aspect of their service has been excellent.
Carol Rowland
www.CabinInEllijay.com
