What is Cross-selling?
Cross-selling is a sales strategy where a vacation rental business offers guests related or complementary products and services alongside their primary booking. The goal is to increase the average transaction value and enrich the guest experience by providing convenient solutions and amenities they might need or desire during their stay.
These offerings are typically presented as add-ons, extras, or package deals.
Join the Lodgify newsletter
How it works
Cross-selling typically occurs at various points within the guest journey. It can be initiated during the online booking process where guests are prompted with optional extras.
Property managers can also send pre-arrival emails detailing available services like grocery stocking or airport transfers. During the stay, information about local tours, chef services, or equipment rentals can be provided.
Effective cross-selling relies on understanding guest personas and offering relevant, value-added services that genuinely enhance their vacation.
Why it matters
Cross-selling is crucial for vacation rental businesses as it directly contributes to increased revenue per booking without significantly increasing marketing costs to acquire new guests. It also enhances guest satisfaction by simplifying vacation planning and providing convenient access to desired amenities and experiences.
A positive cross-selling experience can lead to stronger guest loyalty and positive reviews, further benefiting the business.
Examples
- Offering a 'Romance Package' that includes wine, chocolates, and rose petals upon arrival, bundled with a booking for a romantic getaway rental.
- Presenting options for airport shuttle services, private chef experiences, or mid-stay cleaning services during the online booking confirmation process.
- Sending a pre-arrival email suggesting local tour bookings, bike rentals, or grocery delivery services that can be added to the guest's itinerary.
- Providing a concierge service flyer within the rental unit, advertising discounts on local attractions or recommending nearby restaurants with exclusive booking links.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between cross-selling and upselling?+
When is the best time to cross-sell to guests?+
What types of services are good for cross-selling in vacation rentals?+
How can technology assist in cross-selling?+
Related terms
Upselling
Upselling is a sales technique designed to encourage guests to purchase a more expensive or premium version of a product or service, or to add additional…
Bundling
Bundling is a marketing strategy where multiple products or services are offered together as a single package for a combined price, often at a discount…
Customer Journey
The customer journey in vacation rentals maps out the entire experience a guest has with a property, from initial awareness to post-stay engagement…
Loyalty Program
A loyalty program in the vacation rental industry is a marketing strategy designed to incentivize repeat bookings and foster long-term relationships with…
