The 5-Star Host Kit
More revenue per booking. Less typing. A simpler way to host.
The messages, signs, systems and real numbers behind our lake house cabin rental (works for any place you host), in one kit for Airbnb and VRBO hosts.
On my list? Use code HOST19 at checkout for $19.
The short story
For 7 years we’ve hosted our lake house cabin rental on Airbnb and VRBO, and we’ve never filed a damage claim. Not once. That’s not luck (well, maybe a little). It’s a pile of small systems: the messages we send, the signs we put up, how we find and keep a cleaner, what we charge and how we choose guests.
For years, when another host asked how we do it, my answer was “uh, it’s in my phone somewhere.” So I finally wrote it all down. It’s not theory. Take what works, change what doesn’t.
What’s inside
| 01 | Income and Fees Playbook The 9th-guest tip, our $150 pet fee, why our cleaning fee is $198, RV requests and a comps check. Early check-in is a free goodwill bonus when guests ask and we can make it work |
$29 |
| 02 | Direct-Booking Guide How we take private bookings and skip the fees: payment schedule, deposit and cancellation terms |
$19 |
| 03 | Direct Booking Invoice & Agreement A fill-in Word template, ready to send for those direct bookings |
$19 |
| 04 | Money-Saving Hacks What we buy, where and how we cut costs, plus a simple savings tracker |
$15 |
| 05 | AI for Hosts Copy-and-paste prompts for guest replies and listing text. If you can use an iPhone, you can use AI! |
$15 |
| 06 | The Message Vault 22 fill-in-the-blank guest messages with “when to send” notes, starting with the review magnet |
$24 |
| 07 | Guest Screening Friendly questions, red flags and our deposit approach to help avoid guest headaches |
$15 |
| 08 | The Cleaner System Hiring ad, scheduling, pay, invoice, consumables checklist and handyman roster |
$29 |
| 09 | Printable Signs 10 print-ready signs plus wording and placement notes: septic, BBQ, Wi-Fi, towels, quiet hours, checkout and more |
$19 |
| 10 | Guidebook Template Fill-in wording for a digital guest guidebook |
$15 |
| 11 | Spreadsheets Profit & Booking Tracker and Upgrade Payback Calculator (Excel) |
$29 |
| 12 | Upgrades and Photos Hot tub payback math, upgrade ideas and photo tips |
$10 |
| Total suggested value | $238 | |
| Your price | $29 | |
Suggested values are our own estimate of what each piece is worth to a host. The pieces aren’t sold separately.
And that’s just the value of what’s in here. Put it to work and it could save you money and earn you 20–40% more a year (or more) through lower costs and more bookings, which isn’t counted above.*
*Results vary. That’s our experience, not a promise.
What’s in your download
- The 5-Star Host Kit PDF guide (sections 00 to 11)
- Host Kit Trackers spreadsheet (opens in Excel or Google Sheets)
- Direct Booking Invoice & Agreement (editable Word docx)
- Printable signs (10 print-ready files, plus wording and placement notes)
- Start Here (a one-page quick start)
Real numbers, not guesses: our $198 cleaning fee (and why it’s under $200), the $50 a night we charge for the 9th guest, our $150 pet fee, and the ~$300 deposit we use for direct bookings.
A sample: the message we send first
I hope you had a great stay in our home and beautiful [your area]. Have a great rest of your [season]!
All the best,
[Your name]
Why it works: you’ve just told them they’re getting a great review, so most people want to return the favour. It’s a nudge for that 5 star review. That’s 1 of 22 messages in the Message Vault.
$238 suggested value
$29 USD
Instant download. PDF, spreadsheet, Word template and printable signs.
On my list? Use code HOST19 at checkout for $10 off ($19 until November 15).
If it’s not useful, email me within 14 days for a refund.
Who it’s for
- New hosts who want a system from day one instead of learning the hard way.
- Hosts running a place remotely, a drive or a flight away, who need the cleaner and handyman side sorted.
- Hosts who are tired of typing the same reply at 11 PM.
- Hosts who want more direct bookings and less reliance on one platform.
Who it’s not for
- Big portfolios with a full ops team. This is one host’s playbook for one property, and it’s honest about that.
- Anyone after a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s checklists and spreadsheets, sorry.
FAQ
Is this for Airbnb or VRBO?
Both. We use the same messages, signs and systems on each, and the direct-booking pieces work for your own website.
Do I need to be good with tech?
No. Everything is fill-in-the-blank. The spreadsheets work in Excel or Google Sheets, and the invoice works in Word or Google Docs.
Will your numbers match mine?
Probably not, and that’s fine. They’re from one lake house cabin rental. Use them as a starting point, then put your own numbers into the spreadsheets.
How do I get it?
Instant download after checkout: a zip with the PDF guide, the trackers spreadsheet, the invoice & agreement, printable signs and a Start Here file.
What if it doesn’t help?
If it’s not useful, email me within 14 days for a refund.
Want a second set of eyes on your place?
I do a few 45-minute host calls over Google Meet for $79. Bring your listing, your pricing or the thing that’s driving you nuts, and we’ll go through it together. Book a time here: https://calendar.app.google/Vx8CKCnhgv2Dg9F36.
Get the 5-Star Host Kit for $29
On my list? Use code HOST19 for $19 until November 15. If it’s not useful, email me within 14 days for a refund.
Richer Rental is not affiliated with Airbnb or VRBO. This kit is general information based on one host’s experience. It’s not legal, tax or insurance advice, so check your local rules.