Get Paid For Your Pad | Airbnb Hosting | Vacation Rentals | STR Revenue Management

Jasper Ribbers
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Aug 11, 2017 • 24min

EP178: This Week in the World of Airbnb

Friends, foes and IPOs dominated Airbnb news this week. The company’s agreement with the city of Barcelona made headlines, as did its response to the New York hotel industry’s vicious attack ad with a powerful commercial of its own. Is Airbnb getting its proverbial ducks in a row in preparation for an IPO?Hostfully President and Co-Founder David Jacoby joins Jasper to talk through the comprehensive overview of Airbnb that hit the pages of Skift this week, exploring the company’s development and how its preparation to go public is likely affecting leadership’s decisions. They also address the details of the reconciliation with Barcelona and the ongoing rift with the hotel lobby, as well as a recently published Airbnb price comparison map of Europe. Spoiler alert: Macedonia may become a new vacation hotspot for travelers on a budget!David and Jasper close with the popular Q&A portion of the show, speaking to your concerns about the Airbnb Extenuating Circumstances Policy, a possible glitch in the new tool that links calendars for hosts with multiple listings, and listing on multiple platforms. Listen in for property management software recommendations and advice around contacting Airbnb right away when unusual circumstances arise.Topics CoveredArticle #1: Hunting for an Airbnb Bargain? Map Reveals the Lowest Nightly Rates Around Europe•Useful for travelers looking for affordable options•Iceland is most expensive at £112 (approximately $170)•Scandinavian countries also expensive•Macedonia (£26), Albania (£27) and Moldova (£28) are most affordable ($40-$50)•Bulgaria, Poland and Slovakia surprisingly affordable•Rates seem to correlate with how expensive countries are in general•Greece, Switzerland much more expensive for party of six vs. party of two•Andorra, Liechtenstein very cheap for larger groupsArticle #2: Airbnb Slams NYC Hotel Industry’s ‘Attempt to Protect Their Ability to Price Gouge’ in New Ad•Response to attack ad linking short-term rental to terrorism•Features stay-at-home dad who supplements income with Airbnb•Airbnb spending $500,000 to broadcast•Highlights other side of affordable housing debateArticle #3: Airbnb’s Road to an IPO: Everything You Could Possibly Need to Know•Comprehensive overview of company•Discusses regulatory battles and discrimination issues•Examines Instant Book and employee fatigue•Ambition to become a ‘super brand of travel’•Mentions David and Jasper!Article #4: Barcelona and Airbnb Reach Deal After Months of Conflict•Airbnb agreed to remove listings lacking permit•Barcelona seeks to curb boom of visitors•Airbnb resolving disputes city by city•Played out differently in NY (hosts fined rather than Airbnb)•Agreements with local municipalities give Airbnb leg up on competitorsQ1: A guest who had reserved my apartment for a month contacted me to say he wasn’t coming because his wife had passed away; however, he didn’t cancel his reservation. As a result, my calendar was blocked, and I was unable to book any other guests during that time. Now Airbnb has informed me that they are deducting the full amount I received from the guest per the Extenuating Circumstances Policy. I am sympathetic to the guest’s situation, but Airbnb is an important source of income for me. Now I am having trouble contacting Airbnb. What should I do?•Contact Airbnb right away when uncommon situations arise•Should have requested that Airbnb cancel reservation•Call 1-855-424-7262 in US•Search Airbnb customer service numbers by countryQ2: I have three listings on Airbnb, and I make use of the option to link the calendars to avoid double bookings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Aug 7, 2017 • 25min

