If you’re losing bookings today, the problem may simply be that you are not aiming at the right renters for your particular property. You cannot hope to have a high ratio of bookings vs. inquiries if you’re shooting too wide, as with a bee-bee gun – you may hit a few birds but because there is nothing strategic about your approach, you’re wasting precious ammunition (your time and energy). It’s well worth it to take some time to position and brand your property, so that you can attract the right renters through fine-tuning your communications.
Your rental rates help position your property within your particular vacation rental market. How do your rates compare to those of other properties in your region? Inflated rates limit the pool of interested renters while rates that are too low, compared to similar properties in your area, can create suspicion (what’s wrong with this house?) and attract bargain-hunters. Investigate regional rates and make sure that yours are appropriate for your target clientele and region.
If you are lazy and think that good renters are going to rush to book your beautiful villa while you sit waiting for the phone to ring, you will be left with an expensive, empty investment. The property obviously needs to meet local health and safety regulations, to be clean, well-maintained and furnished/decorated to a standard that fits what you expect to receive in rent (simple and neutral respectively is normally appropriate). It should not be cluttered by lots of personalised artifacts, such as family photos and all kitchen/bathroom utensils, etc, should be out of sight. If when guests first arrive they are welcomed by a basket of essentials (tea, coffee, milk, rolls, butter and mineral water, etc) and fresh flowers they are more likely to relax and come again next year. You should also make sure there is an up-to-date and complete file of useful local information for each new visitor.