Press Advertising

[Mike,Chislehurst]

Has anyone had any success advertising villa rentals in the press. Trying to fill some gaps early and late season for next year. Any help appreciated, thanks

[e-richard]

Press advertising is very expensive typically.

Have you thought of ebay ? I know others who have done this for last minute bookings. You can put a sensible reserve on the price - or even offer But-it-now only.

But, finally, isn't it a bit early to be panicking about next year's late season ?

[tricky]

Hi Mike

When we first starting letting, I used local press to build up my database as well as cvo.com, and had some sucess. Now just do e-mails to enquirers and rely on repeat bookings and cvo.com. Have to say though in response to Richard saying its a bit early to start worrying about 2007, I usually have a lot more bookings at this time for the next year than I have at the moment. Its been especially quiet from cvo.com

Tricky

[tbbr]

I think that the reduce level of advanced bookings is general, it may have something to do with the unavailability of summer flights, easyjet etc.
We have had a number of enquiries but they always seem to be looking for a special deal for august.
We have no problems with high season bookings so do not see the need to discount so far in advance.

[Mike,Chislehurst]

Thanks for all the replies. Up until now and since we bought the villa in 2001 we have relied on friends and family to fill it and this is still the case including 2007. The reason for advertising is to try and boost the rentals during the off season to off set the extra costs that will be inflicted by the camara for the villa license and the probable modifications required ie go all electric! By the way if anyone wants a web site for their villa similar to the one we now have, pm me.