EP177: Providing Airbnb as an Amenity for Residents in Apartment Buildings

As rental prices continue to rise, more and more apartment residents are tempted to enlist Airbnb to help cover the cost – with or without the landlord’s permission. Luckily, a growing number of landlords recognize that permitting short-term rentals could increase their profits and attract new residents to their buildings. That’s where Pillow Residential comes in. This new product offering allows building owners to offer the Airbnb option as an amenity for residents, and Pillow in turn gives landlords transparency regarding who’s in their buildings and a cut of the profits.Sean Conway, Co-Founder and CEO of Pillow, has a huge passion for travel. After the sale of his first startup venture, Notehall, Sean backpacked all over the world, staying in Airbnb properties. Sean finds that he is his best self when he travels, when he has the opportunity to interact with other cultures, and he wanted to make it easier for others to afford to travel and feel that same human connection.Sean launched Pillow in San Francisco in 2014 with the intention of taking the hassle out of hosting. The company has expanded to a dozen cities, providing short-term property management services and promoting the concept of global citizenry. Today Sean talks through the details of the new product, explaining why his team developed the amenity, how Pillow Residential benefits landlords and residents alike, and the demand he has seen for the product thus far. He also shares his point of view regarding the greatest challenges in the vacation rental space as well as his take on the future of the Airbnb ecosystem.Topics CoveredWhy Sean developed the new product, Pillow Residential•Rental prices higher than ever (35-45% of income in some locations)•Landlords willing to allow Airbnb, but calling for structure•Pillow Residential helps residents earn income while on vacation•Prevents violation of HOA, lease agreement•Allows landlord to feel comfortable•Works with city regulationsThe benefits of Pillow Residential for landlords•Amenity attracts residents•Provides insight, transparency re: who’s in building•Increases applicant pool, occupancy•Offers landlords cut of profitsHow Pillow Residential works•Opportunity assessment (gives landlord sense of what might earn)•One-hour onboarding session•Pillow creates landing page for residents•Pillow sends residents an email explaining new amenity•Residents sign in through landing page, property manager monitorsThe high demand for Pillow Residential•110 signups•60,000 unitsSean’s take on the greatest challenge the Airbnb ecosystem faces•Pillow has 200 SOPs•80% of situations fall into top 20% of SOPs•Create standardization AND keep personalizationSean’s conviction that the Airbnb ecosystem will continue to thrive•Airbnb changing way people live•Millennials embracing digital nomad lifestyle•Opportunities for wide range of players•Room to grow in industryThe tools Pillow uses to manage client listings•Zendesk customer service software•Previous partnership with Everbooked (metrics, pricing)•Built personalized internal tools for customersSean’s view of the Airbnb IPO•Won’t change the landscape of short-term rental industry•‘I’m fine either way’Sean’s prediction of what’s next in vacation rentals•Consolidation will continue•booking.com, Expedia and Airbnb will continue to thrive•Opportunities for niche markets (i.e.: Innclusive, Mrbnb)Connect with SeanPillowEmail info@pillow.comResources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Aug 4, 2017 • 25min

