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EP155: Airbnb vs. HomeAway and VRBO May 22, 2017

Show notes

To diversify, or not to diversify, that is the question.
Should you be listing on multiple platforms? Or is it better to stick with just one?
Richard Fertig is the host of Short Term Rental Secrets, a YouTube channel dedicated to building a community of short-term rental hosts who learn from each other’s experience. Richard is an entrepreneur and former Wall Street Hedgefunder who signed up for Airbnb four years ago. In that time, he has generated over $500,000 in income hosting his small portfolio of real estate investments.
Listen to understand the differences among Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO and Booking.com. Richard also shares his experience with listing on multiple platforms, discussing the advantages of diversifying as well as the complications that can arise. This is a must-listen for hosts who are weighing the benefits of listing on more than one vacation rental site!
Topics Covered
How Airbnb is different from HomeAway/VRBO
•Superior user experience
•Focus on building community
•Mutual review of host/guest
The pricing structures of each platform
•Airbnb charges 3% fee for each reservation
•HomeAway employs a flat rate pricing model ($399/year)
The advantages of HomeAway/VRBO
•Long-time player in the vacation rental space (ski resorts, beach houses)
•More profitable than Airbnb if property located in popular tourist destination
Why Airbnb is the better choice for new hosts
•No risk
•3 million Airbnb listings (vs. 1.2 million on HomeAway)
The case for sticking with only one platform
•Build strong reputation, credibility (Superhost status)
•If demand is high enough (80-90% occupancy), one platform is simpler
The argument for diversification
•Don’t leave money on the table (higher occupancy)
•HomeAway typically generates more bookings for popular vacation destinations
•Safer to have several business partners (not beholden to single company)
How to avoid the complications of listing on multiple platforms
•Update and sync calendars on each platform
•If double-booking does occur, assist guest in finding accommodations
The benefits of creating your own vacation rental website
•Functions as online business card
•Easier to share URL
•Increase in return customers
•Ability to post additional content (i.e.: videos)
•Builds reputation
•Guests book directly and avoid fees
Booking.com’s short-term rental component
•Richard is testing site, will review on channel
•Serious short-term hosts recommend
•Guests more transactional (fewer questions, demands)
•Interface difficult to navigate
•Higher fees force hosts to raise rates
Resources
HomeAway
VRBO
Kelly Kampen’s Open Letter to Airbnb
Lodgify
Booking.com Vacation Rentals
Vacation Rental Website Fee Comparison
Connect with Richard
Short Term Rental Secrets YouTube Channel
Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad
This 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.

