Enhancing Rental Guest Experience With Local Partnerships

The short-term rental space is more competitive than ever. There are tens of thousands of properties for rent across the country, at least a few dozen of which are probably in your market. With that in mind, you need to get creative and differentiate your portfolio from the competition. Local business partnerships are a great way of doing just that. 

Learn how to partner with a local business by following these tips. 

Why Invest in Local Business Partnerships?

Local business partnerships provide an opportunity to cultivate immersive guest experiences that draw renters into the local community. Instead of simply providing accommodations, you can help guests make the most of every single minute of their vacations. 

Learning how to partner with a local business offers tremendous benefits for the entrepreneurs of the community as well. By connecting them with vacationers, you can empower business owners to grow their reach and generate additional revenue. This can be particularly beneficial to businesses that offer online sales. Over time, they can build a network of customers that spans the country, all thanks to you.

Local business partnerships can also transform you into a valued member of the city where your rental is located. Use these relationships to earn referral business and tap into community support if you are faced with problematic regulatory proposals that would negatively affect short-term rentals. 

Befriending the locals can also help you find out when there’s an issue with your property. They can report concerning guest behavior or give you a heads up if they notice something unusual.

However, it’s important to take extra steps to protect your portfolio. Safely can help you do just that with our automated guest screening tools. In an instant, you’ll receive a SafelyScore, allowing you to confirm or deny rental requests. Screening renters with Safely will also promote better relationships with the community, as you’ll be bringing in more hospitable and reputable guests to the area. 

How to Partner With a Local Business

Now for the fun part: forging local business partnerships. There are lots of creative and impactful ways to team up with entrepreneurs near your short-term rentals.  

Create Guest Guides

Creating a guestbook or guide that showcases local businesses is a simple and cost-effective way of supporting the community. Don’t just include your favorite places to eat (although those need to be in the book, too). Think out of the box. Showcase activities for rainy days, the best places to grab a few drinks, and other experiences that guests will find memorable. 

Consider companies or service providers who align with the interests of your target audience. For example, if you cater to adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, highlight bike rental companies, trails, and other outdoor venues. 

Offer Discounts to Local Businesses

Meet with local business owners and let them know you’d like to drive customers to their shop. During this chat, ask them if they would be interested in offering discounts to your short-term rental guests. Make sure to let them know you will feature them in your guestbook either way to keep things cordial and positive.

Every time someone offers up coupons or discount cards, make sure to include them in your guestbook. Offering savings opportunities can incentivize your renters to shop local and avoid the big box retailers. 

Book Tours for Renters

If you really want to take your customer service to the next level, consider booking tours and reservations for your renters. Naturally, you need to ask their permission first. If they are interested, set up visits on their behalf so they can simply go out and enjoy what the community has to offer.

While you are at it, make sure to include pricing information, any other useful details (i.e., cash-only venues, add-on costs), and venue hours. You don’t want them to encounter any unpleasant surprises once they arrive for their tour. 

Offer Delivery Services as an Add-On

Partnering with local businesses is all about differentiating your short-term rental portfolio from the competition while also forming strong relationships with community members. Offering delivery services as an add-on amenity can achieve both goals, provided you shop with local businesses, of course.

For instance, if you are located near one of your rental properties, consider offering grocery delivery services ahead of a guest’s arrival. You can ask them to provide a supply list and add these costs to their final rental bill. For the sake of transparency, make sure to upload a copy of the receipt and be upfront about the add-on delivery charge. 

Providing grocery delivery ensures that guests arrive at a fully-stocked house. It also eliminates the hassle of having to check in, unpack, and then immediately head to the grocery store. 

Use Small Businesses to Upkeep Your Rentals

Short-term rentals require ongoing maintenance, including cleaning, yard upkeep, and repairs. Hiring community members to complete these tasks can help you form stronger relationships and promote a sense of unity. 

While there may be times when you need to bring in a larger company, consider using local entrepreneurs whenever possible. Think of this step as putting your money where your mouth is in terms of supporting local businesses. 

Supply Gift Baskets

Lastly, you could supply guests with gift baskets composed of locally available goods. Think of handmade soaps, local honey, and any other unique crafts or consumables that your renters would find appealing.

There’s no need to be too extravagant. Keep the basket affordable and instead focus on being thoughtful and making your guests feel special. 

Boost Your Reputation With Grassroots Support 

Local business partnerships are a valuable tool for garnering grassroots support for your short-term rentals. It’s important to focus on forming genuine connections with community members. 

Show that you really care about the success of their endeavors and explain that you are happy to support them however you can. When your efforts stem from something as positive as helping others, you’ll be able to form strong, lasting, and mutually beneficial relationships.