UpClose Marketing FAQs

Why sign up?

You get FREE products. No catch! It saves you money on amenities, and guests love the extra touches.

How can you offer free products?

Brands allocate their marketing budgets in various ways, and product sampling is a powerful strategy. It's rare to create an environment where consumers can try a product in a relaxed, non-competitive setting—unlike crowded events where samples are handed out in a fast-paced, overwhelming environment. People are more willing to try something new on vacation, and guests are always surprised by the thoughtful amenities left for them. This creates a fondness toward both the brand and the host. It leaves a good impression, and marketing dollars are well spent for this type of product placement.

What if I manage listings or I co-host and am not the owner?

No problem! Just email us at info@upclosemktg.com so we can save you time and onboard the listings for you.

Do midterm rentals qualify?

Yes! Both short-term and midterm rentals qualify. You can specify if you allow one or both types of stays. However, review the showcase qualifications, as they will indicate which type(s) are eligible.

How do I get started?

Create your FREE account HERE. If you have more than 10 properties, email us at info@upclosemktg.com, and we'll onboard them for you. If you have less than 10 listings, you must add your properties HERE.

What happens after signing up?

Log into your account and navigate to "Your Properties" in the upper right corner or HERE. Add all the listings you own or manage. If you have more than 10 properties, email us at info@upclosemktg.com, and we'll onboard them for you.

Is your property pet-friendly? Are you located near a national park or beach? Do you have a pool? Check all of the boxes that make your property unique! The more information you provide, the better.

Once a showcase launches, it's go time! Make sure all of your properties are added so you're ready to participate. We announce via social media (@upclosemarketing) and our newsletter (save info@upclosemktg.com to your contact list). You don't want to miss out because free products go quickly, and some have limited quantities.

How do I add, delete, or edit my properties?

Login HERE and then visit "Your Properties" to add, delete, or edit your properties. The more information you provide, the more opportunities you will have to receive free products. Your properties must first be added to check out any free products.

What is required?

The typical requirements start with ensuring your listing qualifies, as brands may target specific regions or guest demographics. Once you receive your shipment, the host requirements are simple—usually just taking a few photos of the product setup once with the marketing materials and completing a short feedback survey. Social media participation is optional.

How do I snag the free products?

Keep an eye on the newsletter, social media announcements, or the "Free Showcases" page HERE. Keep in mind that we never automatically opt you in for products. It's your call because you know which products fit best with your properties.

Read the description, qualifications, and requirements. Then, add your listings and click "Apply". Instant showcases will take you to a checkout page. Enter your address, and you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not see a confirmation page or email, the order was not fully processed. If you want to ship to multiple addresses, select only properties that can ship together and check out. Go back and then select another round that can ship together. If a property does not show or is grayed out, it doesn't qualify or has already been applied to that showcase.

The estimated ship date will be listed on the showcase page, and once we have a tracking number, it will be emailed to you.

There are two types of showcases:

• First come, first serve: Don't delay because they go fast.
• Apply: These showcases require you to apply, and the brand will select the properties to invite. You will receive an email if your listing is accepted or denied. If accepted, instructions about how to order will be sent.

Is there a fee to join or any hidden costs?

Joining is absolutely free. The ONLY cost you may see on some showcases is a handling fee. It will be clearly stated and does not apply to most showcases.

Will I really get free stuff?

Yes! Just make sure your profile and listings are up-to-date. The more data you provide on your listings, the more likely a brand will select your listings when you apply. The best way to get free products is to hit the VIP status. This is easily achieved after completing the host deliverables on 3 consecutive showcases. Once achieved, you'll enjoy a 24-hour head start on free product announcements.

How often do you have showcases?

We have about 2-3 products offered per month.

What type of free products do you offer?

A few examples are laundry kits, tea, coffee, snacks, deodorants, mouthwash, energy drinks, chocolates, cleaning supplies, mattresses, luxury linens, dog treats, beauty masks, soaps...just to name a few.

How do I submit the host deliverables?

Log in and go to the "Your Showcases" page HERE. You will see active showcases and click "View Deliverables." All instructions, survey links, and photo uploads are available in this section.

How do I display the products?

First, go to the "Your Showcases" page HERE to read all instructions. You will see the recommended amount of product to leave out with each booking, along with any additional instructions. You will always want to set up the product next to the marketing. Some brands will send an acrylic marketing stand, typically around 5"x7", while others may send postcards. Please leave out all product and marketing until samples are fully depleted.

How should I take the photos?

Photos can be fun, creative and used to attract more guests to book. Always take in well-lit areas and remove any film that might be on the acrylic stand. You only need to submit the photos once through your UpClose account. There are two types of photos to consider:

Host Deliverable Photo: These should show UpClose and the brand how your display looks in your property. Plus, this is verification that the product has been received. Take a photo of how the display will look for the incoming guest, in both vertical and horizontal orientations. It should be the appropriate amount of samples (reference "Your Showcases" page) plus the marketing. Feel free to use props to make it attractive to guests.

Social Media Photo: This should be a different photo than what you submit to UpClose. Use this to show off the amenities you offer guests when staying at your property. You do not need to include any of the marketing materials. Present the products creatively, and feel free to use any lifestyle photos of real people enjoying them. Reference the “Your Showcases” page about tagging and ensuring the brand allows social media before posting. Screenshot the post and upload it as one of your photos.

Here are some ideas you may take in either landscape or portrait mode:

• Close up photo of the product
• Photo further away to see the full surroundings
• Creative one using props or showing what is unique to your property
• Lifestyle one using real people interacting or trying the product
• Screenshot of social media post

Some brands offer a contest for the best photos submitted, including social media posts.

TIP: Do not take the featured product with any other products. For example, if you are participating in other showcases, do not include the other items. We like to see the products as a standalone unless it makes sense to have some complimentary items, such as creamer and sugar, placed next to the free coffee you just received.

Why should I share with other hosts?

Some hosts want to keep this a secret and not share in hopes of getting more free products. It's actually the opposite. The more listings in our network, the more brands want to work with us. So spread the word and get rewarded through your referral link found HERE.

Do you have a referral program?

We sure do! You can find your referral link HERE. Once you hit 20 referrals, you will get to select your reward HERE.

What is your VIP program?

If you submit all host deliverables for 3 consecutive showcases, you will earn VIP status and earn a 24-hour headstart on showcases. Some brands only ask for VIP hosts, so you'll want to earn this status. Brands measure success by seeing the photos, receiving feedback, and tracking any guest actions in the marketing (i.e., guest surveys). If you miss a deliverable, you will lose your VIP status, but don't worry; you can quickly earn it back on the next 3 you participate in.

How do I speak to someone at UpClose?

Shoot us an email at info@upclosemktg.com, and we will respond to you within 48 hours (or less).

Can I find you on social media?

Yes, our handle is @upclosemarketing on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram