Post by High Priestess on May 28, 2016 1:52:19 GMT
Andrea shared on New Hosts Forum 2 years ago May 2014
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-90751
First post here but I've been reading all of yours
Hi Everyone.I'm so grateful for this group. Reading the posts and replies has been incredibly helpful.I started August 18th with my first listing, URBAN OASIS, which is a separate apartment downstairs but connected to my house. I've been booked solid, achieved superhost (which was and is my goal) and loving every minute of it. But now my inquiries have dropped out of sight and I'm scared. Any suggestions for what I can do differently? I'd be so grateful for input and/or suggestions. I dropped my price significantly, as Airbnb suggested, but mostly I just don't know what else to do.I just last week listed My second listing, a room in my house: The PINK ROOM. It took me months to get evrything perfect and I'm really excited about it. I've had 3 bookings. The space is lovely and unusual and I've been having an amazing time with muffins and great, interesting conversation. When I check the listing placement it is super close to the end. Is there something I can do to have more visibility and hopefully more inquiries? I'm panicking here.Thank you for any and all input.Andrea
10 comments•2 likes
Follow
Like
Regina
Suzanne
Delete
Hide
Evelyn
Evelyn2 years ago
I understand how scary it could be when the slow season comes on, specially on your first year. Now you'll be ready for next season.
- You lowered your prices but check out your competition. I only saw a couple of listing that came up and their prices were similar to yours even thought they were offering an entire apartment or private bedroom.
- Are you listing in any other platforms beyond Airbnb? I wrote an article about it since hosting is my main source of income.
tiny.cc/EvelynBadia
- You also have tons of photos and a long description. A bit overwhelming and you can minimize them.
- Do you have the emails of your previous guests? Email them, wishing them a happy holiday, and let them know of the sale, etc. Do you have a facebook page for your listing? Email your friends, etc and let them know about your sale. I have posted on Craig's list as well.
When the slow season comes up I start slashing my prices. If I had a long term tenant in the full private apartment I would get about $2,200. I know that if I make above $2,400 (to include the utilities) I'm doing ok. That's my mark for January, February and March. Calculate yours. Best of luck.
Reply Like 1 reply•5 likes Delete
Nic and Rach
Nic and Rach2 years ago
Evelyn, You inspired me of your positive response other hosts from other places think they are the chosen one! and rude ! I wish he know who I am referring to anyway, You know where your strengths are, you are not arrogant, You are very helpful and not judgemental and opinionated like knows it all kind of person. I just want to appreciate some like YOU ! and thanks a bunch. You have a beautiful property in Brooklyn ! wish to stay in your place one day ! .
Sonja
Sonja2 years ago
Sorry I agree about the long description, I'd keep the info about you to a few paragraphs or it will read like a dating ad
Reply Like 2 likes Delete
Andrea
Andrea2 years ago
Thank you both so much. When I wrote it all I was just trying to follow the instructions. Having the opportunity to see others profiles is very helpful. Do you ask your guests for their personal email so you can keep in touch, send out specials or 'send a friend' discounts? I have every guest's 3's for texting but it didn't occur to me (until today) that their personal email is different than the one Airbnb supplies with the booking. I'm going to edit and cut my listing. Anything else that stands out that could be better? I really appreciate the help so much.
Thanks again.
Andrea
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like Delete
Serafina
Serafina2 years ago
I've started offering great guests a discount for repeat visits in the private feedback portion of the review. I love your idea of a "send a friend" discount as well.
Rebecca
Rebecca2 years ago
Your listings look lovely, really nice! The only thing is price - there are cheaper places that offer similar. Maybe you need to bite the bullet and go lower? If you really need the income it's better to be full at a lower cost than empty...
Reply Like 2 likes Delete
Andrea
Andrea2 years ago
Well I just went through and cut the prices on both listings, reduced the photos on both listings, wrote out in the overview that I'm doing a price off-season special, and my next step is to cut my profile way down. I really appreciate the support. I'm looking into all of the things that everyone has suggested. I was definitely struggling with the calendar and the pricing though. I went all the way to the beginning of August because I don't want my low prices on there indefinitely. Is that how you are all doing it? Thank you all so much again. It actually feels really good to be in a conversation with other people who are doing this :-)
Reply Like Delete
Rebecca
Rebecca2 years ago
Yes, keeping up with your calendar and pricing is a chore. Unfortunately Airbnb do not give the opportunity to fine-tune things, like increasing the rate for a minimum period or offering one-night stays at certain times. You have to do it by hand, so to speak. That's a flaw that I'm sure they'll fix soon because it will increase their revenue. Personally, I don't like to take bookings more than 5 months ahead so I've just blocked out those dates for the time being. I think the key thing is to know that YOU are in control. It takes a while to get used to the Airbnb set-up and to gain confidence as a host. You seem to be doing great so far !
