Boost Your Revenue: How to Upsell Your Short Term Rental
If you own or manage a short term rental, maximizing your revenue isn’t just about increasing nightly rates—it’s also about upselling. Upselling means offering additional services or experiences that enhance your guests’ stay while boosting your income. From welcome packages to late checkouts, strategic upsells can elevate your guest experience and significantly grow your profits.
For vacation rental hosts, especially those focused on direct booking vacation rentals, upselling is a smart way to increase profitability without relying on third-party booking platforms. In this guide, we’ll explore how to upsell your short-term rental effectively while leveraging your direct booking website for vacation rental success.
What Makes a Good Upsell?
A successful upsell adds genuine value to your guest’s stay—something they actually want and are happy to pay for. The goal is to make their visit more convenient, comfortable, or memorable while driving extra revenue for you.
Key traits of a winning upsell:
- Relevant to the guest’s needs (based on location, length of stay, travel type)
- Convenient to purchase (offered pre-arrival or at check-in)
- Reasonably priced (so guests feel it’s worth the money)
For owners who prefer direct vacation rentals over OTAs, integrating upsells directly into a direct booking short term rental system makes the process seamless.
Top Upsell Ideas for Short-Term Rentals
1. Early Check-in or Late Check-out
Flexibility is a top priority for many travelers. Offering early check-in or late check-out—for a small fee—is one of the easiest ways to upsell. Guests appreciate the convenience, and you make extra income without additional expenses. This strategy is particularly effective for vacation rentals by owner that cater to business travelers or families.
2. Welcome Packages
Greet your guests with a curated welcome basket that includes:
- Local snacks or wine
- Personalized guide to the area
- Essentials like coffee, tea, or toiletries
You can offer different packages at different price points, from a basic kit to a luxury welcome. This is a great upsell for luxury vacation rentals.
3. Local Experiences & Tours
Partner with local businesses to offer unique experiences, such as:
- Private city tours
- Surf lessons or yoga sessions
- Food and wine tastings
You can earn a commission from the provider while enhancing your guest’s trip. If your property is part of a vacation rental company, consider partnering with other hosts to offer exclusive deals.
4. Pet Fees & Pet Packages
If your rental is pet-friendly, offer a pet package that includes:
- Food bowls and treats
- Pet bed or blanket
- List of nearby pet-friendly spots
This makes pet owners feel welcomed and cared for, encouraging them to book again—especially if they prefer owner direct vacation rentals that cater to unique needs.
5. Romantic or Celebration Packages
For couples or guests celebrating a special occasion, offer a romantic upgrade, like:
- Champagne on arrival
- Decorated space (flowers, balloons)
- Personalized note
This works especially well for honeymoons, anniversaries, and birthdays.
6. Beach Rental Equipment Packages
If your property is near the beach, offering beach rental equipment is a simple but highly effective upsell. Many guests, especially those flying in, don’t bring bulky items like:
- Beach chairs
- Umbrellas
- Coolers
- Snorkel gear
- Boogie boards
Providing these as part of an add-on package not only enhances their stay but also makes your property more attractive compared to others that don’t offer this convenience.
How to Offer Upsells Without Feeling Pushy
Upselling should feel helpful, not salesy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Include upsells in pre-arrival emails.
- Create a guest guidebook with optional add-ons.
- Mention premium services during check-in.
- Use DirectBookMe or your direct booking website to display upsells directly in the reservation process.
For those managing vacation rentals by owner, ensuring a smooth upsell process can create a more professional and streamlined guest experience.
Benefits of Upselling for Hosts
- Higher revenue per booking: Even small add-ons add up over time.
- Improved guest satisfaction: Personalized extras make guests feel valued.
- Competitive edge: Offering more than your competitors can help you stand out.
- Stronger reviews: Guests often mention thoughtful extras in 5-star reviews.
For those managing vacation rentals by owner, ensuring a smooth upsell process can create a more professional and streamlined guest experience.
Final Tip: Track and Test Your Upsells
Not every upsell will work equally well. Test different offers and see which ones guests actually purchase. Use this data to refine your offerings over time, ensuring you provide services that enhance the stay while boosting your income.
Conclusion
Upselling your short-term rental is a win-win strategy when done right—guests enjoy a richer experience, and you earn more from every stay. Start small with a late checkout option or welcome package, and gradually expand your offerings based on guest feedback and booking trends.
For more ways to optimize your vacation rental direct booking business, visit the DirectBookMe blog—your go-to resource for smart hosting strategies.