5 Steps to Make Guest Check-Ins Smooth
Why a Smooth Check-in is Vital
There’s nothing that sets the tone of a vacation for guests more than their first impression: the check-in process. Disastrous check-ins can start off a trip on a sour note, one that’s often difficult for guests to recover from, and may cloud their judgment when it comes time to leave a review for your property.
Even if you already believe that your check-in and check-out procedures are foolproof and easily-followed, there’s always room for improvement. In this blog, we’ll outline 5 steps to aid homeowners in creating a smooth and simple guest check-in experience to set a great tone for the rest of their stay.
Step 1: Don’t Overcomplicate the Check-In Process
First and foremost, a smooth guest check-in starts with simplicity. Having a long and overcomplicated check-in and guest welcome process might serve you well as a homeowner, but it can cause nothing but headaches and pain points for guests, leading to a botched first impression of you and your property.
Instead, look for ways to streamline the whole process, such as simplifying your check-in instructions or making things easy by allowing guests to check themselves into the property. Not only can simplifying your guest check-in lead to happier, more satisfied guests, but it will also cut down on the time you need to dedicate to check-ins, freeing you up to handle more important matters.
Step 2: Utilize Smart Locks for Easy Self Check-In
We’ve expounded on the utility of smart locks on this blog before, but it bears repeating that these small pieces of technology can be a game changer for your check-in process. The short-term rental industry adapts with the times, and these days, most guests will expect to be able to access their accommodations without needing to meet the host in-person. That’s where smart locks come in. These digital locks can be accessed in a variety of ways, including via keycard, code, or even a smartphone Bluetooth connection, making it simpler than ever for guests to enter their accommodations without the hassle of a key exchange. Digital locks can also cut down on the number of key replacements needed, saving owners both time and money.
When you’re looking for ways to streamline your guest check-in process, installing a digital lock is a quick and easy investment that can pay off big time.
Step 3: Make Your Instructions as Clear and Concise as Possible
Before a guest arrives at your property, they’ll need a rundown of the check-in process in order to access their accommodations. While you’re writing your check-in instructions, be sure to be as clear and concise as humanly possible. Most people aren’t going to read endless paragraphs of text going over every tiny detail of the process, so try to keep it short and sweet while still relaying the necessary information.
If you can create a relatively short 3 or 5-step guide that gives guests all the information they need to access the property, you’ll find that guests will be much more compliant than if you’d thrown mountains of information their way.
Step 4: Have Someone Nearby In Case Guests Need Help
Checking into accommodations can be a stressful process for guests. If things go wrong, they might be in an unfamiliar place without anywhere to stay, so it’s important to ensure that things go well and that guests have someone to turn to if the whole situation goes off the rails.
That’s why it’s a smart idea to have a contact in the area who you can rely on to aid with guest problems. Whether it’s just a friendly neighbor or a contact from your property manager, you’ll have more peace of mind as an owner with someone helpful nearby, and your guests will thank you for your forethought when issues arise. These types of people can also be useful when it comes to making sure your property is in good shape and that guests aren’t breaking the rules by throwing parties or destroying anything.
Step 5: Let a Friend Run Through the Check-In Process to Suggest Areas of Improvement
Our final step for smooth guest check-ins is to have a trusted friend (who is hopefully unfamiliar with the property and the ways to access it) run through your check-in process to gauge just how difficult it will be for prospective guests to complete.
This strategy helps you locate potential snags or pain points that might give guests the wrong first impression and find better solutions to problems that will inevitably arise. It also gives you insight into what it’s like to be on the other side of the transaction. Choose a friend who won’t hold back their true feelings or criticisms so that you can make all of the improvements necessary to keep your guests happy.
More Ways to Enhance Guest Experience
Perfecting guest check-ins is an ever-changing artform, especially with all of the advances in technology that are constantly making life easier for hosts and guests alike. By following this 5-step process, you’ll be able to ensure that guests check into property with the least amount of hassle possible, which can pay off big time when guests leave reviews.
Searching for a few more ways to enhance guest experience at your vacation rental? Check out five ways to boost your guest experience or our guide to creating unforgettable Airbnb Experiences.