EP176: This Week in the World of Airbnb

The hotel lobby has crossed a line this week with an ominous ad linking Airbnb to terrorism. Airbnb spokesperson Peter Schottenfels referred to the commercial as ‘an outrageous scare tactic’ and argued that the big hotels sponsoring the ads have lodged terrorists themselves.Today Jasper is joined by Noah Neiman, Hostfully Co-Founder and Head of Product, to offer their takes on the tenuous argument made in the attack ad and share their recent adventures dealing with short-term rental hosts making unexpected requests. They also cover the incredible growth of Tujia, Airbnb’s Chinese competitor, and the staggering boost in Airbnb bookings associated with the solar eclipse taking place August 21st.Listen in to learn how Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky handles his lengthy to-do list, and how you might handle a bad review that stems from charging a guest for damages. Noah and Jasper conclude with a question from the Facebook group around Smart Pricing. Learn why Airbnb has an incentive to keep prices low and how you can use an alternative third-party service to determine the optimal price for your listing!Topics CoveredArticle #1: New York City’s Hotel Industry Links Airbnb to Terror in Harsh Ad•Refers to Manchester attack•Intends to instigate fear•Link tenuous at best•Airbnb calls ad ‘outrageous scare tactic’•Counterargument that terrorists also stay in hotelsArticle #2: Ctrip Keeps Supporting Tujia ‘WeChat Hotels’ to Engage in Shared Housing•Airbnb competitor in China•Partners with text app and travel service site•Triple digit growth since 2016•Airbnb may need local partners to competeArticle #3: Airbnb Expects its Biggest Night Ever in South Carolina Thanks to Total Solar Eclipse•Solar eclipse on August 21•Path of eclipse through many rural areas (with few hotels)•Airbnb bookings five times higher than usual•Hosts should use dynamic pricing appsArticle #4: The CEO of Airbnb Starts Each Morning with a Simple but Effective Twist on the Standard To-Do List•Start with exhaustive list of things to accomplish•Group similar tasks, choose one that will cover all in group•Refine to a few big tasks•Shark Tank investor Barbara Corcoran uses similar strategyQ1: A guest spilled red wine on my table runner. Should I take part of the deposit to cover the cost? I am worried about receiving a poor review in retaliation.•Yes – if cost is significant percentage of rental fee•Can request to have unfair review removed or respond to review with explanation•One bad review won’t destroy your business (80% five-star reviews necessary to maintain Superhost status)•No guarantee host will receive portion of security deposit•Claim before next guest arrives, within 14 days•Guest can accept or decline•Airbnb investigates, mediates resolution•Documentation necessaryQ2: Airbnb Smart Pricing doesn’t reflect the optimal price for my listing. Why?•Airbnb branded as affordable alternative to hotels•Must consider best interest of guest•Incentive to keep prices low•Use a third-party service like Beyond PricingResources MentionedArticle #1: nydailynews.com/new-york/new-york-city-hotel-industry-links-airbnb-terror-harsh-ad-article-1.3370202Article #2: prnewswire.com/news-releases/ctrip-keeps-supporting-tujia-wechat-hotels-to-engage-in-shared-housing-300496413.htmlArticle #3: postandcourier.com/business/airbnb-expects-its-biggest-night-ever-in-south-carolina-thanks/article_92fd8f00-6cb7-11e7-987d-dfa9e3dc33da.htmlBeyond PricingSmart Pricing How-ToArticle #4: businessinsider. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 31, 2017 • 38min

EP175: How to Integrate Airbnb in Your Real Estate Business

So you’ve been hosting on Airbnb for a while now, and you’re loving it. Maybe you’re thinking about expanding your business to include an additional property, but you don’t have a ton of capital lying around. Is there any way to scale your Airbnb venture with a modest investment of, say, $10,000 or less? The answer is heck yes, and today’s guest shares how he is re-leasing rental properties via Airbnb, incorporating short-term rentals into his real estate business.With the help of a mentor, Eric Moeller started investing in real estate at the tender age of 18. Eric has a wealth of experience in house flipping, apartment buildings and real estate development, and he worked from the traditional landlord model until he sold his company in 2015. As Eric traveled the US that year – making use of Airbnb as a guest – he began to realize the investment potential of hosting. After looking at the numbers, he determined that he could double his ROI by pursuing short- rather than long-term rentals, and he developed a strategy for pitching a re-lease model to rental property landlords.In 2016, Eric moved to San Diego and originated the startup Homtel Tonight, an Airbnb management, leasing and investment company. He is a Superhost with listings in San Diego and Rosarito, Mexico, as well as the architect of the upcoming Airbnb Mastery Summit. Listen in as he discusses his process for selecting units for Airbnb, his approach to determining your niche avatar, and the unique amenities he offers guests. Learn the fundamentals of the re-leasing model as well as Eric’s approach to finding willing landlords. If you’re looking to grow your Airbnb business via rental properties, this interview is a must-listen!Topics CoveredEric’s advice around selecting units for Airbnb•Choose carefully based on demand, city support of Airbnb•Doesn’t have to be in backyard•Utilize tools like AirDNA and Rent Responsibly•If re-leasing, approach landlords with pitch•Analyze the numbers (with 70% occupancy, should generate 2X amount of rent)The characteristics Eric is looking for in a potential Airbnb property•2BR apartments, standalone single-family houses best in San Diego market•Location near attractions or airport•Most unique spaces, potential to create unique experienceEric’s approach to determining your target guest•Become guest yourself, note design and amenities•Research properties in area on Airbnb•Focus on niche to attract a single avatar (i.e.: beach life, business community)Eric’s recommendations around designing your Airbnb•Hire local interior designer•Buy artwork, etc. from local shops•Decorate around theme for better booking results•Budget $5,000—$7,000 for furniture, painting•Buy furniture second hand or shop at IKEAThe amenities Eric offers guests•All basics (e.g.: paper goods, towels, fully stocked kitchen)•Wi-Fi connection and Smart TVs•Guests can request additional kitchen implements•Beach properties include surf boards, skateboards and beach chairs•Luxury rentals offer car service from airport, link to his cars on Turo•Business properties offer custom workstationThe differences between re-leasing vs. buying property for Airbnb•More options to change physical structure if buying•Focus on staging and paint in re-leasing situation•Same systems, tools for property management•Update landlord monthly in re-lease (upcoming dates booked, checklist)How Eric obtains leads for willing landlords•Online marketing targets real estate investors•Craigslist (team calls every homeowner who fits model)•Networking with landlords, investors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 28, 2017 • 24min

EP174: This Week in the World of Airbnb

The Business Travel Ready distinction could translate to more bookings for your Airbnb as the company expands its partnership with software tool Concur. This big news means that business travelers can book Airbnb stays through Concur, giving hosts access to the 70% of Fortune 100 and 500 companies who are Concur customers.Today Jasper is on the line with Nicole Prentice Williams, Hostfully VP of Strategic Partnerships, to talk through Airbnb’s collaboration with Concur as well as Google’s test to include a link to vacation rentals in its hotel price-comparison tool. They also cover the latest numbers regarding Airbnb’s growth, as the company is slated to hit 100 million stays this year, and a new app called Pawshake that functions as an Airbnb for pets!Nicole and Jasper conclude with the Q & A portion of the podcast, answering your questions about providing guest manuals and boosting your position in Airbnb search results. Learn how move your listing to the front of the line and ultimately get more bookings on Airbnb!Topics CoveredArticle #1: Business Travelers Can Now Book Airbnb Stays Through Concur•Partnership allows for booking Airbnb through Concur app•Will boost number of business travelers using Airbnb•More than 216,000 trips per day booked on Concur in first quarter of 2017•Concur customers include 70% of Fortune 100, 500 companies•Employees from 250,000 businesses registered to use Airbnb for business travel•Hosts can capitalize by making listing Business Travel Ready•Wi-Fi•Laptop workstation•Self check-in•Smoke, carbon monoxide detector•Iron, hangers, hair dryer•Consider including guidebook with co-working spaces, gymsArticle #2: Airbnb is on Track to Rack up More Than 100 Million Stays This Year – and That’s Only the Beginning of its Threat to the Hotel Industry•More than 50 million guest arrivals so far this year•Overall growth seems to be slowing down (doubled each of last two years)•25% of leisure travelers expected to book Airbnb (up from 19% in 2016)•23% of business travelers expected to book Airbnb (up from 18% in 2016)•Google search trends indicate Airbnb catching up to mainstream hotel, travel-booking brandsArticle #3: Google is Testing Vacation Rental Search in Its Hotel Price-Comparison Tool•Test involves 7,000 property listings in Europe•Search for ‘hotels in Paris’ brings up link to vacation rentals•Only hotel aggregators like Booking.com and Expedia included•Airbnb and other dedicated vacation rental platforms excluded•Google may receive commission when travelers book through hotel siteArticle #4: This Startup is Quite Literally Airbnb for Pets•Pawshake app connects pet owners and care givers•Alternative to expensive boardingQ1: How do I provide a guest manual?•Email as soon as receive booking (Dropbox or Adobe Cloud link)•Consider a third-party app like HostfullyQ2: How do I boost my position in search results on Airbnb?•Login daily•Maintain updated calendar•Listing appeal (great pics, unique title, etc.)•Respond quickly with automated apps like Aviva IQ, Smartbnb•Share on social mediaResources MentionedArticle #1: getpaidforyourpad.com/podcast/long-term-rental-vs-airbnbArticle #2: recode.net/2017/7/19/15949782/airbnb-100-million-stays-2017-threat-business-hotel-industryArticle #3: skift.com/2017/06/14/airbnb-ramps-up-push-to-get-more-hosts-to-choose-instant-bookingArticle #4: thenextweb.com/contributors/2017/07/22/startup-quite-literally-airbnb-pets/#.tnw_9SBGtwiJBusiness Travel Ready ChecklistHostfully Guidebooks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 24, 2017 • 32min