EP154: This Week in the World of Airbnb May 18, 2017

Show notes

Airbnb is learning the art of the deal, and the homesharing platform is all over the news this week for efforts to collaborate with local governments in Latin America, Japanese luxury resorts, and the city of San Francisco.
Jasper is chatting about these partnerships with none other than Hostfully VP of Strategic Partnerships, Nicole Prentice Williams. They explore Airbnb’s proactive approach to compromise with city governments in the growing Latin American market, their deal with Japanese luxury resorts to help boost occupancy, and the $15M agreement to expand their ‘urban campus’ in San Francisco.
They also cover the story of a first-time Airbnb user who was scammed by a phony listing in Amsterdam as well as the details of the registration process for hosts in San Francisco. Listen in to learn about these headlines – and Jasper’s challenging experiences as an Airbnb guest in Moscow and St. Petersburg!
Topics Covered
Article #1: Brit Tourist Scammed Out of £915 for a Holiday Getaway Advertised Through Airbnb in Amsterdam
•Scammer lured first-time Airbnb user with phony listing
•Guest provided email address, received email with payment info
•Sent payment, then learned that listing was fraudulent
•Airbnb typically blocks contact information
•Perhaps email address was provided in screen shot undetected by filter
Article #2: Airbnb Looks to Latin America, Now its Fastest-Growing Market
•Using different approach – collaborating with local governments
•Arrangement with Mexico City to pay 3% tax (consistent with hotels)
•Smart to compromise before resistance, costly litigation
•In talks with Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo as well
•Will be in competition with Hotel Urbano
•Expanding staff and opening offices in Latin America as well
Article #3: Airbnb to Launch Luxury Reservation Service in Japan
•Focus on traditional inns, specialty hotels (i.e.: hot springs resorts)
•Hotels pay 10% commission to Airbnb and Evolable Asia
•Hope to boost low occupancy rates (38% at traditional inns, 57% at resort hotels in 2016)
•Aligns with Experiences initiative
•Need to remain transparent so guests realize booking hotel room
Article #4: Airbnb in Talks for San Francisco Expansion as it Snaps Up Space for Urban Campus
•Leasing office space one block away from headquarters
•$15M expansion will dominate area
•Plan to double the number of employees to 3,000
Article #5: How Does Airbnb’s Deal with SF Work?
•Interview-style article
•Agreement requires hosts to register, can be done through site (Airbnb or HomeAway)
•Registration deadline is September 6, 2017
•Listings without registration number will be blocked
•Neighbors will receive notice of short-term rentals within 300 feet
Resources Mentioned
Article #1:thesun.co.uk/news/3543284/brit-tourist-scammed-airbnb-amsterdam/
Article #2: nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11855376
Article #3: asia.nikkei.com/Business/Companies/Airbnb-to-launch-luxury-reservation-service-in-Japan
Article #4: bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2017/05/09/airbnb-san-francisco-expansion.html
Article #5: sfchronicle.com/business/article/How-does-Airbnb-s-deal-with-SF-work-11139753.php
Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad
This 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.

EP153: How to Arrange a Perfect Airbnb Turnover and Cleaning May 15, 2017

Show notes

As hosts, we know that Airbnb is a ‘review game,’ and the cleanliness of your space plays a big role in scoring the highly coveted five-star review. Today’s guest is prepared to share several key strategies that will help Airbnb hosts keep their vacation rental spic and span.
Neel Parekh is the CEO and Founder of MaidThis, a tech-enabled turnover service for short-term rentals based in California. The company provides top-notch, reliable cleaning services for Airbnb hosts via an online scheduling system. MaidThis cleaners are experienced in the short-term rental space, and they are trained to complete an inspection and damage report as needed.
Listen as Neel explains how to find reliable cleaners, train your staff, and select towels and bedding for your Airbnb. Surprise and delight your guests by meeting their expectations for an immaculate place to stay – and earn another superior review!
Topics Covered
How to find a reliable cleaning staff
•Work with a professional service like MaidThis
•Search on platforms like Craigslist, Indeed or Yelp
•Hire a primary and backup, both trained on your unit
Neel’s guidance for training your cleaner
•Customers expect hotel standards
•No food in the refrigerator and dishes put away
•Teach them to look for damages and restock supplies (kept in locked storage)
•Consider having them stay at Airbnb as a guest
The most important spaces in terms of cleanliness
•Professionally made beds with military tuck (first impression sets the tone)
•Pristine bathroom (toilet paper with sticker or folded end)
•Spotless kitchen
Neel’s advice about choosing colors for bedding and towels
•White sheets and towels look best, but cost more to wash/replace
•Light grey is a less expensive alternative
Neel’s suggestions re: laundry
•Guests will use everything you leave out
•Two towels per bed is sufficient for short stays
•Less time spent on laundry translates to fewer mistakes
Neel’s best tips for hosts
•Vacation rental is a ‘review game’
•Don’t skimp on cleaning (lose money in the long run)
•A clean Airbnb leads to positive reviews and more bookings
The MaidThis service
•Currently serves LA, Orange County, San Francisco and the Bay Area
•Flat rate based on the size of home, laundry included
Connect with Neel
maidthis.com
Discount Code: GPFYP
Email neel@maidthis.com
Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad
This 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.

