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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.

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.

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.

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.

‘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.

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.

‘When you act out of fear, you shrink. When you act out of love, you grow.” –Tony RobbinsAs Jasper turns 40 this week, he is considering how the world views strangers. Rather than assuming the unfamiliar to be a danger or a threat, what if we assumed the best in people until proven otherwise? After all, it only takes one common acquaintance to turn someone from a stranger to a friend.The birthday boy is joined by Margot Lee Schmorak, CEO and Co-founder of Hostfully, to discuss how such a positive outlook supports the Airbnb model. They also cover the top vacation rental headlines in the news this week, including a story about a listing touted as the most unusual Airbnb in Britain and a new augmented reality app that could further improve the guest experience with how-to videos specific to your Airbnb!On a more serious note, Jasper and Margot offer the latest updates on regulations, as Paris joins London and San Francisco in requiring hosts to register with local authorities. And they wrap up with answers to listener questions about using Airbnb photos on multiple platforms and structuring listings for multiple bedrooms. Want your question answered on next week’s episode? Email Jasper at jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com!Topics CoveredArticle #1: This Concept Airbnb App for iPhone is Way Cool•Created by designer Isil Uzum•Uses augmented reality to map apartment•Incorporates videos into house manual•Videos demonstrate how to use appliances (e.g.: coffee maker, thermostat)•Must be made seamless part of experience•Possibility of using AR in choosing AirbnbArticle #2: Is This Britain’s Most Bizarre Airbnb? Guests are Raving About This Caravan … Which is 13 Feet Up a Tree•Rural village in Scotland•Elevated to tree for arthouse film•Only £17/nightArticle #3: Paris Set to Force All Users to Register Rental Properties•Paris is top Airbnb market with 65,000 properties listed•New regulations would require users to register•Seeks to enforce 120-day limit already in place•May become default status quo (registration, limited number of days)Q1: I have two spare bedrooms and one spare bath in my home. Should I establish one, two or three Airbnb listings?•Three – one for each bedroom individually and one for both to accommodate larger parties•Enable Instant Book on two single rooms only (to avoid double bookings)•May change Instant Book settings later based on demand, pricing•Airbnb developing feature to link listings and prevent double bookingsQ2: I am considering listing on multiple platforms. May I use the photos shot by an Airbnb photographer on other platforms?•Photo rights are gray area•Airbnb unlikely to object•Right click and save or take screen shots•Utilize services that scrape images for you•Orbirental facilitates listing on multiple platformsResources MentionedArticle #1:cnet.com/news/iphone-arkit-airbnb-concept-videoAirbnb AR Map ConceptMatterportMagicPlanArticle #2: thesun.co.uk/living/3926820/is-this-britains-most-bizarre-airbnb-guests-are-raving-about-this-caravan-which-is-13ft-up-a-treeArticle #3: skift.com/2017/06/14/airbnb-ramps-up-push-to-get-more-hosts-to-choose-instant-bookingOrbirental 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.

If you have multiple listings on Airbnb, you might find a little-known feature called the Business Profile very useful. Today’s guest has three properties on the site – a house in Portugal, an apartment in Wellington, and a lifestyle property north of Wellington – and she is prepared to share the basics of the Business Profile as well as situations in which you might make use of it to grow your short-term rental business.Natalie Sisson, also known as The Suitcase Entrepreneur, has lived out of her suitcase since 2010, traveling the world while simultaneously running a wildly successful online business. Natalie is passionate about freedom, and she works on planes and in cafes, turning hotel rooms into podcast studios.Natalie had used Airbnb as a guest for years before taking the leap to become a host. She leverages her experience as a customer to provide a comfortable space for the travelers who book her properties. Today she shares her transition from guest to host on Airbnb, how she went about outsourcing the property management and cleaning duties, and her status as a Superhost. Natalie also explains the function of the Airbnb Business Profile page and how to best take advantage of it.Topics CoveredHow Natalie got started with hosting on Airbnb•Two-bedroom apartment in Wellington•Rented on Airbnb while traveling for Christmas•Shortage of rental properties in area•Listed one bedroom, received regular bookings•Hosted corporate travelers, touristsHow Natalie uses her experience as a guest in preparing to host•Considers how to make room most comfortable•Leaves small gift•Uses white board to share Wi-Fi code, places to eat outHow Natalie outsourced property management and cleaning duties•Posted notice on local university Facebook group•Received 37 messages in 20 minutes•Read through applications•Interviewed three people•Hired experienced employee for $17/hour•Shared checklist through time tracking app•Paid via online bankingHow Natalie cancelled bookings, but kept Superhost status•Long-term lease with tenants in Wellington apartment•Forgot to block past when tenants extended rental agreement•Forced to cancel three bookings in a row•Received notice from Airbnb re: deactivation of listing•Immediately clicked on link to reactivate, answered questions•Still showing as Superhost despite cancellationsThe Airbnb Business Profile page•Minimum of three listings•By invitation only•Groups listings together•Can send as link to potential guestsConnect with NatalieThe Suitcase Entrepreneur WebsiteThe Suitcase Entrepreneur PodcastResourcesThe Suitcase Entrepreneur: Create Freedom in Business and Adventure in Life by Natalie SissonBusiness Profile Discussion in Community Center Connect 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.

