Maximizing Your Short-Term Rental Profitability: The Complete Guide
Running a profitable short-term rental isn't just about optimizing your nightly rate. It's about activating every revenue lever while keeping your costs under control. Here's the complete guide.
The Profitability Equation
Profitability = (Nightly Revenue + Additional Revenue) - Expenses
Most owners focus solely on nightly revenue. Additional services are another lever worth considering, and their results depend on your property, your offer and your guests.
1. Optimize Your Revenue per Night
Dynamic pricing
- High season: +30 to +50% vs. your base rate
- Local events: +50 to +100% (festivals, trade shows, games)
- Last minute: -10 to -20% to fill gaps in the calendar
- Extended stays: -5 to -15% to encourage longer bookings
Minimum stay length
In high season, require a 3-4 night minimum to reduce turnovers (and therefore cleaning costs and wear and tear).
2. Activate Additional Revenue Streams
Options you can offer your guests, at prices you set:
Local products for sale 24/7
100% of sales kept, minus SumUp fees
Paid schedule flexibility
Your price
Romantic, tasting, family...
Your price
Extra cleaning, transfers, grocery runs...
Your price
3. Keep Expenses Under Control
The line items to optimize:
- Cleaning: negotiate flat rates, optimize your minimum stay
- Linens: outsource to save time and improve quality
- Consumables: buy in bulk, portion carefully
- Energy: smart thermostats, occupancy sensors
4. How a Self-Service Shop Fits In
- • Your costs: a Jalunia subscription (from €9.99/month), your product purchases and SumUp's payment fee (1.69% per transaction)
- • Your sales: you set the prices and keep 100% of sales, minus SumUp fees. Jalunia takes 0% commission
- • Your results: they depend on your property, your products and your guests; there is no guaranteed amount