EP152: This Week in the World of Airbnb May 11, 2017

Show notes

As Airbnb hosts, we know that a well-written, conversational profile goes a long way in landing guests. But now there is science to back it up, and the research identifies specific language hosts can employ in their listings.
Hostfully Marketing Specialist Glenn Carter joins Jasper to discuss the research out of Cornell and Stanford that examined predictors of host choice. They also cover several other Airbnb headlines, including yet another acquisition, the company’s partnership with Hearst to launch a travel magazine, and an opinion piece arguing that the hotel and home sharing industries actually need each other!
Listen in to learn about proposed legislation in New York that could boost Airbnb rentals as well as the creative accommodations many Airbnb hosts are listing on the platform, among them a charming treehouse in Canada!
Topics Covered
Article #1: Airbnb and Hotels Need Each Other, They Just Don’t Know It Yet
•Ongoing animosity between home sharing and hotel industries
•Hotel industry could learn from Airbnb’s focus on uniqueness of experience
•Airbnb could improve the ‘professionalizing of guest experience’
•Industries would benefit from partnership
•Hybrid platforms offer hotel services (i.e.: concierge, cleaning) to home share clients
Article #2: ‘Beaches’ Treehouse a Hit on Airbnb
•Couple converted kids’ treehouse into small studio
•32 positive reviews on Airbnb
•Doesn’t comply with city’s property standards by-law
•Other creative spaces (i.e.: boats, vans) listed on Airbnb
Article #3: Battle Over Airbnb Legislation Heats Up in Albany
•New bill seeks to legalize rentals under 30 days when host is away
•Could create boost in Airbnb rentals
•Share Better is opposed
•Flaws in argument re: affordable housing
Article #4: 3 Science-Backed Ways to Get Airbnb Users to Choose Your Listing
•Cornell and Stanford researchers studied how Airbnb profiles influence potential guests
•Perceived trustworthiness determined to be significant predictor of host choice
•Length, language and personal details influence perceived trustworthiness
•The concept of ‘know, like and trust’
Article #5: Airbnb Teams with Hearst on Magazine Guided by Travel Site’s Data
•Airbnb provided access to data
•Articles based on those stats
•Travel magazine published twice a year (launch in May)
•350,000 copies at $4
Article #6: Airbnb Acquired its React Native Partner Deco Software, Deco IDE Goes Open Source
•‘Acquihire’ brings five employees to Airbnb
•Experience in building native mobile apps
•Airbnb’s 14th acquisition
Resources Mentioned
Article #1: forbes.com/sites/briansolomon/2017/05/05/airbnb-and-hotels-need-each-other-they-just-dont-know-it-yet/#2b4c49933e46
Article #2: thestar.com/news/city_hall/2017/05/05/beaches-treehouse-a-hit-on-airbnbfor-rent-temporarily-a-charming-treehouse-bunkie.html
Article #3: wsj.com/articles/battle-over-airbnb-legislation-heats-up-in-albany-1493936838?tesla=y&mg=id-wsj
Article #4: observer.com/2017/03/tips-how-to-make-best-airbnb-listing/
Article #5: wsj.com/articles/airbnb-teams-with-hearst-on-magazine-guided-by-travel-sites-data-1493892000
Article #6: techcrunch.com/2017/05/02/airbnb-has-acquired-partner-deco-software-deco-ide-is/
Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad
This 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.

