Reader questions
Frequently asked questions
Answers about the book, downloads, refunds, printables, and short-term rental hosting.
About the book
Frequently asked questions
What is The Guest Before The Rest?#
It is a digital hospitality guide for short-term rental hosts and owners, written by Valerie Balderson and Greg Hoover. The book covers the guest experience, property fit-up, supplies, turnover routines, and two working appendices used in our own rentals.
Who is the book for?#
New Airbnb hosts setting up a first rental, experienced owners whose reviews slip during busy turnovers, property managers who need a written standard for cleaners and co-hosts, and anyone moving from one property to several.
What format is the book delivered in?#
The book is delivered as a PDF. After checkout you receive a secure download link valid for 3 days, with up to three downloads permitted.
What is the difference between Appendix A and Appendix B?#
Appendix A is the guest-ready checklist and generic supplies list you can use in any property. Appendix B contains the per-guest quantities and the 100-point turnover sequence refined over 17 years of hosting.
Purchase & access
Frequently asked questions
How much does the book cost?#
The e-book is $47 CAD plus applicable taxes. It is a one-time purchase with no subscription.
How do I access my download after purchase?#
After Paddle confirms payment, you are redirected to a secure download page and a confirmation email is sent with the same link. The link stays active for 3 days.
What is the refund policy?#
Because the book is a digital product delivered immediately after purchase, all sales are final. Please review the book details, sample pages, and guides before buying.
Printables & complimentary guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the Appendix A checklist?#
It is a one-page printable checklist based on the 12 guest-ready principles in the book, plus a supplies shopping list. You can download it after entering your email.
How is the printable checklist different from the book?#
The checklist introduces the thinking and gives you a practical tool. The book goes further, with the decisions behind the fit-up, the quantities we use and the turnover routines we follow.
Are the guides on the site the same as the book?#
No. The guides explain key concepts in shorter form. The book ties everything together into one repeatable hospitality standard.
Hosting help
Frequently asked questions
Will this book help me get better Airbnb reviews?#
The book focuses on consistency and the guest experience, the two factors that produce five-star reviews and repeat guests. It is not a guarantee, but it is the standard the authors used for 17 years.
Does the book cover cleaning fees and turnover costs?#
Yes. The book explains how to think about cleaning fees versus real cleaning costs, and how to build a turnover routine that does not break down when you are busy.
Can I use this for a vacation rental that is not on Airbnb?#
Yes. The principles apply to any short-term rental platform, direct bookings, or property management operation.
Ready to read the full standard?
The complete e-book is delivered straight after checkout. Prefer to sample the thinking first? Read the hosting guides or download the printable Appendix A checklist.