Airbnb is tooting its own horn this week with the release of a report boasting the positive economic impacts of the platform in the US. The press release aligns with the company’s strategy to work with municipalities as they implement regulations on short-term rentals.Hostfully Director of Marketing, Glenn Carter, joins Jasper this week to review the economic benefits outlined in the report as well as other upgrades to the platform in the news this week, including a pilot program that allows guests to split payments and a premium tier program designed to appeal to the luxury rental market.They also discuss another startup in the space that is expanding its services as Pillow raises funds to launch a building management platform, and the story of a property owner in Barcelona who was forced to squat in her own flat! Finally, Jasper and Glenn answer your questions about cancelling bookings due to a family emergency. Don’t forget to email your questions to jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com!Topics CoveredArticle #1: With $13.5M in New Funds, Pillow Partners with Building Owners to Make Rentals Airbnb-Friendly•Funding to launch Pillow Residential•Platform gives building owners more transparency, allows to share in money generated•Ensures owners, renters comply with local regulations•Building owners know which units being rented and by whom (safety)Article #2: Airbnb Readies a Premium Tier to Compete More with Hotels, Sources Say•Launch new service in luxury rental market•Select hosts in pilot program•Airbnb inspectors verify quality standards•Hosts receive consultation with interior decorator, professional photography for listingArticle #3: Airbnb is Testing a Feature That Would Let You Split the Cost with Friends•Allows guests to split cost among multiple people•Makes booking easier, more accessible•Part of larger game to simplify, streamline experienceArticle #4: Woman Forced to Squat in Her Own Barcelona Flat After ‘Fake Tenant’ Lists Property on Airbnb•Long-term tenant listed apartment on Airbnb•Owner booked property to reoccupy flat, change lock•Reported ‘fake tenant’ to Barcelona council•Faces fines between €60,000 and €600,000Article #5: Airbnb Steps Up Lobbying Pitch to Mayors with New Economic Boast•Airbnb report re: economic impact•Claims $14B in economic output last year•Facilitated 130,000 jobs in US, predicts half a million by 2020•Opponents label report as biased, but economic benefits obvious•Part of ‘play nice’ strategy to appease municipalitiesQ: I have a booking, but a family emergency has arisen. What do I do?•Negative consequences usually associated with cancellation (penalties, ineligible for Superhost status, note on reviews)•Extenuating Circumstances Policy allows for cancellation without consequence in situations out of host’s control (i.e.: unexpected death or serious illness, natural disaster, severe property damage, etc.)•Contact Airbnb to explain, be open and honest with platform and guestResources MentionedArticle #1: techcrunch.com/2017/06/21/pillow-residential-13-5-millionArticle #2: bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-21/airbnb-said-to-ready-a-premium-tier-to-compete-more-with-hotelsArticle #3: skift.com/2017/06/14/airbnb-ramps-up-push-to-get-more-hosts-to-choose-instant-bookingArticle #4: telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/24/woman-forced-become-squatter-barcelona-home-fraudster-listsArticle #5: sandiegouniontribune.com/business/tourism/sd-fi-airbnb-mayors-20170623-story.htmlAirbnb Extenuating Circum: stances Policy Connect with JasperEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you have multiple listings on Airbnb, you might find a little-known feature called the Business Profile very useful. Today’s guest has three properties on the site – a house in Portugal, an apartment in Wellington, and a lifestyle property north of Wellington – and she is prepared to share the basics of the Business Profile as well as situations in which you might make use of it to grow your short-term rental business.Natalie Sisson, also known as The Suitcase Entrepreneur, has lived out of her suitcase since 2010, traveling the world while simultaneously running a wildly successful online business. Natalie is passionate about freedom, and she works on planes and in cafes, turning hotel rooms into podcast studios.Natalie had used Airbnb as a guest for years before taking the leap to become a host. She leverages her experience as a customer to provide a comfortable space for the travelers who book her properties. Today she shares her transition from guest to host on Airbnb, how she went about outsourcing the property management and cleaning duties, and her status as a Superhost. Natalie also explains the function of the Airbnb Business Profile page and how to best take advantage of it.Topics CoveredHow Natalie got started with hosting on Airbnb•Two-bedroom apartment in Wellington•Rented on Airbnb while traveling for Christmas•Shortage of rental properties in area•Listed one bedroom, received regular bookings•Hosted corporate travelers, touristsHow Natalie uses her experience as a guest in preparing to host•Considers how to make room most comfortable•Leaves small gift•Uses white board to share Wi-Fi code, places to eat outHow Natalie outsourced property management and cleaning duties•Posted notice on local university Facebook group•Received 37 messages in 20 minutes•Read through applications•Interviewed three people•Hired experienced employee for $17/hour•Shared checklist through time tracking app•Paid via online bankingHow Natalie cancelled bookings, but kept Superhost status•Long-term lease with tenants in Wellington apartment•Forgot to block past when tenants extended rental agreement•Forced to cancel three bookings in a row•Received notice from Airbnb re: deactivation of listing•Immediately clicked on link to reactivate, answered questions•Still showing as Superhost despite cancellationsThe Airbnb Business Profile page•Minimum of three listings•By invitation only•Groups listings together•Can send as link to potential guestsConnect with NatalieThe Suitcase Entrepreneur WebsiteThe Suitcase Entrepreneur PodcastResourcesThe Suitcase Entrepreneur: Create Freedom in Business and Adventure in Life by Natalie SissonBusiness Profile Discussion in Community Center Connect 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.