Explore

SOP Checklist & Setup

Sample SOP

⁠

🌟 Why SOPs Matter

SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) are simply step-by-step instructions for how tasks should be done.

They make sure work is done the same way every time.

They make onboarding new VAs faster (you don’t repeat yourself).

They protect your business if someone quits — the knowledge stays with you.

Think of SOPs as the playbook for your STR business.

⁠

✅ Your SOP Starter Checklist

Here are the first SOPs every STR operator should document before or while hiring their first VA:

Guest Messaging

Pre-check-in tasks & template

In-stay issue escalation process

Checkout template

Work Order Approvals

Approving WOs under $250

Escalating higher-cost WOs

Following up with vendors

Daily Check-In Process

Logging into PMS at start of shift

Reviewing reservations, open tasks, messages

Submitting a daily report

Reviews & Responses

Responding to 5-star reviews

Handling 3-star and below (with escalation)

Invoice & Vendor Payments (optional starter)

Reviewing vendor invoice

Checking WO completion

Submitting for payment

⁠

🛠 SOP Setup Framework

When creating each SOP, keep it simple:

Title: Clear task name (“Guest Messaging – Pre Check-In”)

Purpose: Why this SOP matters (e.g. “Ensures guests receive check-in details within 24 hrs”).

Steps: Numbered list of 5–10 steps.

Tools Needed: PMS, Operto, Google Sheets, etc.

Deliverable: What “done” looks like (e.g. “Message marked as resolved in PMS”).

Tip: There’s nothing better than a screenshare and loom to add clarity to an SOP

⁠

Example SOP Library

Example SOP Library

SOP Title

Purpose

Tools Needed

Link to Loom/Doc

Last Updated

Owner (author and/or updater)

Guest Messaging – Pre Check-In

Ensure all guests get arrival info on time

PMS, Templates

[Doc w/Loom Link]

9/8/25

You

Work Order Approvals

Approve/track vendor jobs

Operto

[Doc w/Loom Link]

9/8/25

You

Daily Check-In Report

Keep operations consistent daily

PMS, Slack

[Doc w/Loom Link]

9/8/25

You

Review Responses

Protect brand + ranking

PMS, Templates

[Doc w/Loom Link]

9/8/25

You

There are no rows in this table

⁠

💡 Student Instruction: Start with 3–5 SOPs → add more as your VA learns new workflows. Don’t try to build everything at once.

Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.

Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (

CtrlP

) instead.