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

As Airbnb continues to grow and pursue its ambition of becoming the Superbrand of Travel, changes in the company’s model are sure to follow. On some fronts, Airbnb seems committed to maintaining the hands-off, platform-only approach to business in the sharing economy. Yet in other areas, they are taking a more proactive approach that allows the company more control over the guest experience.Jasper is joined by Deanna Ting, Hospitality Editor for Skift, and David Jacoby, CEO and Co-founder of Hostfully, to discuss Airbnb’s pursuit of world domination in the travel space. Their round-table discussion delves into the company’s ongoing legal issues and how recent acquisitions point to a shift in the company’s tactics.Listen in to learn how you can stay on top of what’s happening in the travel industry as well as the specifics of Airbnb’s evolving approach to business. Topics CoveredAirbnb’s Legal Issues•Cities more cognizant of complications that can arise with Airbnb•Company seems to have different response in Europe vs. US•Airbnb assisting with enforcement of regulations in London and Amsterdam•Partnership with Chicago shares host info with city, but raises privacy concernsAirbnb Experiences•On brand•Unlikely to match success of home product•Anyone can apply, but tour guides hand-selected by Airbnb•Airbnb involved in building itineraryAirbnb Acquisitions•Luxury Retreats indicates an intention to gain more control of guest experience•Tilt technology is a good fit to allow for ease of payment for groupsThe future of Airbnb•Continued pursuit of Travel Superbrand status•Addition of flights, complementary services•Persistent regulatory issues•IPO in 2018 or laterResources Mentionedskift.comAirbnb ExperiencesCo-Working Space ArticleConnect 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.

This week on the podcast, Jasper has a conversation with Brian Chen, lead consumer technology writer for the New York Times and Airbnb Superhost. Brian’s cabin in northern California has been a lucrative business investment, though he has had some surprising experiences with Airbnb guests – and not in a good way.Brian shares a few horror stories about guests who engaged in illegal activity and how Airbnb responded through the dispute resolution process. Listen to find out what lessons Brian has learned from his negative hosting experiences!Topics CoveredBrian’s Wedding Guests•Guest with no reviews booked for a group of 8•Neighbors informed Brian of 50 wedding guests and caterers entering his home•Airbnb assisted in canceling the reservation after guest denied breaking house rules (despite photographic evidence)•Airbnb’s dispute resolution center helped Brian get a portion of the $100/person penalty built into his house rules for exceeding 8 people•Airbnb’s ruling disproportionately favored the guestThe lessons Brian learned from hosting ‘bad eggs’•Protect yourself by establishing strict house rules•Be diligent in screening potential guests•Document as much as possible•Consider taking ‘before’ photos of expensive itemsThe Cocaine Story•Brian booked seemingly trustworthy guest with good reviews•Group broke the dishwasher and left trash, including evidence of illegal drug use•Due to thorough documentation, Brian was able to collect for all damagesThe shortcomings of the Airbnb dispute resolution process•Little recourse for illegal activity•Lack of urgency in addressing disputes•Seem to be proactive only when media gets involved in a conflictConnect with BrianNew York Times Webpage Resources MentionedBrian’s NYT Superhost Article 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.

It was a quiet news week for Airbnb, though the themes of acquisitions, group travel and regulations remain top of mind.This week, Jasper chats with Margot Schmorak, CEO and Co-Founder of Hostfully. They deliberate Airbnb’s recent acquisition of micropayments platform Tilt as well as an interesting perspective on regulations that appeared on BaconsRebellion.com this week.Margot also covers her recent Airbnb experiences in Hawaii, offering feedback to hosts regarding consistency and responsiveness, and Jasper shares a recent investment that will make his international travels easier – and more exclusive!Topics CoveredArticle #1: Airbnb Buys Tilt, Signaling Its Growing Interest in Group Travel•Micropayment platform that had early success on college campuses•Tilt talent now part of Airbnb•Indicates a plan to enter the group travel spaceArticle #2: Just a Thought: Instead of Extending Regs to Airbnb Rentals, Let’s Roll Back Regs on Hotels•The hotel lobby argues that Airbnb should be subject to the same regulations•Due to sites like Yelp, some of these consumer protections may be obsolete•Author suggests a review and reduction of the current regulationsMargot’s Feedback for Airbnb Hosts•Consider interviewing your guests to find out what stood out•Highlight what differentiates you in the listing title•Be sure the information you provide guests is accurate•It is better to under-promise and overdeliver than to create unrealistic expectationsJasper’s New Membership in JetSmarter•Airbnb for private jets•Unlimited flights for $15,000 annual membership•Less hassle at the airport•Worthwhile for travelers who take several international flights per yearResources MentionedArticle #1: fastcompany.com/3068446/new-money/airbnb-buys-tilt-signaling-its-growing-interest-in-group-travelArticle #2: baconsrebellion.com/heres-an-idea-instead-of-extending-regs-to-airbnb-rentals-lets-roll-back-regs-on-hotels-and-bbs/jetsmarter.com 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.

This week, Jasper is chatting with Marc Figueras, the CEO and Co-founder of KeyNest, a smart key exchange service with a network of locations across London where Airbnb hosts and property managers can securely store their keys.Marc explains the specifics of the regulations particular to London as well as the options available to Airbnb hosts in the face of these newly enforced restrictions. Find out more about how Airbnb’s image has affected the rules and what you can do to stay on the right side of the law!Topics CoveredHow Parliament changed the rules in January 2015•Allowed for short-term lets without planning permission•Limited to 90 nights per calendar yearAirbnb’s self-enforcement•The rules haven’t been enforced because it was up to local councils•Hotel lobbies have pressed the new mayor•Airbnb agreed to self-enforce, but only for those hosts who are renting out an entire home•When the restrictions go live this spring, the Airbnb site will no longer allow bookings after the counter on a listing hits the 90-day limitThe legal options for Airbnb hosts•Sell and move to a different market•Initiate the long and costly process of changing your permission from residential to commercial•Host for fewer than 90 days•Pursue long-term lets of 91-plus daysThe danger of circumventing the rules•Though listing on different platforms is an option, it is still illegal•Listing an entire house as a private room or creating new Airbnb accounts may result in having your account banned•Hosts are dependent on the platform for customers, so damaging that relationship is unwiseHow Airbnb’s image can be restored•Return to the original model of private residents using the platform to make extra income and meet new people•The community itself must be vocal about the positive aspects of the serviceThe KeyNest service•Network of cafes and convenience stores for secure key drop-off•35 London locations•£5.95/key collection or £14.95/monthConnect with Marckeynest.co.ukConnect 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’s growth is in the news this week, and acquisitions are in the air. Having only spent $300 million of the $3 billion raised, Airbnb has capital available. And they will have to invest in order to facilitate the growth necessary to reach the publicized goal of $3 billion in profit by 2020.Jasper is joined by Hostfully Growth Guru, Silvia Li Sam, to discuss acquisitions that are already being negotiated as well as their suggestions for possible purchases. Jasper and Silvia cover the latest lawsuit against Airbnb as well, filed by apartment management company Aimco.Topics CoveredArticle #1: Airbnb’s Profits to Top $3 Billion by 2020•Ambitious but possible•Vertical acquisitions may facilitate growthArticle #2: Airbnb is Buying Luxury Retreats for Around $200M•Focus on high-end homes•$1,000/night or more•Airbnb will attain team and technology•Likely to occupy a separate section of the Airbnb siteArticle #3: Airbnb is in Talks to Acquire Social Payments Startup Tilt•Technology for group purchases is a good fit•Paying significantly less than last valuation of $400MJasper and Silvia’s Suggestions for Potential Airbnb Investments•Expand further into the travel space with airline aggregator•Airbnb’s quality user experience could compete with sites like Expedia and Kayak•Flightfox and Airwander assist in booking multi-city trips•Eventually, Airbnb could recommend flights, accommodations and experiencesArticle #4: A Big Apartment Management Company is Suing Airbnb•Suit accuses Airbnb of deliberately incentivizing people to breach their leases•Aimco will have to prove monetary loss•In similar past lawsuits, platforms were not held responsible for user behavior Resources MentionedArticle #1: http://fortune.com/2017/02/15/airbnb-profits/Article #2: https://techcrunch.com/2017/02/09/airbnb-is-buying-luxury-retreats-for-around-200m/Article #3: https://techcrunch.com/2017/01/24/airbnb-is-in-talks-to-acquire-social-payments-startup-tilt/Article #4: https://techcrunch.com/2017/02/18/a-big-apartment-management-company-is-suing-airbnb/flightfox.comairwander.comConnect 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.