EP173: Short Stay Rental Pioneer Shares Insights from Two Decades of Hosting Experience

Branding is an aspect of the short-term rental game that many hosts overlook. And when you’re first getting started, you may not know what sets your listing apart from others in the area. But once you’ve had a few guests, it is possible to use their feedback to identify the most attractive aspects of your property and strategically incorporate that information into your listing. Today’s guest reveals how he got clear on his brand -- and a host of other lessons he learned in his 20-year career in the vacation rental space!Jack Pope got into hosting to supplement his income as a teacher. He converted an extra space in his home on the Sunshine Coast of western Canada into a suite, but zoning didn’t allow for long-term rentals. So Jack got connected with a group of vacation rental entrepreneurs, eventually becoming president of the largest B&B association in western Canada.An early adopter of technology in the short-term rental space, Jack made use of online platforms as they became available. Airbnb has become a valuable tool in his business, and 70% of his bookings now come from the site. He has been a Superhost for seven consecutive quarters, and today he shares his extensive hospitality expertise with the Get Paid for Your Pad audience, explaining how he marketed Coracle Cove in the days before online booking, how he achieves a crazy-high return rate on guest reviews, and how he has automated guest communication. Listen in for his advice around providing a seamless check-in and branding your listing to attract the right guests!Topics CoveredHow hosting was different 20 years ago•Most bookings done by phone•Only 20% of bookings made online•Local portal generated most referrals•Brochures, self-promotion as marketing toolsHow Jack marketed Coracle Cove early on•Connected with travel writer, spread in Vancouver Sun•Hosted writer from Lonely PlanetThe platforms Jack utilizes to promote his vacation rental•His own website•FlipKey•HomeAway•Local Sunshine Coast Tourism siteHow Jack achieves a 91% return rate on guest reviews•Promise to write positive review for guest at checkout•Send thank you message through Airbnb soon after checkout•Review guest immediately after email receivedHow Jack used guest reviews to brand his listing•Categorized guest comments in TripAdvisor reviews•Modified listing title based on unique aspects•Pulled quotes to use as photo captionsThe four automated messages Jack schedules through Aviva IQ•Confirmation and welcome with short video (10 min after booking)•Detailed directions and link to blog (week prior to arrival)•Link to video and blog (morning of arrival)•Thank you and review request (soon after checkout)The importance of specific, accurate directions•Positive reviews are essential•Seamless check-in vital part guest experienceJack and Jasper’s advice around delivering a seamless check-in•Follow directions yourself to confirm clarity•Film yourself en route to Airbnb•Provide pictures of entry door, etc.•Set up meeting place if property is difficult to find•Stay in contact with guests through messaging platformConnect with JackCoracle Cove WebsiteJack’s Airbnb ListingResourcesFlipKeyHomeAwayTripAdvisorAviva IQHostfully PartnershipHostfully Host Program Connect with JasperEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.comTwitter: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 21, 2017 • 24min

