Ever thought about offering an Airbnb military discount? If not, it’s high time you did. Not only is it a fantastic way to honor our brave service members, but it also adds a unique selling point to your listing. In this blog post, we’re going to march you through the ins and outs of offering Airbnb military discounts as a host.

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Understanding the Airbnb Military Discount

Military discounts are special reductions in price offered to active duty military personnel, veterans, and sometimes their immediate families as a way of showing gratitude for their service. These discounts can apply to a wide range of products and services, from retail purchases to travel accommodations, including short-term rentals.

So, what exactly is a military discount? It’s a specific percentage off the regular price or a fixed amount deducted from the total cost. The discount amount can vary greatly depending on the business offering it. Some businesses offer a modest 10% discount, while others may go as high as 50% or more.

In the context of short-term rentals, a military discount would mean that hosts choose to offer a lower rate to guests who are serving or have served in the military. This could be a percentage off the nightly rate or a fixed amount off the total stay.

The significance of military discounts to service members cannot be overstated. Not only do these discounts help to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with being in the military, but they also serve as a tangible token of appreciation for their service and sacrifice.

Moreover, for many service members, these discounts can make the difference between being able to afford a vacation or not. This means that by offering a military discount, you a a host, can directly contribute to creating memorable experiences for those who serve our country.

Remember, while offering military discounts is not mandatory, doing so can set your listing apart and attract a dedicated segment of guests who will appreciate your support. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in your hosting journey.

Airbnb and Military Discounts

Currently, the Airbnb platform does not offer an official military discount,

This means that there is no blanket policy across the platform that provides a discount to military personnel. However, it’s essential to note that Airbnb’s model gives individual hosts the discretion to set their own policies and prices.

Some Airbnb hosts choose to offer military discounts on their own accord. For example, it’s not uncommon for short-term rental hosts to offer a 10% discount off the nightly rate for military members. This decision is entirely up to the host and is not mandated or regulated by Airbnb.

The lack of an official military discount does not mean that savings are impossible. However, this largely depends on the host and the specific listing.

In terms of inquiries, it’s perfectly okay for a guest to inquire about a military discount. If this is something you wish to offer, it doesn’t hurt to mention it in your listing. 

While Airbnb as a platform does not offer a blanket military discount, the flexibility it offers to hosts means that discounts for military personnel are still possible and can vary widely from one listing to another.

Benefits of Offering an Airbnb Military Discount as a Host

Offering a military discount as an Airbnb host can have several benefits that go beyond simply filling your rental. 

Let’s look at some of them:

Attracting a Broader Customer Base

By offering a military discount, you open your listing to a wider audience. There are thousands of active-duty military personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families worldwide who could potentially be interested in your listing. 

Many of these individuals actively seek out businesses that offer military discounts, meaning your listing could stand out amongst the thousands of others on Airbnb. This could lead to a significant increase in visibility and interest in your property.

Potential for Increased Bookings and Revenue

With increased visibility comes the potential for more bookings. Military personnel often travel for leave or relocation, and a military discount could make your listing a more attractive option.

More bookings mean more revenue, making this a potentially profitable strategy. Additionally, military personnel often have predictable leave periods, which could help you fill your rental during off-peak seasons.

Foster Goodwill and Positive Reviews

Offering a military discount is a tangible way of showing appreciation for the service and sacrifice of military personnel and their families. This act of goodwill does not go unnoticed. 

Guests appreciate hosts who make an extra effort to acknowledge their service, which can lead to positive reviews for your listing. These reviews can boost your reputation, attract more guests, and potentially allow you to charge higher rates in the future.

How to Implement a Military Discount for Your Airbnb Listing

Once you’ve decided to offer a military discount for your listing, there are a few steps to take to implement it effectively. 

Let’s go through them:

Deciding on the Amount or Percentage of the Discount

The first step is to decide how much of a discount you want to offer. This can be a flat rate off the total price or a percentage reduction. Keep in mind that the objective is to attract more bookings while still maintaining profitability.

While there’s no standard discount amount, many businesses offer between 10% and 25%. However, the discount you choose to provide should align with your financial goals and the value you believe this gesture brings to your listing. It’s crucial to strike a balance that provides value to the military personnel booking your listing without negatively impacting your bottom line.

Communicating the Availability of the Discount in Your Listing Description

After deciding on the amount, the next step is to make potential guests aware of the discount. The most effective way to do this is by clearly stating it in your listing description. Make sure to highlight the availability of a military discount in a prominent place so that it’s easily noticeable.

You could say something like, “We proudly offer an X% discount to active duty military personnel, veterans, and their families as our way of saying thank you for your service.” This not only communicates the availability of the discount but also the appreciation behind it.

Verification Process for Military Service

Verification of military service can be a sensitive topic, but it’s necessary to ensure the discount is applied appropriately. There are a few ways you can approach this.

One option is to ask guests to provide some proof of their military status during the booking process. This could be a military ID, a Veterans Identification Card, or any other document that proves military service. It’s important to handle this process respectfully and privately to maintain trust with your guests.

Another method is to use a verification service like ID.me or SheerID. These services verify military status and can provide the guest with a unique code to use when booking.

Final Thoughts

In the vast sea of listings, standing out requires a unique approach and a touch of creativity. Offering a military discount is one such strategy that not only differentiates your listing but also pays tribute to the brave individuals who serve our nation.

From attracting a broader customer base to potentially increasing your bookings and fostering goodwill, the benefits of this initiative are manifold. Remember, the key lies in striking a balance between the discount offered and your profitability, communicating the availability of the discount effectively, and ensuring a respectful verification process.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!