How do you handle late check out requests? Military discounts?

Question

Hello! Received this inquiry from a potential guest and was wondering how you would handle the first two?

I could provide a discount but, with a late checkout, I would not be able book the next night since check in is at 4pm.

Thanks!

1. Would you offer a military discount

2. Would you honor late check out on August 29th? Our flight does not leave until that evening

2. How far is the unit from the airport/ what is your recommendation for transportation?

3. Is there plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance?

John Underwood · Answer

I will absolutely give a discount to a veteran that served our country.

Late checkout only  if the next day is a day unlikely to book

Villy Ellinger · Answer

@Brent Haggerty I see above that you already got plenty of answers on the easy part of your questions -- the yes or no part, lol. I'm guessing you're more interested in the how :-)

1) I don't offer military discounts or first responder, or teacher, etc. When someone ask about it I thank them for their service or the work they do and tell them I appreciate it. Then I tell them that I strive to price my units fairly and competitive considering the quality of the accommodations I provide. Most people are fine with that and appreciate the response. Some people are just fishing for a "deal". You don't want those anyway. In those cases I politely thank them for the inquiry and suggest that there might be some other similar properties that might offer the discount they want :-).

2) I don't offer late check out either. That said, if the guests text me that they are running 15 to 30 minutes behind, I'm generally not gonna freak out (unless the cleaners are already there and ready to go). If people what to stay until he late afternoon and they request a late check out at the time of booking, I tell them that they need to add the next night as well. Most decide not to and end up figuring out what to do during the day. If they ask for a late check out the night before (like afternoon check out), the answer is no. I explain to them that the cleaning crews have a schedule I don't control and they are not able to clean the unit if the guests check out late, which in turn would mean the next incoming guests cannot check out. I explain that with traffic in our area there is no easy way for cleaners to rearrange the pre-set schedule for the day and they have a tight timeline AND that good cleaners are extremely difficult to find and they work very hard. When faced with the realization that their request will make other people's work difficult, most people are understanding. Yes, occasionally some people are a$$holes. Such is life.

3) If they actually refuse to check out on time then my rental contract (which they are required to sign) says I can charge them a late fee. Airbnb allows that too.

4) I use Google maps to measure distance if someone asks. I prefer to give them several options for transportation like Uber, some shuttles that I tell them to look up. I try not to "recommend" per se, just in case they don't like their Uber driver and it's somehow my fault, lol. I do provide recommendations/suggestions for shops and restaurants but make sure to tell them these are ones I like. I also have an partnership with TripShock (if you are in Destin you should get that), with links to local activities they can book through my website link or QR to TripShock. They get discounts and I get some commission, and it saves me on having to answer questions about fishing charters or how to get to Crab Island.

Jeremy H. · Answer

Late check-out only if the next day is not booked - I generally would say no. It's just such a slippery slope...but conditionally I could say ok

Military discount is up to you. I personally don't offer discounts for anything other than immediate family. It's just easier if I am black or white about something than make exceptions.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

My answer would be "no" for both.

If you haven't offered a military discount before, why would you offer it now that someone asks? Think about this stuff in advance, make a decision, and then treat all guests equally.

I served for 21 years and never ask for a military discount.

Luke Carl · Answer

No

And

No.

Joel Allen · Answer

I’m a military member and would have no anticipation/expectation of a military discount when I book an STR.

If you decide to implement a military discount, it will add another layer to your management process.  You will need a way to verify military service and then adjust rates accordingly.  You’ll need to determine if the discount also applies to a military spouse/family traveling without the military member, and does it extend to other first responders?

You’ll want to think through those nuances before implementing a policy.

Alejandro F. · Answer

@Brent Haggerty,

No on both. Adds additional layers of complexity and management with no additional return on the time invested.

Paul Sandhu · Answer

No and Yes.

My tenants don't know when they will get off work.  Then it's a 12 hour drive back home.  If they've already paid over $2000 in rent for several weeks, I'll let them stay an extra night for free.  Most of my renters are repeats.

Brent H. · Answer

Great comments- Thank you everyone!

Nancy Bachety · Answer

1. Thank you for your service. Not at this time, or yes, it’s up to you. 2. ask me on august 29 about checking out late but don’t plan on it.

3. Use x to measure distance on your favorite navigation app.

4. See number 4

How much maintenance do you want to tackle?

How do you handle late check out requests? Military discounts?

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