Jasper talks with Peter, the host of Clyde River Cottage in southern Australia. With a background in the hospitality business, Peter is well-versed in providing guests with a quality experience and marketing to travelers both directly and through third-party platforms.Peter shares the advantages of diversifying your Airbnb business and discusses how he uses the Triple Wow Factor to procure five-star reviews. Listen and learn when it’s beneficial to post your listing on multiple platforms – or perhaps even create your own website!Topics CoveredHow Airbnb clients differ from other travelers•Airbnb guests are buying an experience•Most are looking to be a part of a communityThe benefits of sticking with a single platform•Allows you to build a strong reputation•Keeps things simple (no chance of double-booking)The disadvantages of using just one platform•Miss out on demand provided by other marketplaces•Can be risky to put all your eggs in one basketWhy Peter utilizes multiple platforms•Airbnb alone doesn’t provide enough demand to reach full occupancy in smaller markets•Clients who don’t trust Airbnb still have access to his listing•A Google search for accommodations in his area will pop three different results that lead to his listingThe advantages of having your own website•Opportunities for promotion (i.e.: YouTube video links, blog, newsletter for past guests)•Clients who prefer to deal directly with a host have access to your listingHow to prevent/manage double-bookings•Immediately remove your listing from other platforms when you receive a booking•Make connections with other Airbnb hosts in your area and offer referrals to guests who were double-booked, waiving the price difference•Avoid cancellations on Airbnb; you will lose your Superhost statusPeter’s secret to five-star reviews, the Triple Wow Factor1.Clean, comfortable accommodations2.Recommendations for local experiences (coffee shops, restaurants, etc.)3.Welcoming, available hostsConnect with Peterclyderivercottage.com.au Resources Mentionedstayz.com.auPeter’s Prawning Video 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.

Regulations and enforcement dominate the conversation today, as two big news stories out of NYC and London are making headlines.Jasper is joined by Nicole Williams, VP of Strategy and Marketing for Hostfully, to chat about the property managers fined in NYC this week as well as the feasibility of enforcing the rules established in London.Jasper and Nicole also cover the exponential growth of Airsorted, a management startup in the news and Jasper’s investment in Cali, Colombia.Some of the topics coveredArticle #1: Airsorted, a Fast-Growing Airbnb Management Startup, Raises £1.5M•Manages 1,000 properties in the UK, a four-fold increase in the past six months•Expanding to Sydney•CEO with banking background is focused on hosts’ profitabilityArticle #2: New York City Issues First Illegal Airbnb Fines•Two property managers fined for 17 violations•Each violation carries a $1,000 fine•Law against short-term apartment rentals went into effect in October•Listings were pulled from Airbnb to avoid even larger finesArticle #3: Airbnb Introduces 90-Day Annual Limit for London Hosts•Airbnb will ban hosts in London from renting homes for more than 90 days/year without official consent•Local councils in charge of enforcement•Hosts may list on other platforms to get around the rulesArticle #4: Airbnb: $30 Billion Startup: This is What Wikipedia Can’t Tell You•Explains the genesis of Airbnb•Includes a breakdown of investment funding and an overview of acquisitions•Surprising statistics•10% of Airbnb hosts are seniors•54% of Airbnb guests are female•Airbnb has served 80,000,000+ guests in 34,000+ cities in 191+ countries•List of key competitors may be useful for hosts looking to diversifyJasper’s Personal News•Investment in penthouse in Cali, Colombia•Latest blogpost outlines his decision-making processResources MentionedArticle #1: techcrunch.com/2017/02/07/airsortedArticle #2: theverge.com/2017/2/7/14532388/nyc-airbnb-first-illegal-renting-fines-issuedArticle #3: theguardian.com/technology/2016/dec/01/airbnb-introduces-90-day-a-year-limit-for-london-hostsArticle #4: valuewalk.com/2017/02/airbnb-30-billion-startup-wikipedia-cant-tell-infographicJasper’s Blogpost:getpaidforyourpad.com/blog/bought-penthouse-cali-colombia-rent-airbnb 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.