EP151: How to Use Airbnb to Facilitate a Business Accelerator May 08, 2017

Show notes

So you’ve planned a retreat for entrepreneurs and booked the Airbnb, but lack of interest forced you to cancel the event. Now it’s time to get creative and find a way to recoup the money you spent on accommodations. What if you listed the space on Airbnb yourself, and sublet it out to get your money back?
Chris Reynolds is the founder of Entrepreneur House, a business accelerator that holds events worldwide with the intent of creating a community where entrepreneurs can live together for four weeks, attending goal-setting and productivity workshops as well as taking part in advisor-led seminars and one-on-one coaching sessions. Chris has taken advantage of the Airbnb platform to book accommodations for Entrepreneur House retreats in Chiang Mai, Barcelona and Rio de Janeiro, and then sublet those bookings when they weren’t being used!
Today, Chris shares the objectives of Entrepreneur House as well as his advice for Airbnb hosts. Listen in to learn how he was able to negotiate with a landlord who caught him subletting an Airbnb space illegally – and turn that potential conflict into a lucrative business partnership.
Topics Covered
Why Entrepreneur House was launched
•Business accelerator for established entrepreneurs
•Offers cultural experience through four-week retreats held all over the world
•Provides community and sense of belonging
•Leverage each other’s skills while mountain-biking, for example
•More productive than regular environment
How Chris employs Airbnb for Entrepreneur House
•Uses platform to book accommodations for attendees (in advance and last minute)
•Sublets Airbnb when event is canceled or doesn’t need space for entire booking period
How Chris handled being caught by the landlord for subletting without permission
•Landlord discovered Airbnb listing and called meeting
•Chris explained intent to recoup loss as entrepreneur
•Landlord altered contract to allow for short-term rentals
•Chris partnered with owner of leasing company to book the following year
The dynamic around illegal activity in Barcelona
•Drinking on the street, graffiti and pot lounges are technically illegal, but rules not enforced
•Short-term rentals are illegal, but people continue without much fear of retribution
Chris’s advice for Airbnb hosts
•Include photos of all rooms (better pics = better bookings)
•Offer a flat screen TV (almost always indicates better quality)
•Put forth the time and effort to compose a thorough description for your listing
Chris’s guidance for dealing with a landlord if you’re listing your rental on Airbnb
•Be clear about why you’re using the platform
•Enter negotiations with a proposal that will benefit you both
•If the landlord says ‘no,’ respect the fact that they control the property
Resources
dnxcamp.com
Chiang Mai Event Details
Connect with Chris
theentrepreneurhouse.com
Entrepreneur House Podcast
Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad
This 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.

EP150: This Week in the World of Airbnb May 05, 2017

Show notes

One of the more frustrating aspect of international travel is cell access. Wi-Fi isn’t always available, and additional data plans can be costly. What do you do without access to maps and information? It can make for a harrowing experience in an unfamiliar place where you may or may not be able to communicate with the locals. Just ask Jasper about his trip to Moscow!
David Jacoby, Co-founder and President of Hostfully, joins Jasper to discuss all of the ways that Airbnb is trying to do the right thing. To start, the company is developing a solution to the cell access problem, and their patent application made headlines this week. Airbnb is also working to make things right with regard to racial discrimination on the platform, as well as host non-compliance with regulations in the city of San Francisco.
In addition to those stories, David and Jasper cover an organization that is most decidedly not concerned with doing the right thing. Listen in and learn about the misleading anti-Airbnb ad sponsored by Share Better DC.
Topics Covered
Article #1: Airbnb is Trying to Solve This Irritating Problem for Travelers
•Patent submission for device geared toward travelers with no Wi-Fi or cell network access
•Would allow traveler to download trip info (i.e.: maps, messages, etc.)
•Convenience for hosts of international travelers
•Evidence of Airbnb’s intention to expand beyond home stays
•Aligns with Chesky’s commitment to solve the problems of travel
Article #2: Airbnb, HomeAway Reach Deal with San Francisco Over Registering Hosts
•Ends lawsuit filed in June over rules imposing steep fines for unregistered hosts
•2,100 hosts registered, 8,000 listings in the city
•Hosts will be able to register through the company websites (rather than in person)
•Airbnb will share information with the city for verification
•Goes into effect in eight months
•A significant drop in the number of listings is likely
•May have unintended consequences, e.g.: renters migrating to unregulated platforms, loss of tax revenue
Article #3: Woman in Anti-Airbnb Ad Showing Anacostia is an Actress
•Misleading anti-Airbnb ad sponsored by Share Better DC
•Woman in commercial is an actor from NYC
Article #4: Airbnb Will Let California Screen Some Hosts for Racial Bias
•Agreement with California Department of Fair Employment and Housing
•DFEH will create fake accounts to see if host is complying with fair housing laws
•Screenings limited to hosts with three or more listings (6,000 of the 76,000 total)
Resources Mentioned
Article #1: refinery29.com/2017/04/152318/airbnb-problem-solving-wifi-for-travelers
Article #2: marketwatch.com/story/airbnb-homeaway-reach-deal-with-san-francisco-over-registering-hosts-2017-05-01
Article #3: nbcwashington.com/news/local/Woman-in-Misleading-Anti-Airbnb-Ad-Showing-Anacostia-Is-An-Actress-420752283.html
Article #4: fortune.com/2017/04/29/airbnb-california-racial-bias/
Harvard Study on "Racial Discrimination in the Sharing Economy"
HSDC Trade Show
Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad
This 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.

