Up selling software

[Robert8948]

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out to see if anyone knows of a software solution for selling add-ons in an Airbnb, such as pre-stocked fridges, joy flights, extra cleaning, or mini bars.

If you have any recommendations, I’d really appreciate your insights!

Thanks,
Robert

[Elisa]

Hi @Robert8948 😊, 

Thank you so much for asking this question in the Community Center!

Have you found an answer in the meantime?

I'm tagging a few experienced hosts who can offer better advice on this: @Shelley159, @Guy991, @Patricia2526, @Nur785, @Mike-And-Jane0, @Laurelle3, @Kitty-and-Creek0 and @Dave-and-Deb0.

Thank you in advance, everyone!

Warm regards ‌🌻‌,

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Robert8948  Thanks @Elisa 

If you’re looking for something simple, you could also use Stripe Payment Links or Google Forms with payment integration to manually offer add-ons.

There are few software solutions available as well but I haven’t tried it tho. BnSellit and ChargeAutomation.

Hope this helps.

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Robert8948 @Elisa 

Thanks for bringing your terrific question to the community. 

I like what @Patricia2526 suggested. I've no personal experience with charging for such add-on's, as we provide such things and concierge services as a gift to our guests. I do use Stripe, Venmo, and Apple Pay when I'm paying for personal services. They work well! We hope you are successful in offering a wide range of extras to delight your guests!

[Lorina14]

@Robert8948 

I don’t use any upselling software as I provide most things as part of hosting (drinks, snacks, laundry detergent, softener, dryer sheets, flowers, assortment of tea and coffees). But am curious as to what others have to say.

I did read about a host who puts bath bombs or shower steamers in her listing and has a small price sheet and the guests Zelle or Venmo her. She said she’s gotten a good response from those things. I also stayed at a Airbnb on a working farm and they had frozen bacon and sausages to purchase in the freezer, homemade jams, and price list and a tin can to put cash in for your items. It as an honor system and we enjoyed purchasing things there.

You could have a list of things in your listing and list the prices or say inquire for more details of which you send them a list with services or products offered. You can then charge them through the resolution center for the extras that they buy. There is a place to note why you are asking for the money and note what they purchased there. 

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Lorina14 @Robert8948 @Elisa 

I've stayed at a great many places in various countries, all with the honor system for foods, beverages and "souvenirs" including crafts and jewelry. Payment was usually a tin, cookie jar or cigar box. No one ever abused the system to my knowledge, which was a wonderful example of reciprocity. 

@Lorina14 

I offer the foods  and beverages too, as part of my hosting. Hot and cold cereals, coffees, teas, hot chocolate, yogurt, fruit juice, non dairy milk - these are all hospitality essentials, per my standards. 

I do end up mailing left behind wardrobe items, even electronics,  from time to time, and the resolution center has been an easy solution for everyone. 

[Lorina14]

@Kitty-and-Creek0 thanks for sharing, I do most of those too, I think I forgot what things I provide off the top of my head. I know guests like the hot chocolate, apple cider, fruit and snacks (varies depending on what I have picked up from the store). I don’t list it in the listing as people will expect it and selections can vary…and sometimes I run out of things. 

I haven’t had to mail anything as most people say throw it away, give it away or a couple stopped by after to pick it up.

I do love the honor system, it’s such a great thing to purchase homemade goods from hosts. Those were some of the best experiences too, something different that makes you stand out. The farm stay did offer free cage free eggs and fresh milk (but we are lactose intolerant).

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Lorina14 

I don't itemize the offerings other than to say "snacks" plus coffees and teas. What we offer is dependent on what we find at the store, just like you! ♥️

Thanks for indulging in this conversation - I love the sharing and exchanges.

[Lorina14]

@Kitty-and-Creek0 

Ditto ♥️ the exchanges to see how others host and I’ve gotten great insights from the boards. One of the best ones was finding out about stovetop covers that fit around the burners. They have saved me so much time scrubbing the stove and putting one in the oven helped too against the oily drippings!

[Lorina14]

@Robert8948 

what are joy flights?

[Laurelle3]

@Robert89488948 welcome to the CC Forum,

I personally don’t upsell, as I provide most extras as freebies, but I see value in offering pre-stocked fridges in remote areas, extra cleaning for longer stays, or experiences if you have the right contacts.

 I’m not a fan of mini bars unless there’s a clear payment system. If you were wanting to do this I would check Airbnb listings near you and see if they do it. All I can say as the saying goes you will never, never know if you don't give it a go, as it will work or be successful. You also have to take into account, do you have the time to organises these and what is it going to cost you.

[Lorina14]

@Robert8948 

One more thing to consider is that Airbnb does allow rental from people under 21yo (or sometimes parents rent for their kids), so you may not know the age of the guest and providing alcohol may be iffy in the states. I once left a guest’s alcohol in the fridge for the next guests to enjoy and was surprised to find the next guests thanked me and in conversation somehow their age came up and they were not 21. So I stopped doing that. There is no way to know their age prior to check in as that is not available to hosts. I’ve asked Airbnb to have a notation somehow on the reservation so as to prevent issues such as this but I haven’t seen an update to address this.