Last minute booking requests

[John Underwood]

I am about sick and tired of all the people calling, texting and emailing for last minute reservations. Many want a weekend.

1st, Holiday weekends and summer months book months ahead of time.

2nd, I don't rent just a weekend during the summer.

3rd, I'm not cheap. They may get sticker shock when they call.

I've got Labor day weekend priced way above my competition becasue I know as other places fill up I will get my higher price, even if its a desperate last minute person trying to find something "for this weekend".

[John Underwood]

Originally posted by @Justin Anderson:

Do you allow instant bookings and still get these requests?  

At the top of my listings I say something to the extent of:
"Our calendar is updated in real-time & nightly rates are accurately displayed. Simply enter your desired dates and click 'Book Now!'"

I don't get many last minute requests at all, but I only use the OTAs really.  I do get requests for changing up the check in/out times which I try to honor.  I'm able to head off a lot of those after some changes to my email templates to set expectations, thankfully.

 This is from non Vrbo / Airbnb advertising. Even though I say we are booked through August, they still call.