EP172: This Week in the World of Airbnb

As ShareBetter ramps up its aggressive smear campaign against Airbnb, the platform is fighting back. This week Airbnb filed a formal complaint against the coalition, alleging that ShareBetter has failed to register as a lobbyist, disclose its funding sources, and file the required expense reports.Glenn Carter, Hostfully Director of Marketing, joins Jasper to discuss the showdown between ShareBetter and Airbnb, explaining how the coalition functions as a mouthpiece for the hotel industry. They also cover the exponential growth Airbnb is experiencing in London and the resolution to the incident of racism in Big Bear last year when an Airbnb host cancelled a reservation at the last minute because the guest was Asian American.To wrap up today’s episode, Glenn and Jasper address a question posed via the Facebook group around cleaning white bedding and towels. Listen in as they brainstorm ideas for keeping your whites white and your Airbnb looking spit spot spic and span!Topics CoveredArticle #1: Airbnb Bookings in London More Than Double in Just One Year Despite Concerns Over ‘Lack of Regulation’•Number of nights booked shot up 130% last year•From 4% of market share in 2015 to 9% in 2016•Nights booked rose from 2M to 4.62M•13,000 bookings on any given night•Additional 55% increase in first four months of 2017•90-day limit may curb growthArticle #2: Airbnb Host Who Canceled Reservation Using Racist Comment Must Pay $5,000•February incident took place in Big Bear•Dyne Suh booked mountain cabin for ski weekend•Host cancelled reservation by text, race given as reason•Host ordered to take Asian American studies course in addition to $5,000 fine•Also required to apologize, participate in community education panel, and volunteer with civil rights organizationArticle #3: Airbnb Fights Back Against Lobby Groups, Demands Info on Their Funding Sources•Airbnb filed formal complaint with NY state ethics panel•Accuses ShareBetter of illegal, unreported lobbying•ShareBetter largely funded by hotel industry, worker union•Aggressive anti-Airbnb campaign includes paying PIs to pose as guests•Airbnb working with local municipalities to comply with regulations•Racism, affordable housing and public safety are issues worth discussing•ShareBetter doesn’t seem interested in dialogue to solve problemsQ: How do I deal with makeup marks on white bedding and towels?•Provide guests with makeup remover wipes•Try cleaning products like Vanish Oxi Action, OxiClean or Triple-Acting Shout•Leave laundry in water with bleach overnight, then wash at 90°•Consider providing brown towels for makeup removal•Leave framed note with specific instructions•Charge small cleaning fee, use reserve fund to replace bedding/towels as neededJasper’s Feedback Around Current Airbnb Stay in SoHo•Consider blackout curtains for jetlagged guests•Change Wi-Fi network, password for ease of useResources MentionedArticle #1: standard.co.uk/news/london/airbnb-bookings-in-london-more-than-double-in-just-one-year-despite-concerns-over-lack-of-regulation-a3589051.htmlArticle #2: theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/13/airbnb-california-racist-comment-penalty-asian-american?CMP=twt_a-technology_b-gdntechArticle #3:skift.com/2017/06/14/airbnb-ramps-up-push-to-get-more-hosts-to-choose-instant-bookingShareBetterGPFYP Episode 67: Airbnb Cleaning Service Tips with Kyle Gesuelli From HandyGPFYP Episode 153: How to Arrange a Perfect Airbnb Turnover and CleaningwikiHow to Change Your Wi-Fi Password Connect with JasperEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 17, 2017 • 25min

