The first thing guests ask in almost every short-term rental?

Not “Where’s the hot tub?”
Not “How do I work this fireplace?”

It’s: “What’s the Wi-Fi password?”

The Wifi Porter looks like a small, minimalist wood block with a simple graphic. Inside, it stores your network name and password. Guests connect by:

• Tapping their phone (most Android phones + newer iPhones), or
• Scanning the QR code on the bottom with their camera

No more:

• Typing 24-character passwords
• Texting screenshots of the back of the router
• “It says incorrect password?” messages at 11:30 p.m.

For short-term rentals, this one tiny gadget solves a surprisingly big pain point. A smooth Wi-Fi experience sets the tone: “This host is dialed in.” And when guests are impressed, they notice the details, and start asking where everything is from.

That’s where the shoppable short-term rental magic begins.

Turning a Cool Gadget into a Shoppable Short-Term Rental Moment

How does a simple Wi-Fi device become part of a shoppable short-term rental?

Because your guests are already shopping with their eyes.

They’re mentally saving:

• “That lamp is perfect for my guest room.”
• “I love this coffee maker.”
• “Where did they get this sectional?”

When they ask about the Wifi Porter and say, “I need this,” that’s your cue. Instead of just answering in the app:

“Oh it’s called Wifi Porter from Ten One Design.”

. . .you can point them to a curated place where they can shop your entire STR.

Now your response becomes:

“It’s called the Wifi Porter—I have it linked on our ‘Shop the Cabin’ page along with our other favorite STR items if you want to grab the same one.”

You’ve just:

1. Answered their question
2. Given them a helpful resource
3. Softly introduced a monetized, shoppable short-term rental experience

No pressure. No sales pitch. Just useful.

Simple Ways to Make Your STR Shoppable (Without Being Cringey)

You do not need an influencer-level setup to start. Here’s a simple path I recommend to my coaching clients who are figuring out how to start a short-term rental that also earns from recommendations:

1. Choose One Hero Product to Start

For me, that was the Wifi Porter because nearly every guest mentions it.

Pick one item in your space that guests constantly ask about:

• The Wi-Fi gadget
• The sofa bed that’s actually comfortable
• The exact coffee machine + grinder combo

Start your shoppable short-term rental strategy around that.

2. Create a “Shop Our Stay” Page

On your website, digital guidebook, or even a simple link-in-bio page, create a section called something like:

• “Shop Our Cabin”
• “Our Host-Approved Favorites”
• “Everything Guests Ask About”

Include:

• The Wifi Porter
• Your bedding
• Kitchen essentials
• Any décor items guests repeatedly ask about

This can be as simple as links to Amazon, brand sites, or affiliate links if you use them.

3. Add a Tiny Callout Next to the Gadget

Right under or next to your Wifi Porter, you could add a small, clean card:

Love this Wi-Fi tap block?
Scan here to shop our STR essentials.

Link that QR code to your “Shop Our Stay” page. Suddenly, your Wi-Fi Porter isn’t just a convenience; it’s the gateway to your shoppable short-term rental ecosystem.

4. Mention It in Your Welcome Message

In your automated welcome:

“PS: Guests always ask about our Wi-Fi gadget, bedding, and kitchen gear. If you love something in the cabin, we probably linked it here: [your shoppable page link].”

Again, zero pressure. Just an extra layer of hospitality.

5. Track What Guests Ask About

If you’re serious about growing your STR portfolio or scaling beyond one property, treat this like research:

• Keep a quick note on your phone
• Every time a guest asks, “Where is this from?” jot it down
• Add those items to your shoppable page

Over time, your list becomes increasingly useful and profitable.

Ready to start your own journey but not sure where or how to start?

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About the Author

I’m Ragan Erickson, a McCall, Idaho–based Realtor® and short-term rental coach helping people build wealth and memories through real estate. After moving from Southern California’s mountains to Idaho’s, I turned my love for small-town living and data-driven investing into a business that helps others do the same.

On my blog, you’ll find tips for buying and selling in McCall, launching profitable short-term rentals, and designing a lifestyle you don’t need a vacation from. Whether you’re dreaming about your first cabin, an STR portfolio, or a full-time move to the mountains, you’re in the right place.

📬 Connect with me: yahooidaho.com | Instagram | TikTok
📌 Also on Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube for more McCall real estate + STR tips!