Jasper talks with Kevin the Financial Panther, an Airbnb superhost and expert side hustler. Kevin is a lawyer who has capitalized on the sharing economy to pay off $87,000 worth of student loans in just two and a half years!Kevin shares his journey to becoming an Airbnb superhost and explains how he uses other platforms including DogVacay, Postmates and OfferUp to make extra money. Listen and learn how to incorporate side gigs into your life.Some of the topics coveredThe unexpected advantages of Airbnb hosting•Kevin has received freebies from companies looking to get their products in front of consumers•“Your house will never be cleaner”How targeting a specific audience makes hosting easier•Consider who is likely to book with you based on location•Recognize what your target audience is looking for (i.e.: affordability, proximity to events)Kevin’s advice for potential hosts who fear theft or damage•More people are normal than you think•His guests have been very polite and unobtrusiveKevin’s tips for hosts who are just getting started•Just do it•Communicate with your guests•Keep your house cleanKevin’s approach to communicating with guests•Do a walk-through to explain where to find and how to use appliances, etc.•Utilize the Airbnb messaging system to keep a record of your correspondence•Email a Hostfully guidebook upon booking and again a few days before the guest’s arrivalWhy Airbnb is better than a roommate•Your house is still fully yours (rather than having to share ownership)•Kevin’s guests have been very respectful of the space and his privacyConnect with Kevinfinancialpanther.coResources MentionedNest Bedding PartnershipConnect 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.

In November of 2015, Airbnb Global Policy Chief Chris Lehane announced the bold goal of forming 100 home sharing clubs in 2016. Today, a global network of 112 of these advocacy organizations fight regulatory battles and engage in partnerships with small businesses to enrich the local economy and culture.On this episode of the podcast, Jasper is joined by Emery Lieberman, Airbnb’s Global Home Sharing Clubs Mobilization Program Manager, and David Jacoby, CEO and Co-founder of Hostfully, to discuss how the company was able to reach the ambitious aim of establishing 100 organizations in a year, the role they play in their communities and the clubs that have celebrated particular success in fighting regulations – by telling their stories.They also cover Airbnb’s statement-making Super Bowl commercial highlighting the company’s commitment to inclusiveness. Find how Airbnb took a big stand on a big stage!Some of the topics coveredAirbnb Community vs. Airbnb Citizen Clubs•The community is an online platform where hosts connect and ask general questions•Clubs are specific to a given city and focus on location-specific public policy issues and philanthropic projectsThe Role of Home Sharing Clubs Around the World•Gives hosts a voice in the political sphere•Airbnb provides resources, but clubs are led by hosts•Allows hosts the opportunity to educate communities and partner with other small businessesThe Journey to Establishing 100 Clubs•Many were organizing already•In cities with multiple hosts, leaders were identified and offered resources to create their own vision•Hosts want to feel connected to a support systemHome Sharing Club Success Stories•Defeat of Prop F in San Francisco•Advocacy in Barcelona•The power of storytelling in New OrleansAirbnb’s Political Super Bowl Ad•CEO Brian Chesky has criticized Trump’s travel ban•The ad’s #weaccept aligns with Airbnb’s mission of creating a world where anyone can belongResources MentionedAirbnb Community ForumAirbnb Community Clubs PageAirbnb Citizen ForumAirbnb Citizen Clubs PageAirbnb’s Super Bowl AdConnect 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.

On this episode of the podcast, Jasper chats with Pierre-Camille Hamana, founder of smartbnb, an application that provides value to Airbnb hosts via automated messaging. Smartbnb gives superpowers to superhosts, improving response times and listings placement!Jasper explains how his own experience as an Airbnb host informed the development of smartbnb, the flexible functionality of the application, and the freedom smartbnb allows its users. Listen in to learn how smartbnb can make your Airbnb venture easier and more profitable!Some of the topics coveredHow Pierre’s experience as an Airbnb host inspired smartbnb •Airbnb is a quality marketing and design product, but lacks features •He found the messaging aspect to be drainingHow smartbnb creates personalized messages at scale •Hosts schedule automated messages •Shortcuts create custom messages including the guest’s first name, the city they are traveling from, etc. •Availability and price inquiries are answered immediately with the total price in the guest’s currency •The multilingual platform supports 29 languages and initiates communication in the language the guest viewed the listing •Messages are sent to guests based on their time zoneThe market monitoring feature of smartbnb •Airbnb promotes hosts who convert inquiries into reservations •Improved response times provided by smartbnb help hosts climb to the top of the results page •Smartbnb users receive daily reports re: their placement in search resultsThe value of the app’s option to add team members to notification system •Cleaning staff, concierge receive notice of bookings •Concierge, drivers alerted when flights are delayedPricing and the configuration process •Smartbnb offers a 14-day free trial •Cost contingent on number of listings •Base plan includes two listings for €15/$18 •Sign up with your Airbnb account at smartbnb.io •Most configure within an hourWhat’s next for smartbnb •Pierre is working to add support for WhatsAppConnect with Pierresmartbnb.io/messagingtwitter.com/smartbnbhqfacebook.com/smartbnb/Resources MentionedFree Listing ReportConnect 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.