EP149: Airbnb Hosting Tips From The Laptop Landlord May 01, 2017

Show notes

Whether you’re just getting started as an Airbnb host, or you’re looking to upgrade your status and pick up a few more five-star reviews, the Laptop Landlord is here to share some killer advice that will help you find the right guests for your property and provide high quality customer service during their stay.
Tyler Knutzen is an Airbnb host in Chicago who runs the Laptop Landlord website. He utilized Airbnb for the first time in 2012 as a grad student in Eugene, Oregon, during the US Olympic Trials. He realized that local hotels were overloaded, and living only seven minutes from campus made his place prime real estate. Looking to make extra money, he and his fiancé listed their home on Airbnb and hosted two sets of guests during the course of the event.
After a move to Chicago, Tyler forgot about Airbnb until he started looking for a side hustle to help pay off his student loans. He tried several other things before remembering just how easy it had been to set up a listing on Airbnb. Now he sets availability whenever he is going out of town, and his guests receive the benefit of his customer service background via clear communication. Today Tyler shares his best advice for Airbnb hosts, explaining how to identify your niche and why overcommunication is key in receiving five-star reviews.
Topics Covered
How a background in customer service helped Tyler as an Airbnb host
•Quality communication with guests led to positive reviews early on
Tyler’s ‘opportunistic’ approach to Airbnb availability
•Set availability when you already plan on being gone
•Could also set availability for weekends, and do a free ‘staycation’ if listing is booked
Why Tyler created the Laptop Landlord website
•Compiled Airbnb hosting resources
•Wanted to share info, help other hosts plug into Airbnb ecosystem
Tyler’s 4 best tips for Airbnb hosts
•Figure out who you are as a host, and create a listing that attracts the right guests
•Take time to set up your listing correctly with a specific headline and photo captions
•Be proactive with customer service and overcommunicate before, during and after the stay
•Perform hosting duties yourself before you delegate, outsource or automate
Connect with Tyler
laptoplandlord.com
Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad
This 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.

