Information for Owners

What Do We Do?

We are marketing specialists with the declared objective of helping maximise the rental of high quality self-catering accommation in the Cotswolds - both in terms of the actual weeks let and the income generated - for the least outlay.

In the past we have been commissioned by both national and regional tourist boards to help promote tourism and, in particular, places to stay.

As cottage owners ourselves we are aware of the difficult conditions the market is currently experiencing and we would like to use our marketing expertise to help others.

In a challenging market environment it becomes increasingly difficult for an agency to justify high commission rates, or the preclusion of the key letting weeks throughout the year, especially if their success rate falls short of their targets.

For that reason we do not force you to assign set periods across to us and nor do we allow our commission to impact on the amount paid over to you to drop below what you could achieve yourself.

It may be that you manage the letting of your property yourself, or perhaps you have assigned responsibility to a lettings agency. Whichever the Perfect Cottage is not intended to replace your current lettings programme, rather to augment it and to help you maximise the number of weeks your property is let.

Crucially, should you choose to 'trial' us you are under no contractual obligation to The Perfect Cottage.

How Can We Do This?

It is generally accepted that quality property will always fetch a premium price. At the Perfect Cottage we strive for perfection and have introduced a stringent set of criteria which our customers will come to expect when booking and as such, we believe we can charge a premium price for.

Prior to taking any property onto our books we will inspect it personally and run through our checklist with you. It may be that you already fulfil the requirements but in other cases we would ask that we can manage the check-in and check-out procedures ourselves for the weeks booked by the Perfect Cottage.

Why Are We Different From Other Companies?

Achieving the target number of weeks for each property on its books can be difficult for even the most established agent, but at the Perfect Cottage, based on our own experience, we have developed a system whereby we can constantly monitor individual cottages and should there be a shortfall at any stage we can direct part of our ongoing marketing campaign specifically to that property.

We do not charge exorbitant fees, and what's more they are linked to our performance. You are allowed to continue with your own bookings (although obviously it is both our interests if you let us know as soon as you make a booking yourself).

Is My Property Suitable?

We aim to give our customers the best possible holiday or short stay, for which both the property and its location play a crucial part.

We are obviously interested in those properties that already attain high star ratings in the National Tourist Board Grading Scheme, but we are also keen to promote those cottages that could, with help, come close to perfection.

As you will see from our website, the perfect stay is not just about the accommodation – although this is the main reason for clients booking – it is also about the location, things to see and do and the overall holiday experience. Via our site we strive to pull together all the information that a client would need to create the perfect break, whether just for the weekend or for longer.

Why Should I Advertise With ThePerfectCottage?

We are local to your area, with a strong local knowledge. Because our business is centred both in and on the Cotswolds we can focus our marketing expertise on your area.

Unlike many other websites operating in the area we do not just list you; we are committed to marketing your property, in a similar way to established agencies. But unlike them we do not hit you with exhorbitant costs to secure tour bookings: our terms are clear, simple and for your benefit.

Most established letting agencies use a mix of electronic and printed media, but will readily admit that up to 70% of their bookings come via the internet. Our booking system is entirely web based (although we do have a dedicated office support) and as such can keep our costs to a minimum, passing these savings on to you.

What If I Am Already Committed To A Lettings Agency?

As far as we are concerned, this is not a problem – you can take this opportunity to 'trial' our site. We will undertake to display your property on our site, free of charge, for a period of up to six months. During this period should we receive any enquiries for your property, we will simply refer them through to your agency and notify you we have done so. At the end of this time you can decide if you would like to continue with us or remain where you are.

What Is There To Lose?

Nothing really. As we see it, this is really a win, win for you the cottage owner.