Create a menu of premium check-in/check-out options to generate additional revenue with minimal effort.
Bundle services like airport transport and a stocked fridge to increase booking appeal.
Use guest feedback to refine upsells and ensure they add genuine value.
Creating ways to make your guests’ stay memorable in your Airbnb improves their experience, which is better for everyone. Coming up with add-on services or upsells for your Airbnb is also a great way to get more profit from each of your customers.
Some may think of upselling as sleazy or having a negative connotation. It doesn’t have to feel cheap or annoying, though. There are creative ways to come up with new upsells that will attract and delight your guests, leading to better experiences and positive reviews.
What’s important is choosing the right upsells that bring real value to your Airbnb customers, and presenting them in a way that doesn’t feel like you’re trying to get every last dollar out of each guest.
Let’s explore creative ways to increase your Airbnb profits through upselling.
First off, let's define what upselling is. Simply put, upselling is a sales technique that encourages customers to pay extra for additional services or benefits that will improve their overall experience. For Airbnb hosts, this means offering thoughtful add-ons that guests will find valuable enough to purchase.
The goal of Airbnb upselling strategies is to offer guests add-ons that will enhance their stay while generating additional revenue. You want these upsells to bring genuine value so that guests are happy to pay for these extras. The best upselling strategies significantly impact a guest's experience and create even fonder memories of their stay.
You may have heard upselling and cross-selling used interchangeably. While they're similar, they are actually different sales techniques. Cross-selling involves selling additional products that complement a purchase, while upselling persuades your customers to pay for a better or upgraded version of something they've already decided to buy. Both can be effective Airbnb marketing strategies.
Manage short-term rentals & bookings, message guests, take payment, and so much more. All in one easy-to-use platform (that never double-books).
For Airbnb guests i.e. travelers, coordinating check-ins and check-outs can be a headache. Making this process easy for them is one way to improve their experience from the start.
Killing time waiting for your Airbnb to be available is an awful experience for travelers. Simply offering the option to pay a little extra for flexible check-in or check-out times dramatically improves the guest experience. It's one of the easiest and most appreciated upselling strategies for Airbnb hosts, requiring minimal effort while solving a real pain point for guests.
Figuring out logistics while traveling can be stressful. Figuring out where to go and how to get from point A to point B can be overwhelming. It's' a problem many travelers would prefer not to have.
Offering transportation as a service for your customers can be a nice solution that many guests will gladly pay for. Having it as a simple add-on with their booking is a no-brainer for many travelers looking to get from the airport to their Airbnb. It's also a nice personal touch that will improve their overall experience.
If the logistics don't work for you to personally drive them to and from the airport, consider partnering with a local transportation company that can offer reliable rides. By sending your guests an affiliate link, you can receive a commission from each booking. Just make sure to follow Airbnb's policies on third-party services and be transparent about any arrangements.
Another option would be to rent out your vehicle if it's available during their stay. Many guests appreciate having a car available without dealing with rental companies. Make sure to check your insurance policy and any local laws before offering this service, as proper coverage and compliance are essential for this type of Airbnb upselling.
Another way to enhance your guests' experience and increase Airbnb revenue is to offer sports or rental equipment for them to use. Depending on your location, you can provide equipment that adds a fun element to their staywhile saving them the hassle of bringing their own or renting elsewhere. Here's a list of popular equipment rental ideas:
Bikes
Kayaks
Beach toys
Tennis equipment
Snow gear
Swimming gear
A pro tip for successful Airbnb upselling: keep your equipment rental prices lower than local shops in the area. Being transparent about pricing and offering better value makes the decision easy for your guests. They'll happily pay to use equipment that's already on site, especially when they know they're getting a good deal compared to local alternatives.
Similar to renting out equipment, you can partner with local companies offering full-blown experiences in your area. Experiences like scenic tours, cooking classes, horseback riding, rock climbing, and wine tastings are all excellent Airbnb host tips for creating memorable stays. Stay compliant with Airbnb's policies by clearly disclosing any partnerships or commissions you receive.
