How My Cheap Inclusion Attracted Guests
With increased competition, it is more vital than ever to have a ‘Point of Difference’. But it’s not as complicated or expensive as people may think.
In 2016 when I started researching my place as a potential short-term rental, I noticed something disheartening about my area: everything was the same. Sure, people had different furniture, but the properties were similar in size, similar proximity to the beach, and what they offered seem to be a different shade of beige than the next place.
I came up with the concept of Point of Difference (P.O.D) to help make my place standout in a sea of sameness. I am sure someone had come up with the concept before, but I claimed it (just humor me). It made me focus on what I could do to elevate my place with a cool inclusion.
… the budget wasn’t tight. It was non-existent.
When I was starting out I didn’t have much money. Like, at all. My furniture for my Airbnb went on credit cards and my mum had to even buy the cutlery for me. So, the budget wasn’t tight. It was non-existent. Yet, I knew I had to include something that would attract guests, get people talking, and something that no-one else in the area had. But what?
After scrolling day after day, I realized that just because I didn’t own a mansion and have the space for certain items, I shouldn’t let that stop me. I became obsessed with dining tables that convert into a pool table. Like, obsessed. But the good ones had a price tag of $2000 plus, and I just couldn’t swing it. However, I still think they make an amazing P.O.D if you don’t have the space but you have the budget. (Just remember to allow enough room around the table — you do not want holes in your walls when people line up their 8 ball.)
What was once a cheap beach treat, was now requiring people to take out a personal loan.
Thinking back …
I had to shift mindsets and go smaller. The way I did this was to think of my own childhood beach holidays. What did we always do? What did we always use? What did we always buy? Eat and drink? How does it differ from today? Or has it not changed?
I remembered every time we would go to the beach, we would end the day with getting fish and chips or a Pluto-pup (corn dog), and a milkshake. It made me think about my nephews and how they also love after-swim milkshakes. I then thought ‘milkshakes are so expensive now, how do families even afford them?’. I researched my area — the average price of a milkshake was $9. What was once a cheap beach treat, was now requiring people to take out a personal loan. Two kids, five days at the beach = $90.
My P.O.D was born.
What I did:
I bought a milkshake machine from Target for $15. I purchased three x Hershey’s flavors, straws, and a tin of malt (this was before COVID — I don’t leave communal items now). I arranged them on a serving tray with colorful tumblers/cups I already had and laminated some instructions. People laughed at me. My cleaner literally said “this is a stupid idea”, and friends and some family thought it wouldn’t help.
And I get it, such a tiny concept, who is even going to care? But when you need to standout, it’s handy to think creatively. Especially when you have little $$$. And you know what happened? The first guests to stay there when the ‘milkshake station’ had been implemented, had children.
Vindication.
You know what was left in the guest book for me? A message from the kids thanking me for their milkshakes with — and I love this — drawings of MILKSHAKES hahahahaha. Vindication! And it didn’t stop there. Every kid who stayed did drawings for me of milkshakes.
There was one child from Hong Kong who drew me a picture of his holiday — he had an Australian flag, a dolphin jumping out of the water, and pride of place? Himself drinking a milkshake! It still cracks me up!
My milkshake station is the perfect example of how you can provide an experience for your guests for not much money and standout. I have return guests whose kids still refer to my place as ‘the milkshake place.’ The adults who stay there also comment on how much they love the treat. How’s that for a point of difference?
Guest experience.
It taught me how important guest experience is. For your own place, reach into your own vacation memories and see what ideas stand out. If you have the budget and space — then go for some cool tech and toys others in your area don’t have. But if you are just financially hanging on, know this: it doesn’t take much to include something fun, quirky or useful that your guests will love and talk about.
Keep it simple.
If you can’t think of anything, then think in practical terms. If you have a place where skiers stay in the winter, a hot tub would be great (obviously). But you know what is even better, more practical, and will get you praise? Boots/shoes and glove warmers in the entry/mud room. And they start at cheap, practical prices, (around $35), so you can start small. If it’s something people respond to, you can purchase a bigger and better one.
(Money tight? Read here to know costs involved when hiring a professional manager or host.)
Use of a couple of fishing poles can also be handy. Your guests won’t have to lug theirs to your place — which can be difficult, especially when flying to your destination. There are a multitude of inclusions you can come up with that are inexpensive — you just have to tap into guest experience. (Read here about why guest experience is so important.)
Milk it (no pun intended).
The best thing about your point of difference is you can take photos and include it on your booking platforms and socials. Make sure you take advantage of it by letting people know. It not only helps attract guests, the reviews do too. And when people comment on it for future guests to see, make sure you respond by repeating and highlighting your P.O.D. (read here why it’s good to repeat positive aspects of a review)
Do something. Today.
The biggest mistakes I see time and again are hosts who allow money — or lack of it — stop them from thinking they can’t make a difference to their accommodation. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to have some pretty special inclusions — you just have to be creative, focus on guest experience, and remember that a positive stay is in the details.
Thanks for reading this far! What’s been your favourite inclusion at a vacation rental?
