Lay My Hat

Booked to mid November, then for Xmas / New Year. Last year around this time had 2 bookings for Dec from repeat guests from Holland and France. Not this year! Have a 10 day booking from German guests for Easter - postponed from the summer. Will it happen? Not sure how rest of the winter will pan out...

Interesting .. I have always kept spreadsheets for each financial year..

I am going to leave an extra 2 or 3 days between bookings.

I intend buying some big washing bags and asking guests to strip the bed linen and leave it in the bags.

I may ask guests to leave windows open - upstairs at least.

Applied a few days ago. Waiting

I am thinking of sending a letter but for those who have booked directly i will offer to let them re book until the end of 2021. Hopefully I would keep their goodwill and would spread my losses over a longer period. Have already sent a message with wording below to guests unsure about staying. They ...

2 new bookings on Monday. A cancellation from HomeAway yesterday. Intend offering remaining guests with direct bookings the chance to defer their trip using existing payment as credit. Not so sure on how to handle HomeAway bookings. Have a strict policy and 2 bookings within next 60 days who won't b...

Hi Wilts Cottage Yes that does sound a lot to me .. At the end of last year I bought 2 sets of fitted sheets and pillowcases (poly cotton) for my 2 bed, sleeps 3 cottage, to replace my assortment from different sources in shades of white that didn't always quite match. Hoping that if I need to buy m...

As others have said they used to be very good as Owner's Direct.

I list with HA on a commission basis. Of my 37 bookings from Apr 19 to Apr 20, just 3 came from Home Away..

Nearly 80% of my bookings were direct.

Bookings are down compared this time for the last 2 years:

Now: 11 wks 1 day
2019: 14 wks
2018 :15 weeks 3 days

However I am sure bookings will come later.

Number of Europeans is edging up compared to last 2 years. Repeats also up so that's good.

Jenny

Hello Onthecostas

I agree totally with E-Richard and Greenbarn

Personally I would prefer subscription but would not hand over money to a company without a good track record so yes starting with a lowish commission rate seems to be the way forward.

Good luck

Both booked but later than usual.. and with price reduced.
I ask for a week minimum for Xmas and 3 days minimum for New Year.

Xmas has always been booked since I started in 2011. New Year booked every year except one however in recent years I have taken less money for New Year.

Agree with others about changeover costs.. Very cheap for up to 6.

I have one double bed and one single.. Have 3 sets of bed linen for each but 2 sets of mattress protectors

Also agree.. Profitability is the key rather than occupancy..

In the last 3 years I have had between 35 and 39 weeks booked.

Agree with you Joanna

Has anyone used this agency? Would like some feedback..
Also considering relisting on Independent Cottages.
Have done well from April to mid Nov but dearth of winter bookings!!