You can also become an Airbnb Experiences host yourself, creating and leading unique activities that showcase your expertise or local knowledge. Whether it's a neighborhood food tour, a photography workshop, or a guided hike to hidden spots, hosting your own experiences allows you to directly monetize your skills while controlling the quality of what your guests receive. Airbnb makes this easy through their Experiences platform, and it's a fantastic way to diversify your hosting income.
There are countless experiences you can recommend to increase the fun for your Airbnb visitors. By partnering with local companies, you can earn a percentage of all sales made from your guests while helping them discover authentic local activities they might otherwise miss. This creates a win-win situation: guests get curated experiences, and you generate additional income.
Many travelers arrive tired and hungry. The last thing many want to do is go shopping for food and drinks. Providing an option to include a fully stocked pantry with all of your guests' predetermined favorites is a great Airbnb upselling strategy.
Another option is to stock the pantry and tell guests to help themselves and have them pay for the items they want. This is an easy way to provide the service without them having to make the choice up front. Just be sure to clearly list prices and avoid hidden fees to maintain transparency with your guests.
For mid to long-term stays, pantry stocking becomes an even more valuable upsell. Consider creating tiered grocery packages—basic essentials for week-long stays or comprehensive monthly provisions for extended guests. Extended-stay guests tend to pay more on convenience services than short-term visitors. Customize your offerings based on stay duration; perhaps include weekly fresh produce deliveries or local specialty items that guests can't easily transport themselves. This targeted approach increases your revenue and is a significant help to guests who are essentially making your property their temporary home.
Travelers often arrive at different times and sometimes need to be out and about before or after their stay at your Airbnb. This leaves them forced to pay for a storage locker somewhere that isn't convenient. Offering to store your guests' luggage outside of their booking period is an easy upsell that solves a real problem and demonstrates your commitment to their overall travel experience, not just their time in your property.
Arriving at your destination after a long journey can be exhausting. Offering premium welcome packages with local specialties, artisanal treats, or a bottle of wine creates an immediate positive impression. You can customize these packages based on guest preferences—perhaps a family-friendly option with local snacks and activities for kids, or a romantic package with champagne and chocolates for couples. According to top hosts, these personalized touches often receive specific mention in five-star reviews. Rather than charging for basic necessities (which should be complimentary), this upsell focuses on creating a memorable first impression that guests are happy to pay extra for.
Implementing upsells effectively can boost your listing’s booking value. Start by gathering data about your typical guests’ needs—families often appreciate early check-ins while adventure-seekers love access to rental gear.
Next, create a simple menu of add-on services, such as airport pickups or mid-stay cleaning, so guests can choose what resonates with them.
Automate your offer placements via digital guidebooks or upsell dashboards to keep the process smooth and timely. With Uplisting, you can schedule an automated message that communicates add-on options to arrive in guest email inboxes at a set interval before their stay.
Make sure to price your extras fairly. Offering guests genuine value is key to encouraging positive reviews. Finally, keep track of feedback and adjust your upsells based on what guests actually use and appreciate.
Navigating Airbnb's evolving policies and local regulations is easier when you keep everything aboveboard. The updated Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policies require hosts to list all extra fees clearly on Airbnb's platform, reducing the risk of hidden charges.
There's never been a better time to implement upselling strategies, as Airbnb has recently rolled out their official "Airbnb Services" feature . This new system allows hosts to advertise and receive payment for add-on services directly through the Airbnb platform. Hosts can now offer services like airport pickups, guided tours, and equipment rentals with seamless payment processing built right into the booking experience.
This eliminates previous concerns about off-platform transactions while giving your upsells greater legitimacy. With Airbnb actively promoting these service options to guests, properties that offer thoughtful, properly insured upsells may receive preferential visibility in search results.
Local laws may still require permits or restrict certain amenities, so double-check what's allowed in your region before offering add-ons. Keep in mind that many upselling options—especially those involving transportation, equipment rentals, or physical activities—come with additional liability concerns. Be sure to secure appropriate insurance coverage for any service that could potentially result in guest injury or property damage. Standard host protection policies often don't cover add-on activities like bike rentals or guided hikes.
