Holiday let checklist: Keep your visitors happy

Starting a holiday let business can be an exciting and enjoyable experience. But of course if you are going to be able to keep up your holiday let mortgage, you have to make the enterprise pay. So there are things you need to bear in mind, in order to keep things running smoothly.•Agent. If you don’t live within popping distance, you need to appoint a trustworthy person to look after the property on your behalf. Even if you do live reasonably close, you may find it too much of a hassle to see to all the cleaning, bed-changing etc. It’s well worth your while to pay someone to deal with these tasks, and also to be a keyholder so that guests always have a back-up.•Inventory. It’s highly desirable to keep an up-to-date inventory of all the contents. Either you or your agent – whoever shows the guests into the property – should politely point out that breakages should be paid for or replaced. Ideally, the inventory should be checked through with guests at the beginning of the stay, though obviously this may not always be practical, especially if they arrive tired late at night.•Supplies. Have plenty of spare fuses and light bulbs. Provide other useful items such as a first aid box.•Handbook or information folder. This makes all the difference to visitors who are new to the area. Include all the information you would want to know yourself – nearest shops, doctor’s surgery, petrol station, telephone numbers for dentist, plumber, electrician, and of your local agent if you have one (your own if you haven’t). •Guides. Include simple guides and instructions to any gadgets in the house – washing machine, dishwasher, TV, CD player etc. •Tourist information. Provide brochures for local attractions – you can get them from the tourist office. Include a map of the area and instructions for getting to the major attractions.•Equipment. Put yourself in your visitors’ shoes and imagine what you would want in their place. (Stay there yourself for a couple of nights if you can, so you can identify what’s missing.) Make sure there’s a corkscrew, tin-opener, vegetable peeler etc. Visitors usually appreciate a microwave (WITH instructions of course).•Welcome pack. If possible have a few items waiting for your guests when they arrive – bottle of wine, tea, coffee, biscuits. It can be very simple but shows thought. Flowers in the house are really appreciated.Attention to these matters will make sure your visitors come back next year – AND tell their friends about you! Repeat business is the best business – and the best way to ensure your holiday let mortgage can be paid off without problems

Comments? Questions? Email Here

© HowtoAdvice.com

How to Advice .com