How Do You Manage Existing Bookings when Changing holiday letting agent?
If you feel you would like to switch agents, it can be a daunting task but, we’re here to ensure it gets done in a seamless way.
Our main priority is that your guests, and your bookings, are not affected in any way.
7 common concerns when changing holiday home letting agents
And how Lakeland Retreats help overcome them
1. Trustworthiness
We have been really impressed with the level of service and response that you have provided at every stage from booking to leaving … You compare very favourably with another local lettings company, and the more national companies like Sykes and Hoseasons, who really don’t know the properties at all. So we have booked again – Ruth
Will your new letting agent be as reliable and trustworthy as the previous one, especially concerning property maintenance and handling of bookings?
A trustworthy agent maintains high standards of property management, ensuring properties are well-maintained and equipped to meet guests’ expectations. Transparent financial transactions and compliance with regulations further enhance trust and confidence.
We value honesty and transparency in everything we do. It’s far more effective for us to do a good job and retain owners and guests through an honest, open relationship than to cut corners or push for short-term wins. It’s something our guests and owners have told us again and again that it’s why they chose us.
2. Communication
We have been to the lakes a few times but this was the cherry on the cake. We booked through Lakeland retreats and were treated as people from the start. The girls in the office were lovely and so helpful massive thank you to them all. I believe the booking process plays a massive part in the holiday and they have the perfect Balance. – Luke Ranger
What are the potential communication issues, such as delays in responding to queries or lack of clarity in communication channels?
Finding a holiday home letting agent with excellent communication offers numerous benefits. You’ll want clear and timely responses to inquiries, updates on property status, and transparent information about fees and services.
Effective communication ensures you’ll be kept informed and involved throughout the letting process, fostering trust and confidence. It also facilitates seamless coordination between yourself, your agent, and holidaymakers, resulting in a positive experience for all parties involved and ultimately contributing to the success of the holiday rental business.
3. Service Quality
This agency is superb. Fabulous properties. Always immaculately clean and of the highest quality. Responsive, super helpful and efficient. Can highly recommend for booking your holiday. – Alison Ashurst
Will the quality of service decline, including cleanliness standards, customer support, and attention to detail?
Exemplary cleanliness standards and customer service ensure guests enjoy a comfortable and hygienic stay, leading to positive reviews and repeat bookings. With meticulous attention to cleanliness and maintenance, property owners can trust that their investments are well-cared for, enhancing their peace of mind.
Our high cleanliness standards are always a top priority. We want the guests at your property to feel at ease from the moment they walk through the door and, to us, a clean, well-maintained property is vital for that all-important first impression.
4. Financial Implications
We travel to the lakes several times a year and always use Lakeland Retreats when we can, their accommodation has always been well priced in good locations and excellent condition. They have always been responsive of any requests we have. – Adrian Webb
Are there any financial implications or hidden fees associated with changing letting agents, such as contract termination fees or additional charges for services?
While we can’t foresee any fees your current agent may issue for leaving, we generally find that, if you’re coming to the end of your contract, there shouldn’t be any associated fees for leaving.
Ultimately, transparency in pricing cultivates positive relationships between property owners, holidaymakers, and your letting agent, contributing to your long-term success in the holiday rental market.
That’s why all our pricing is completely transparent, with no hidden costs or charges.
5. Booking Process
Easy to book a property. Good website to use to view properties and gives you plenty of information about each property. Great communication in regards to our booking. I would be very happy to book with this company again. – Claire Woods
Will there be any disruptions or complications in the booking process during the transition period, leading to missed bookings or double bookings?
We’ll import any existing bookings into our system to minimise the risk of double bookings or lost reservations, ensuring a smooth transition for both property owners and holidaymakers.
By working with your existing agent, we can also take over the management of the cleaning and changeovers at any point during the transition period, meaning there should be a seamless switchover for you and your guests.
6. Marketing Reach
I’ve used Lakeland Retreats for the last three years and everything has operated smoothly. Great choice of properties and a website presence that’s easy to use and search. My go to Lakes property company. – Ian Schuster
Will your new letting agent effectively market your holiday home to attract bookings and maximise occupancy rates, especially if the previous agent had a strong marketing presence?
Being a local business, we have on-hand knowledge of the area other agents struggle to unearth. We provide personalised recommendations, insider tips, and exceptional customer service, enhancing the overall guest experience and increasing the property’s appeal.
We leverage our intimate knowledge and understanding of the local market and attractions, crafting targeted marketing strategies that resonate with potential holidaymakers, and highlighting the unique features and experiences the area offers, ultimately leading to increased bookings and long-term success in the holiday rental market.
7. Tenant Relationships
As a company, I cannot recommend Lakeland Retreats highly enough and will endeavour to use them again for our next visit. Many thanks. – Brendan Barrow
How will you maintain a positive relationship with previous guests during the transition to a new letting agent, including concerns about continuity of service and any changes in rental terms or policies?
When changing agents, we can take a list of previous guests and directly contact them to inform them of where to book when they come to plan a trip to your property again.
Based on your needs we can offer incentives for re-booking to ensure you keep as many of your repeat bookers as possible with little interruption in their holiday booking routine.
Once listed with us, we hope you and your guests notice an improvement in service, cleanliness, and maintenance from your previous agent’s offering, leading to more repeat bookings in the long run.
So, where do I start when changing letting agent?
What do I need to do?
- Simply hand in your notice to your current agent.
- When you confirm you’re coming on with us we start marketing the property at the earliest feasible date.
- We’ll start taking bookings from after your last notice day with your current agent.
What about my existing bookings?
If you have forward bookings, that’s fine!
We are happy to work alongside your current agent so you and your guests aren’t inconvenienced by the changeover.
We can provide a full management service for these bookings so everything will be taken care of.
If you’d like to know more about letting your property, check out the owner FAQ’s
Interested in letting with us?
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Whether you’re looking for your dream Lake District cottage, unhappy with your current letting agency, or you’re looking for holiday investment properties in the Lake District we can help.
If there’s anything you’d like to know that we haven’t covered below, please let us know.