The Unfiltered Truth of Direct Bookings: Craigslist Bookings & Chargebacks

Join us at the STR Hospitality Summit for an insightful conversation with Stacey St. John of Cozy Getaways, a full-service property management firm in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina! Stacey shares her passion for creating memorable family vacations and the surprising joy of being a small part of someone's lifelong memories. Discover how Cozy Getaways manages 43 oceanfront properties, catering to families during the busy summer months and welcoming snowbirds from the Northeast for extended winter stays. Stacey reveals the unique revenue strategies required for longer stays and the importance of adapting to seasonal fluctuations.

We dive into the world of direct bookings, exploring Stacey's experiences with both the benefits and risks involved. From securing bookings through Airbnb and VRBO to leveraging Facebook groups for snowbirds and even Craigslist for off-season rentals, Stacey emphasizes the importance of a multi-faceted approach. She shares a cautionary tale about a direct booking chargeback scam, highlighting the value of security measures and partnerships with companies like Truvi for added peace of mind.

Stacey discusses her commitment to driving direct bookings, including a website rebrand and outbound marketing efforts, aiming for a 50-50 ratio between direct and OTA bookings. She emphasizes the power of providing exceptional guest service, leading to loyal guests and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Learn about the distinctive touches that set Cozy Getaways apart, such as a 24/7 team providing immediate assistance and intentionally designed properties that feel like home.

Discover how Cozy Getaways maintains a high level of service despite Stacey living 10 hours away from her properties. She emphasizes the importance of great people, clear communication platforms, and well-defined processes and procedures. Stacey shares the tech stack she relies on, including OwnerRez, Breezeway, and monday.com, for managing day-to-day operations and inventory.

Finally, Stacey shares her long-term vision for Cozy Getaways, expressing her love for the industry and her plans to keep it a family affair, potentially passing the business on to her children. Learn how to connect with Stacey and Cozy Getaways online and through the STR Sisterhood and Female Short Term Rental Investors Facebook group.

Key Takeaways (Bullet Points):

Creating Memories Matters: Focus on being a part of guests' positive vacation memories.Seasonal Strategies: Develop revenue strategies for both peak and off-peak seasons, including targeting snowbirds.Direct Booking Risks: Be aware of the risks of direct bookings and implement security measures.Multi-Channel Marketing: Utilize a variety of marketing channels, including OTAs, Facebook groups, and direct booking websites.Exceptional Service: Provide outstanding guest service to create loyal customers and positive word-of-mouth.24/7 Support: Offer round-the-clock support to address guest needs promptly.Home-Like Properties: Design properties to feel like home, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.Remote Management: Utilize effective communication, technology, and reliable local teams for remote management.Team Over Tech: Prioritize investing in great people over solely relying on technology.Integrations are Key: Chose what integrations work best for you!STR for Life?: Consider long-term strategies and potential exit plans for your business.

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The Unfiltered Truth of Direct Bookings: Craigslist Bookings & Chargebacks

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