Can You Upsell An Amenity You Already Have?
Two of the most frequent questions we get about utilizing Mount are:
1. What kinds of amenities can I list?
2. Does my amenity need to be new, or can I list something I already have?
Let’s dig in…
First, there are many kinds of amenities that can be rented on the Mount platform. But because part of our solution is the security of additional insurance protection for hosts, there are some limits. We are prevented from allowing rentals such as cars, dirt bikes, motorcycles, golf carts, motorized boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles. While this list isn’t exhaustive, you probably get the idea of what the boundaries are.
That said, there is a lot of opportunity left for adventure-filled memories for your guests. Through our platform, you can rent bikes, e-bikes, scooters, kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards, snowshoes, and beach equipment. Additionally, you can offer items for purchase or rent utilizing a lockable amenity box. We’ve
got hosts offering firewood, s’mores kits, hiking gear, polaroid cameras—the only limit here is your imagination! And our list grows with our customers. When creating an amenity, if you don’t find what you’d like to rent on our list, simply choose “custom amenity,” provide a description, and we’ll get back to you with more information.
For question number two, the answer is: it depends. Now that you have an idea of what you can rent, we have a few pointers to help you decide if you should list that amenity.
The number one thing that should be on your mind when you are thinking about upselling amenities at your property is “will this actually enhance and add value to my guest’s experience?” It is important to distinguish between upselling and nickel and diming. Just because you can virtually list anything on the Mount platform (except for what we hard-passed in the intro), ask yourself, “Should I?”
For example, just because you can list bed linens and towels on the Mount platform; should you? In our opinion, the answer is no. There are certain amenities that guests expect to have provided to them when they book a vacation rental. But if you have a beach house and your guests frequently leave behind beach equipment they’ve purchased on the fly (you know—styrofoam coolers, cheap beach chairs, flimsy sun umbrellas), or you receive frequent questions about where to acquire these items, we see this as a PRIME upselling opportunity. Provide your guests with the opportunity to rent good quality beach chairs, a nice big sun umbrella, a reusable insulated cooler, some beach games, and other items to make their time at the beach relaxing, and fun. Added bonus? You can give yourself a high five for making the world a better place by reducing the accumulation of stuff headed for the landfill.
The second thing we recommend considering when adding amenities to your vacation or short-term rental is whether or not that amenity is an extension of your brand. The state and quality of your amenity should reflect the state and quality of your property and how you would like your brand to be perceived by guests and potential guests.
Any previously owned amenities should still be tip-top condition, clean, well-kept, and well maintained. If, for example, you are renting a bike, the tires should be pumped, the brakes should work, and don’t forget to provide a helmet! And if you’re offering beach chairs or sun umbrellas, there should be minimal to no tearing and rust, and properly stored from water and direct sunlight while not in use as to avoid any unnecessary weather damage.
And the third thing…when in doubt, reach out to us! We know the world of upselling is still very new and a little bit confusing, and we are here to help you navigate those murky waters. The Mount team can help you find amenities that are already a hit in your region or help you execute a one-of-a-kind vision. Just send us an email at guide@rentmount.com and we would be happy to schedule a call. Our amenity consultations are ALWAYS free, so never hesitate to send us an email or slide into our DMs!