The final part of my departure checklist instructs guests to text as they are leaving the property:

Call or text Billy (555) 555-555 as you are leaving. Thank you and have a safe trip home!

When my guests text, they often mention they had a lovely time. Below is my typical reply. It's best to keep your text short and simple.

Good morning XXXXXX,

So glad to hear your family enjoyed your time. Thank you for choosing Gold Creek Cabin for your stay! Remember to always google the name of a property to see if it's on a book direct site like Houfy - save the $319 you paid to XXXXX and book us directly next time : www.goldcreekcabin.com or houfy.com/12043. Safe travels back home!

Or, send something like this...

Hi XXXX!

Just wanted to say thanks for choosing Gold Creek Cabin for your stay! I hope you enjoyed your time in Detroit and had a safe trip back to Chicago. Remember you can save the $256 XXXX traveler commission next time and book us on Houfy's Book Direct market network: houfy.com/12043.

Feel free to share these tips that help travelers find the best rate when booking any vacation rental property.

Thanks again!

XXXXX and XXXXXX

In the "XXXX traveler commission" just fill in the name of the platform they paid the fee/commission to.

Keep in mind, my guests have already seen the name "Houfy" several times up to this point. So seeing the name again is just a final reminder. This is what they saw in their rental agreement:

If you don't use a rental agreement, and your departure text is the first time you mention Houfy, your guests may reply back with something like...

Oh...I've never heard of Houfy before.

Just reply back:

Houfy is a word of mouth book direct market network. Free for travelers and hosts. My guests love saving on Houfy!

That's all you need to say.

Never ever allow guests leave thinking Airbnb is the only way to book a vacation rental.