EP148: This Week in the World of Airbnb Apr 27, 2017

Show notes

Conventional wisdom tells us to ‘expect the unexpected,’ and Airbnb news certainly delivered this week, most notably when a guest in Los Angeles received a surprise visit from a SWAT team!
Margot Lee Shmorak, CEO and Co-founder of Hostfully, joins Jasper (our homeless host) to discuss that incident as well as the unexpected negative view of Airbnb presented by a few high-profile Democrats on the national stage in the US.
They also cover the story of a couple who was pleasantly surprised by Airbnb’s new payment options as they planned their honeymoon trip, and an op-ed explaining why Airbnb’s growth in China is sluggish despite their best efforts. Listen in to understand why anything more than modest growth is unexpected in the Chinese market.
Topics Covered
Article #1: Hotel Industry Details Plans to Fight Airbnb
•High-profile Democrats raised concerns about Airbnb
•Questioned housing costs, racial discrimination, and consumer protection and safety w/ FTC
•Accused Airbnb of evading local tax laws
•First time issue raised at national level
•Hotel lobby gave $1.3M to congressional candidates during past election cycle
•Airbnb spent $485,000 on lobbying in 2016
•Polarizing stance is surprising
Article #2: Why Airbnb’s China Expansion is Stumbling
•Name rebrand ‘Airbiying’ is awkward
•Homesharing not part of Chinese culture
•Only 19% motivated by social aspect
•Only 6.5% of Chinese trust strangers
•Price difference between Airbnb and hotels is much smaller
•Competition is much bigger
•Tujia boasts 10 times the number of listings
•Regulations make it difficult for foreign companies to do business
•The city of Paris has roughly the same number of Airbnb listings as all of China
Article #3: Airbnb Guest Surprised by SWAT Team Looking for Fugitive
•New Yorker staying at Airbnb in Los Angeles
•Overwhelmed by officers looking for ‘Ashley’
•Shot video of the incident
•Nervous that local regulations might prohibit Airbnb, he initially claimed to know the fugitive
•Later admitted that he did not
Article #4: Airbnb is Quietly Testing Flexible Payment Plans for Guests
•Airbnb is testing a feature that allows guests to put down a 50% deposit to reserve a luxury property
•Remaining balance is due two weeks prior to arrival
•Invented other systems in regions where paying with an international credit card isn’t an option, i.e.: Cuba and Brazil
•Demonstrates Airbnb’s willingness to experiment
Resources Mentioned
Article #1: thehill.com/policy/technology/329120-the-hotel-industry-is-planning-a-washington-showdown-with-airbnb
Article #2: techinasia.com/talk/airbnb-china-expansion-stumble
Article #3: news.com.au/finance/business/travel/airbnb-guest-surprised-by-swat-team-looking-for-fugitive/news-story/0e0d2ee58092d045e8915466a30a59cb
Article #4: fastcompany.com/40410787/airbnb-is-quietly-testing-flexible-payment-options-for-guests
Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad
This 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.

EP147: Airbnb Experiences Apr 24, 2017

Show notes

Is there something you’ve always wanted to try? Maybe it’s surfing, or nature photography, or even burlesque? It can be intimidating to seek out experiences like that on your own if you don’t know anyone in the scene.
Airbnb Experiences is designed to give guests an opportunity to try something extraordinary – with a welcoming expert host who can’t wait to share their city with you. Cat LaCohie, otherwise known as Vixen DeVille, is an Airbnb Experience host in Los Angeles who shares the world of burlesque with guests who are curious about the art form.
Today Cat shares the process of developing an experience with Airbnb, the specifics of what’s involved in her one- and three-day experiences, and the advantages the program provides to travelers. And if you’re interested in becoming a host yourself, Cat offers invaluable advice regarding how to create a unique experience.
Topics Covered
The qualities the company is looking for in Airbnb Experience hosts
•Welcoming
•Willingness to meet and spend time with guests
Why Airbnb approached Cat to serve as host
•Her niche in burlesque fit the wide spectrum of interests Airbnb was going for
•Cat’s Yelp reviews spoke to her approach in working with others
Airbnb’s initial approach in developing experiences
•Provide a range of activities
•Select interesting and fun hosts
How Airbnb provided support in developing each distinct experience
•Marketing copy
•Promotional photos, videos
•Hosts paid for time during beta testing (though experiences offered for free)
•Provided retainer for hosts to ensure availability during testing phase
•Airbnb employees did experiences themselves to provide feedback
Cat’s one-day experience
•‘Pregame’ dress up and selfies
•Burlesque show
Cat’s three-day immersion
•Day One – attend burlesque show
•Day Two – class with Cat to learn burlesque technique
•Day Three – photo shoot with costumes
The benefits of Airbnb Experiences vs. a typical tourist experience
•Extraordinary activities
•Expert guidance
•Part of a group – instantly
The diverse guests Cat has hosted
•Groups with genuine interest in pursuing burlesque
•Individuals moving to LA and looking to make interesting friends
•Older women looking to get a new lease on life
Cat’s advice to potential Airbnb Experience hosts
•Develop an experience that is linked to your passion
•Be sure you have an ‘in’ (share your world/network)
•Be flexible and adapt to your guests’ requests
•Interact and show interest in your guests
•Choose activities that a visitor would NOT know about (rather than what’s ‘popular’)
The financial aspects of hosting an experience
•Cat’s one-day experience costs $99 for four hours
•Airbnb receives 20%
•Cat’s expenses include show tickets, drinks, photographer/makeup artist fees
•The more people participating, the more lucrative
•One person doing one-day experience, only $30 profit
•Six people, as much as $500 profit in one night
Resources
Airbnb Experiences Hosting Info
Connect with Cat
Cat’s Airbnb Burlesque Experience
‘Vixen DeVille’ Website
Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
Instagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad
This 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.

