We frequently mention Harvest Hosts (HH) to fellow travelers and encourage them to sign up for a membership, but also realized that we’d love to see more breweries become aware of this unique program that actually brings in customers. Therefore, to make it easier for breweries, distilleries, wineries, and the like to sign on, here’s all the information you need to become a Harvest Host.
In fact, just about any number of businesses can become a Harvest Hosts location. It’s simple, so read on to find out how.
Become a Harvest Hosts Member at a Discount!
So you’re not a business owner, but you want to be a Harvest Host member? Click here to get our discount offer!
Harvest Hosts Locations FAQ’s (frequently asked questions)
- What is Harvest Hosts?
- How many Harvest Hosts sites are there?
- How much does it cost my business to be a Host?
- How much do Harvest Hosts Members spend at Host Sites?
- Is Harvest Hosts legit?
- How does Harvest Hosts benefit my business?
- What are the requirements of Harvest Host members that want to stay at my site?
- What are the requirements of me as a Harvest Host?
- How does the program work?
- How do I become a Host?
- I signed up, now what?
What is Harvest Hosts (HH)?
Harvest Hosts is a membership for RVers (or van-lifers) that provides FREE RV camping at over 3,700 wineries, breweries, distilleries, farms, museums, and other unique locations (including around 400 golf courses).
For a small yearly membership fee, Harvest Hosts members can visit and stay at any HH location completely free. Equally important, they support the local business – YOURS – by patronizing it. And by the way, as a Host, you pay NOTHING!
We invite you to become a Harvest Host, giving you unique and FREE marketing. Being a Host is a great way to share your products with new customers in exchange for an overnight stay. The tens of thousands of HH members spend millions of dollars each year while visiting Harvest Hosts locations. Shouldn’t you be one of those locations?
How many Harvest Hosts sites are there?
• Wineries – More than 700
• Farms – More than 1,200
• Attractions – Nearly 900
• Breweries & Distilleries – More than 450 (Breweries have some catching up to do!)
• Golf Course – Around 400 (Golf Courses are an add-on to the Classic Membership)
Why should you become a Harvest Hosts site?
There’s no cost to you and you are in control as to when members stay the night. You do not need to provide any services, just a place to park. Members are highly encouraged to spend money at your business. It’s free marketing at its finest. Still not sure? You also get a free Harvest Hosts membership for you to use when you travel.
Here are all the answers on how to become a Harvest Host
How much does it cost for my business to be a Host? NO COST – HH connects your business with thousands of its members and there is no cost for you to participate.
How does Harvest Host benefit my business? FREE MARKETING – Because travelers come to you through the HH website, you don’t have to do any marketing to get them to your brewery. You can, but you don’t have to. Everyone is looking for creative and unique ways to get their business known. Let HH do it for you for free.
HH MEMBER PURCHASES – HH members (the travelers) are highly encouraged to make purchases… and most do.
HOW MUCH DO HARVEST HOSTS MEMBERS SPEND AT HOST SITES? – “Members spent nearly $40 million in 2021 across Host locations throughout North America,” according to Harvest Hosts. “That figure was projected to exceed $40 million in 2022. Well-established Hosts saw an additional average revenue boost of $10,000 to $25,000 from Harvest Hosts Member spending.“
HOST PAGE – As a Host, you have your own page on the HH website which members access through the membership portal. You can add pictures, video, and any information you want to tell HH members about your business. It also includes links to your website and Facebook page.
REVIEWS & REFERRALS – Harvest Host members can be your ambassadors of goodwill. They can write reviews both on the HH website and on social media. The RV community has a wonderful network and you will find that good news travels fast in the RV community.
HH MEMBERSHIP FOR YOU – As a Host, you get a free membership with full access to the Harvest Host website and membership benefits. If you have your own RV, you can visit other Hosts in your travels.
CONNECTION – Meet extraordinary and interesting folks from around the world while receiving support for your business from an incredible, tight-knit community of RVers.
Is Harvest Hosts legit? HARVEST HOSTS IS LEGIT – HH has been in business since 2010 and working with hundreds of HH businesses and thousands of members since the beginning. They have been featured in The New York Post, New York Times, Good Morning America, USA Today and more.
WE ARE MEMBERS TOO – We’ve used Harvest Hosts at numerous different locations. It is one of our most used traveling memberships. Breweries are, of course our favorites, but we’ve used our membership at orchards, vineyards, museums, alpaca farms, and a variety of other places. We trust HH.