EP171: Long-Term Rental vs. Airbnb

So you’ve invested in a property, finished the remodel, and now you are ready for tenants. Would it be more lucrative to pursue a long-term rental agreement? Or could you generate more revenue by listing the space on Airbnb?Ande Burchfield is an attorney with Burchfield Law, PLLC, serving businesses, non-profits, and real estate investors. Ande has an extensive real estate portfolio of her own, and she was already managing several long-term rental properties when she joined Airbnb in 2012. The vacation rental market in Oklahoma City proved profitable, and she has since expanded her short-term rental business to include three properties in the area. Ande is prepared to explain the formula she uses to determine whether a property is a good candidate for Airbnb, or would serve her better as a long-term rental. She also explains how to evaluate the demand for short-term rentals in your area, as well as the expenses associated with Airbnb that will affect your decision to rent to either travelers or lessees.Topics CoveredThe evolution of Ande’s Airbnb business•Established long-term rental portfolio•Wanted to try Airbnb as experiment•Managed herself first nine months•Created systems, added cleaning staff•Eventually hired property manager•Added two listings•Airbnb now self-sustaining businessAnde’s first Airbnb listing•Duplex on golf course•Remodeled inside•One of better homes in neighborhoodThe Airbnb lessons Ande learned early on•Cater to guest standards (not your own)•Provide blackout curtains for jetlagged guestsHow to determine if demand exists for Airbnb in your town•Hotels point to a need for accommodations•Won’t know until you try•Consider listing on multiple platforms (easy to sync calendars)How to decide whether to offer long-term rental or list property on Airbnb•Compare Airbnb net profit to long-term rental gross revenue potential on traditional one-year lease•Calculate net profit by subtracting Airbnb expenses (mowing, utilities, Wi-Fi, cleaning, management, consumables, wear-and-tear of furnishings, general maintenance) from gross•Consider the neighborhood and tourist presence•Remember that real estate is underlying assetAirbnb’s push to pay cleaners $15/hour•Big cut into profit margin for Airbnb’s in certain areas•Ande pays fixed amount per jobConnect with AndeConnect on LinkedInburchfieldlegal.comResourcesRich Dad’s CASHFLOW Quadrant: Rich Dad’s Guide to Financial Freedom by Robert T. KiyosakiRich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach their Kids About Money – That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. KiyosakiCASHFLOW Game AppHomeAwayExpediaBooking.comTripAdvisorVRBOAirDNAgetproperly.com/enConnect with JasperEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.comTwitter: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadThis episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 14, 2017 • 25min

EP170: This Week in the World of Airbnb

‘Another Successful Airbnb Stay’ – said no headline ever.Though it’s a rare occurrence, when something bad happens in an Airbnb, it makes headlines. Unfortunately, an alarming incident took place at an Amsterdam listing this week when guests were late checking out, and an enraged host threw a woman down the stairs – while her friend filmed the confrontation.Jasper is joined by David Jacoby, President and Co-founder of Hostfully, to discuss a better way to handle the situation if guests are late checking out. They also cover a study naming Airbnb the most lucrative of the gig economy platforms, the new regulations under development in LA, and Airbnb’s plans to enter the luxury space in 2017.Finally, David and Jasper answer questions posed by the Facebook group around what consumables hosts should provide. They offer advice about buying in bulk, storing the excess, and offering inexpensive little things that make a big difference. Got a question for the Get Paid for Your Pad team? Email Jasper at jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com!Topics CoveredArticle #1: Airbnb Guest is Hospitalised After Landlord Pushes Her Down Stairs for Failing to Check Out on Time•Host faces attempted murder charge•Incidents like this are rare•Should have tried contacting guest first (call and message through platform)•Then contact Airbnb, local authorities if necessary•Confirm ETA and departure in welcome email•If guests need to checkout late, offer place to store luggageArticle #2: New Rules are Coming for LA Airbnb Hosts•Home-sharing ordinance in development•Will likely require hosts to register•Follows lead of cities like San Francisco, NYCArticle #3: Forget Uber and Lyft, This Is Where to Find the Money in the Gig Economy•Study found Airbnb to be most lucrative platform•84% of gig economy workers make less than $500/month•Airbnb hosts make average of $924/month•Airbnb monetizes asset rather than labor•Unfair comparison, doesn’t subtract opportunity costArticle #4: Airbnb to Launch Higher-End Luxury Service in Late 2017•Acquired Luxury Retreats for $200-300M•Promoting luxury service with celebrity marketingQ: To what extent should I provide consumables to my guests?•Depends upon type of experience aim to provide•Marketing to higher-end, provide additional amenities•Worth investment to buy in bulk, team up with hosts in neighborhood•Have cleaning staff replenish on as-needed basis•Little things go long way (i.e.: transit cards, board games, coffee)•Prepackaged toiletries available, but can be wasteful•Provide small amount of food/drink, lock up excessResources MentionedArticle #1: dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4681974/Male-Airbnb-landlord-hospitalises-guest-push-stairs.html?ito=social-facebookArticle #2:pasadenastarnews.com/business/20170708/new-rules-are-coming-for-la-airbnb-hosts-heres-what-the-city-is-planningArticle #3: skift.com/2017/06/14/airbnb-ramps-up-push-to-get-more-hosts-to-choose-instant-bookingDoorDashPostmatesEtsyFiverrGetaroundHostWellSpacerArticle #4: foxnews.com/travel/2017/07/11/airbnb-to-launch-higher-end-luxury-service-in-late-2017.htmlSlice Connect with JasperEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.comTwitter: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadThis episode is sponsored by Aviva IQ. Aviva IQ automates messages to your Airbnb guests. It's also free! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 10, 2017 • 27min

