Sticking to Your Guns: Holiday Let Owners Debate Dog Fees
In the world of holiday rentals, pleasing guests is a priority. However, it’s crucial for owners to remember that their properties are also their livelihoods. Recently, a lively discussion erupted among holiday let owners over whether to waive a dog fee for a couple booking a three-bedroom cottage but only planning to use one room.
The original poster, a seasoned host, explained how they felt obliged to accommodate guests but also valued their time and effort. Many owners chimed in with similar experiences, emphasising the importance of enforcing set rules and fees.
Several key points emerged from the conversation:
- The dog fee covers additional cleaning: Most owners agreed that the fee is justified due to the extra cleaning required after a dog’s stay, regardless of how many rooms are used. Dogs shed fur, track in dirt, and can leave odours, all of which necessitate thorough cleaning.
- Don’t conflate issues: Some suggested decoupling the dog fee from the occupancy rate. If owners want to offer a discount for reduced occupancy, that’s their choice, but it shouldn’t affect the dog fee.
- Enforce your rules: Many hosts stressed the importance of upholding established policies to avoid setting a precedent and potentially facing similar requests in the future.
While some argued for waiving the fee as a gesture of goodwill, the majority felt it was important to stick to the rules. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by holiday let owners in balancing customer satisfaction with protecting their business interests.
In the end, the decision of whether to waive a dog fee remains with the individual owner. However, the experiences shared by others in this discussion offer valuable insights and food for thought for anyone navigating similar situations.
The takeaway? Be kind to your guests, but be kind to yourself, too. Know your worth and don’t be afraid to uphold your policies. After all, a successful holiday let business depends on happy guests and a happy owner.