WE PROMOTE HARVEST HOSTS – We are members of HH, and we love visiting breweries, mountain biking and traveling. Because of this we promote HH through our social media channels, a variety of feature articles and through our Harvest Hosts Camping, Beer & Biking Guides.
What is required of Harvest Host members? 24 HOUR VISITS – Your business is important to you…and to HH. Members are asked to limit their stay to one day. Although, you are more than welcome to extend an invitation for them to stay longer.
MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT – Our members agree to a code of conduct. We expect that they treat your property with care and respect. As a Host, you will also have access to our Member Ratings system, where you can read reviews that Hosts have written about specific members who have stayed with them and write your own reviews of members who stay with you.
What is required of me as a Harvest Host? NO SERVICES REQUIRED – Member vehicles are required to be self-contained. You do not need to provide electricity, water, sewage dump, or wi-fi. If you have any of those, that is a great bonus for members, but they are not required.
ONE OVERNIGHT STAY FOR HARVEST HOSTS MEMBERS WITHOUT CAMPING FEES AND NO MINIMUM PURCHASE REQUIREMENTS. BUSINESS LICENSE & INSURANCE – Most insurance companies cover a guest within the scope of normal business insurance. Check with your agent to be sure that you have a liability policy that covers you. Please note that the Member Code of Conduct requires members to have their own insurance. They are also required to agree that Hosts are not responsible for damage or theft to their vehicles or to members and their family.
PRODUCTS TO SELL – We want a Member-Host visit to be a reciprocal transaction. They have a place to stay for the night and your business benefits from allowing them to stay.
WEBSITE AND/OR FACEBOOK PAGE – HH members love to do their research while they are traveling. An online presence helps members know they are going to a secure location to stay.
PARKING AND ACCESSIBILITY – Your business could be on a lot of acreage or in the middle of a bustling city. If you have a spot for at least one RV, you are gold. And you can limit the size of that RV. Of course, having more brings in more business, but it is up to you. Speaking of parking…it can be gravel, grass, or paved. Members just need level areas to be able to extend their slides. Members also want to know that they have plenty of room to turn around and won’t hit low hanging tree branches.
EMPLOYEE AWARENESS – Please let your employees know about the Harvest Hosts program and where you want members to park in the event you are not available when they arrive.
How does the program work? MEMBER CONTACT – Harvest Host members check the Harvest Hosts app or website to see if you have room for them to visit and stay overnight and then request a stay. Members know that they must always be approved by you ahead of time before showing up. You can also set up your information in the Harvest Hosts app to automatically approve stays if you’d prefer not to have to approve stays.
MEMBER VERIFICATION – Only members are able to log-in to the app or website to request a stay.
MEMBER ARRIVAL – You can track the HH members that stay with you by using a sign in sheet or another method of your choosing. Direct the members to where you want them to park and tell them a little bit about your business.
ENJOY THE VISIT – You will enjoy meeting the new patrons that are traveling through your area, hearing their stories, and learning about the RV lifestyle.
How do I become a Host? APPLICATION PROCESS – The next step is completing the application, which is quite simple and can be done through this link. You’ll get a short form asking for your information with a “Learn More” button. Complete the form and click the button, and the application will pop up next.
MENTION LIVING A STOUT LIFE – The only thing we ask is that you mention Living A Stout Life when asked how you heard about Harvest Hosts. We are affiliate partners with them and love to add new hosts and members!
QUESTIONS – Got questions? We got answers, and we are happy to walk you through the application process if you need any assistance. Just send a shoutout to april@livingastoutlife.com or a quick text or phone call to 303-916-6081.
I signed up to become a Harvest Host, now what? EMAIL RESPONSE – Once you have completed your application, you will receive the following response: “Thank you for applying to be a Harvest Host! We have received your application.
WITHIN A WEEK – HH will review your application, location, online business reviews, etc. and decide if your business is a good fit for the program. Most businesses are.
HOST INFO PAGE – HH will create a Host Information Page for you on their website with all of the information you have provided.
CONGRATS YOU’RE A HOST – When completed, members will start calling, and you are now officially a Harvest Host.
REFER YOUR FRIENDS – Send your brewer friends our way or have them complete the application form and mention Living a Stout Life. We’d love to have them as a host, too! Know people who love to travel and need a HH membership? Refer them here for more information on becoming a member and to receive a 15% discount.
Welcome to the family!