EP169: How to Close the Gap For Your Airbnb Guests

The safe approach to designing your space for Airbnb involves a very clean, sterile look complete with your basic IKEA furniture. But today’s guest prefers to offer his guests a more unique experience, and he personalizes his space with art, board games and a garden. His guide books include stories about how some of the artwork was acquired, and he is currently developing playbooks filled with activities and information catered to a specific type of guest. His ‘outdo yourself’ philosophy allows him to make the most of his Airbnb listings and help his guests feel at home.Joe is an entrepreneur and Airbnb host out of Denver. He grew up in New York City, where he was inspired by the arts and design. Joe has owned several businesses, including a skate shop and a pizza cooking school, and his diverse resume includes stints as a beekeeper and fourth grade teacher. He is world traveler and a real estate guru as well, and today he’s prepared to share how business practices translate to the world of Airbnb.Joe also explains his Airbnb hosting philosophy, how he approaches guest communication, and his tips for providing a custom Airbnb experience. Listen and learn how to personalize the information you provide your guests, becoming a virtual tour guide who helps travelers get the most out of their trip!Topics CoveredJoe’s Airbnb hosting philosophy•‘Closing the gap’•How quickly can I make guests feel at home?•Already enjoying space, experience from initial contactThe two main approaches to Airbnb•Keep it sterile (clean, IKEA furniture)•Add character (art, personal items)How Joe provides guests with important information•Extensive introductory email to eliminate concerns•Includes transportation info, door code, Wi-Fi password, restaurants, etc.•Makes it clear that he is available to answer questions•Link to Google Drive folder with House ManualJoe’s advice around personalizing the information you provide guests•Include points of interest in neighborhood (i.e.: drugstore, bank)•Consider designing playbooks for specific types of guests•What to do if you only have two days in Denver•Street art tour•Skiing or snowboardingJoe’s Airbnb hosting mantra•Always improve because it’s too easy to get lazy•Maintaining = losing•Outdo yourselfThe business practices Joe applies to his Airbnb•Devotes every Wednesday morning to Airbnb•Examine numbers for month, expenses•Schedule repairs, purchase supplies•Update Google Drive folder•Create title slides for each room•Track AirDNA data, compare performanceJoe’s tips for providing a custom Airbnb experience•Provide games for guests on family vacation•Develop standard email for business travelers•Think of yourself as ‘virtual tour guide’•Anticipate guest needs and deliver before they ask•Allow guests to be curious and explore your spaceJoe’s take on greeting guests•Someone should be there to shake hands, open door•Co-host greets if he’s unavailable•Provides personal connection that hotels lackHow Joe approaches communication with guests•Response time should be minutes (not hours)Joe’s most memorable hosting experiences•Mostly positive experiences, guests appreciate ‘character’•German guests required much attention, broke shower – left cursory review ResourcesHostfullyAirDNA Connect with JasperEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.comTwitter: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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