How to Collect Payment for Airbnb Upsells Like Early Check-In and Late Checkout

If you’ve been hosting for a while, you likely know there are plenty of opportunities to earn extra income beyond just your nightly rate. One of the simplest ways? Upsells—things like early check-in, late checkout, pet fees, special occasion decor, or even fridge stocking.

But once a guest says yes to an upsell… how do you actually collect payment?

That’s exactly what long-time host Melody asked us on this week’s Hosting Hotline. Let’s break it down.

What Counts as an Upsell?

An upsell is any revenue beyond your nightly rate. Some common examples:

• Early check-in or late checkout
• Pet fees (when not built into the reservation)
• Special occasion packages
• Pre-arrival grocery shopping
• Firewood bundles, s’mores kits, etc.

If a guest wants to add something to enhance their stay—big or small—it’s a chance to increase your revenue.

Should You Use Airbnb’s Resolution Center?

If the guest booked through Airbnb, yes—Airbnb’s Resolution Center is often the easiest option.

Why?

• Guests are already comfortable with the platform.
• Their payment method is already on file.
• You’ll avoid confusion around where the money is going.

Bonus: As of this recording, Airbnb doesn’t charge additional processing fees for using the Resolution Center. That could change, but for now, it’s a great option when you’re keeping things within the Airbnb system.

What About Guests Who Book Direct or Through Vrbo?

If your business spans multiple platforms (which we recommend), you’ll want a system that works outside Airbnb too. Some options include:

• Hostfully Guidebooks: Even if you don’t use their PMS, Hostfully’s guidebooks allow you to offer upsells and collect payment via Stripe.
• Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle: These are easy for one-off requests, especially if guests want to keep things low-key (e.g., surprising a travel companion).
• QuickBooks or Stripe Invoices: For hosts who like to keep things formal and trackable, sending an invoice works well.
• Your PMS (if supported): Some property management systems allow for upsell tracking and payment directly through the guest dashboard.

Our #1 Tip: Track Everything

Whatever system you use, make sure:

• You can send a clear payment request.
• You or your team can track that it’s been paid.
• Your bookkeeping reflects it so you can evaluate what’s working.

As your team grows, it’s easy to forget to charge for a pet or overlook a late checkout fee. Create a system now so you’re not leaving money on the table.

Bonus Tip: Make It Easy to Say “Yes”

Guidebooks, welcome messages, and pre-arrival emails are a great way to plant the seed about your upsells. We love using Hostfully’s Guidebook to list upsells guests can book in just a couple clicks.

Ready to Boost Revenue with Smart Pricing?

If you loved Melody’s question, you’ll love our next Priced & Profitable Bootcamp happening this May!
Get on the waitlist here: thanksforvisiting.com/bootcamp to double-check and dig deeper.

Have More Questions? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your hosting questions to the Hosting Hotline and tune in to the podcast for answers. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more tips: @thanksforvisiting_.

Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources:

• Proper Insurance | Book your FREE risk assessment today!
• Are you a brand-new host? | Get the Hosting Handbook today!
• Want to learn how to price your property? | Get on the Priced & Profitable Waitlist today!
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | 3 Genius Ways to Make Your Airbnb Stand Out & Get More Bookings!
• Try Hostfully Guidebooks