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Recommendations / returns

Having visitors return themselves, or recommend your property to someone else, is both the cheapest and the most satisfying way to generate business. However it does mean that your property needs to offer value for money and / or something special. We know of people who generate at least 50% of their business from returning visitors and word-of-mouth recommendations. We haven't reached that level yet (and perhaps never will, who knows?), but it is certainly possible.

How to do it? There is no magic formula. Simply a focus on making sure your customers go away happy and feeling there is more to do.

For different people it will be different things: the DVD or CD player, the selection of childrens toys, the comfort of the garden furniture, how well equipped the kitchen is (are the knives sharp?), are the beds comfortable, is there satellite TV in the property, is there endless hot running water for long showers, and so on.

Try and put yourself in your customers position, and think what would make it extra special for you if you were staying in your own property. Further examples include:

1) The cleanliness and comfort of the property are very important.

2) Leave a list of things to do that exceeds the length of a typical holiday.

3) Respond rapidly and enthusiastically to any problems or requests for advice that arrive.

4) Book restaurants or taxis for people if they struggle with the language.