Hosting responsibly builds trust with both guests and local authorities, fostering a more sustainable and profitable rental business. If you're unsure about any specifics, consult local guidelines or speak with seasoned peers on active Airbnb host forums who have navigated these regulations successfully.
Guests respond best to upsells that feel genuinely helpful, not pushy. Timing is crucial: many hosts see higher conversion rates when they offer add-ons just after the reservation is made or a few days before arrival.
Personalizing these offers—like suggesting beach gear for families or a couples’ wine-tasting package—boosts your chances of success. A friendly tone, open communication, and transparent pricing reassure guests that you’re looking out for their interests.
Emphasize the convenience factor. For instance, pre-stocking the Airbnb with local foods saves guests valuable vacation time while showcasing regional specialties they might otherwise miss. As the host, you already know the best vendors and hidden gems to source these goods from—insider knowledge that most travelers simply don't have. Always ask for feedback so you can refine your upsell strategy based on real guest experiences.
It’s simple to automate repetitive tasks with Uplisting's short-term rental software. You’ll save hours every week and eliminate human error. Go ahead — take some time off.
At the end of the day, effective Airbnb upselling strategies put more money in your pocket while enhancing the guest experience. If you're looking to grow your revenue from your short-term rental business, thoughtful upselling is a proven approach. Offering relevant services to every guest is one way to increase your annual profits without raising your base nightly rate.
Offering your guests add-on services creates a better experience for them overall. Their enjoyment leads to a better time spent in your Airbnb, which naturally results in more positive reviews. Properties with thoughtful upselling options tend to receive higher ratings for 'value' and 'host communication,' two critical categories for Airbnb success.
A better Airbnb experience leads to positive reviews which directly translates to more bookings. Just as travelers value positive reviews when browsing rental homes in your area, they will also favor listings that offer more options and add-ons over properties with only basic amenities. Your upselling strategies can become a competitive advantage that helps your listing stand out in a crowded marketplace.
We've shown you that there are numerous Airbnb upselling strategies to implement for your property. Choose the ones that align with your property type, location, and target guests. Remember to stay compliant with Airbnb's policies and maintain transparency with your pricing. Guests appreciate clear communication about any additional costs.
Effective Airbnb upselling is a win-win approach that benefits both you and your guests. Get creative with your offerings, implement them thoughtfully, and watch your rental income grow while your guests enjoy an improved stay experience. Ready to take your hosting to the next level? Level up your rental home with Uplisting's powerful tools designed specifically for successful hosts.
With a reliable VRM solution you can trust, Uplisting can help you grow your business without wasting time on double bookings, unhappy guests, upset clients and worrying what could go wrong next.
Focus on offering timely, relevant add-ons that solve real traveler needs, such as flexible check-ins or fully stocked groceries. Present these options in a clear, straightforward way—ideally right when a guest books or just before they arrive. Consider using digital dashboards or guidebooks for easy upsell management. Reviewing guest feedback on upsells regularly helps you refine your approach. Ultimately, the best upsells feel supportive rather than pushy.
The 80/20 rule states that 80% of your rental success often comes from just 20% of your strategies. For Airbnb hosts, this could mean focusing on a small set of effective amenities like extra cleaning or flexible check-in times that drive the most bookings. By pinpointing the few high-impact actions and doubling down on them, you maximize results while minimizing wasted effort. Regularly reviewing your performance metrics is key to identifying these key drivers. It’s all about working smarter, not harder.
Begin by optimizing your listing with clear photos, concise descriptions, and straightforward pricing. Offer stand-out amenities like early check-in or private tours. Highlight unique selling points—like proximity to local hotspots or family-friendly extras—to draw the right audience. Guest reviews also play a big role, so focus on delivering experiences that earn positive feedback. With Uplisting's automated guest reviews, you can give feedback and prompt reciprocal reviews that quickly add to your total review count.
Offering targeted upsells and cross-sells that align with guest preferences is key. Bundle services, like airport transport plus a stocked fridge, to make bookings more appealing. Timing your offers during the post-booking or pre-arrival stage can increase uptake. Use pricing tools to ensure your listings remain competitive yet profitable. Never underestimate the power of responsive communication to close deals and encourage repeat business.
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