EP146: This Week in the World of Airbnb Apr 21, 2017

Show notes

You’ve got to keep ‘em regulated.
This seems to be the hotel industry’s sentiment toward Airbnb, as revealed in documents obtained by the New York Times this week.
Jasper is joined by Glenn Carter, Hostfully Marketing Specialist, to chat about the American Hotel and Lodging Association’s formal plan to rein in Airbnb, as well as a new UBS report suggesting that regulations have slowed the growth of Airbnb in some of the company’s most popular markets.
They also cover the lawsuit Airbnb is bringing against the city of Miami for targeting hosts who spoke at a city commission meeting, and corporate travel policies around homesharing. Listen in to find out what amenities attract business travelers and how corporations can benefit from allowing for the use of platforms like Airbnb when employees travel for work.
Topics Covered
Article #1: Inside the Hotel Industry’s Plan to Combat Airbnb
•American Hotel and Lodging Association’s action plan to combat Airbnb revealed
•Took credit for Federal Trade Commission’s housing cost investigation and steep fines in NY
•Hotel industry argues that Airbnb drives up housing costs and hurts the middle class
•The numbers disprove that claim as majority of hosts have only one listing
•No proof of causal relationship between rising home prices and Airbnb
Article #2: Corporate Travel Still Doesn’t Get Homesharing Despite Business Traveler Use
•A mere 17% of corporate travel policies allow business travelers to stay at homesharing properties
•Some business travelers unaware of company policy, utilize homesharing regardless
•Airbnb caters to business travelers with select amenities
•Flexibility and affordability likely to attract more business travelers to Airbnb moving forward
Article #3: Airbnb Sues Miami After City Targets Speakers at Recent Meeting
•City of Miami targeted five Airbnb hosts who spoke at city commission meeting
•Airbnb filed lawsuit against city for violation of First Amendment rights
•Airbnb argues that hosts had the right to speak without fear of retribution
•Airbnb has shown willingness to cooperate with other cities
•Strange that Miami would instigate conflict and bring about negative PR
Article #4: Regulation is Slowing Growth in Some of Airbnb’s Most Popular Markets
•UBS report suggests that regulations have had a negative impact on Airbnb’s business
•Listings in Airbnb’s seven largest markets still grew 40% year over year
•Declines noted in NYC and Barcelona, where strict legislation has been enacted
•Airbnb looking to grow in other hospitality niches until revenue from homesharing accounts for less than half of the company’s total
Resources Mentioned
Glenn’s GPFYP Podcast Interview
GPFYP Episode 47
Article #1: nytimes.com/2017/04/16/technology/inside-the-hotel-industrys-plan-to-combat-airbnb.htm
Article #2: skift.com/2017/04/17/corporate-travel-still-doesnt-get-homesharing-despite-business-traveler-use
Article #3: local10.com/travel/airbnb-sues-miami-after-the-city-targeted-speakers-at-recent-meeting
Article #4: skift.com/2017/04/14/airbnbs-growth-slows-in-markets-where-it-faces-more-regulation
Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com
Twitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
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