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Nic and Rach
Nic and Rach2 years ago
Way too Pricey I thought and I agree with Rebecca..you really need to bite the bullet and lower your rate to $69.00 and increase your cleaning fee of $5.00 or you can leave you rate $79.00 and offer a free breakfast for 2 nighters guests. like coffe/ Tea/ muffin/ bagel with cream cheese, fresh cut up fruits or whatever that you need to reduce your panick attack. We all do feel that way during the low season in fact Airbnb suggested that my rates to go down @ $69.00 for my low shoulders but I'll stick to my same rate of $75.00/nite and if there will be a guest inquiry low balling my rate then I'll give them a free breakfast and free dinner for 1 night with my minimum stay of 2 nights. ,, and Andrea, this is just my idea. Thanks and I hope that everything nice comes your way ! specially confirmed reservations... Happy hosting
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Glenn
Glenn2 years ago
When moving into an off-peak season, it's important to look at your numbers not only in terms of the amount of the sale, but the number of sales that are happening. If the sales *volume* is lower, then lowering your price isn't going to do anything but get you less money should you happen to get a booking. At that point, you need to start looking for ways you can increase *value* without raising the price.
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Nonya
Nonya2 years ago
Ever think about posting the room as a 'shared' space during the off peak season? If your room sleeps 4, (2 in one area and 2 in another), you could create 2 ads which would allow budget travelers (students, young professionals) to rent during the off peak season. Your rate is $79. However, if you're sharing the space, you can charge $20 per night per 1 person, $15 for each additional information. That way, you will still get $80 a night for the room without lowering the price and they meet new friends. I have a shared house. Last year I had removed all private rooms. I stay book. All of the rooms are shared. From April - September I do offer the stripe room as a private room at $79 a night up to 4 people and $10 a night for each additional person up to 7 people since thats how many the room can hold. My home can hold as many as 28 people (since it has 3 levels). I'm almost booked until the end of the month and parts of december. Weekends....forget it. They stay booked and I get the rate that I would as if I was renting as a private room....even more at times.
Reply Like Delete
Andrea
Andrea2 years ago
Thank you everyone for these suggestions. I'm working away at improving everything that I can think of. I really appreciated what you wrote, Glenn. I've had similar thoughts, wondering whether and why lowering prices would necessarily increase the inquiries. It does seem to though. I also wish I knew, when someone inquires and then doesn't book, what the reason is. I would find it so helpful to know. Also wondering if anyone knows how to see the star ratings from our guests reviews. Is this possible? I'd really love to know which people are giving five stars and why. So glad for this group.
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-90751
First post here but I've been reading all of yours
Hi Everyone.I'm so grateful for this group. Reading the posts and replies has been incredibly helpful.I started August 18th with my first listing, URBAN OASIS, which is a separate apartment downstairs but connected to my house. I've been booked solid, achieved superhost (which was and is my goal) and loving every minute of it. But now my inquiries have dropped out of sight and I'm scared. Any suggestions for what I can do differently? I'd be so grateful for input and/or suggestions. I dropped my price significantly, as Airbnb suggested, but mostly I just don't know what else to do.I just last week listed My second listing, a room in my house: The PINK ROOM. It took me months to get evrything perfect and I'm really excited about it. I've had 3 bookings. The space is lovely and unusual and I've been having an amazing time with muffins and great, interesting conversation. When I check the listing placement it is super close to the end. Is there something I can do to have more visibility and hopefully more inquiries? I'm panicking here.Thank you for any and all input.Andrea
10 comments•2 likes
Follow
Like
Regina
Suzanne
Delete
Hide
Evelyn
Evelyn2 years ago
I understand how scary it could be when the slow season comes on, specially on your first year. Now you'll be ready for next season.
- You lowered your prices but check out your competition. I only saw a couple of listing that came up and their prices were similar to yours even thought they were offering an entire apartment or private bedroom.
- Are you listing in any other platforms beyond Airbnb? I wrote an article about it since hosting is my main source of income.
tiny.cc/EvelynBadia
- You also have tons of photos and a long description. A bit overwhelming and you can minimize them.
- Do you have the emails of your previous guests? Email them, wishing them a happy holiday, and let them know of the sale, etc. Do you have a facebook page for your listing? Email your friends, etc and let them know about your sale. I have posted on Craig's list as well.
When the slow season comes up I start slashing my prices. If I had a long term tenant in the full private apartment I would get about $2,200. I know that if I make above $2,400 (to include the utilities) I'm doing ok. That's my mark for January, February and March. Calculate yours. Best of luck.
Reply Like 1 reply•5 likes Delete
Nic and Rach
Nic and Rach2 years ago
Evelyn, You inspired me of your positive response other hosts from other places think they are the chosen one! and rude ! I wish he know who I am referring to anyway, You know where your strengths are, you are not arrogant, You are very helpful and not judgemental and opinionated like knows it all kind of person. I just want to appreciate some like YOU ! and thanks a bunch. You have a beautiful property in Brooklyn ! wish to stay in your place one day ! .
Sonja
Sonja2 years ago
Sorry I agree about the long description, I'd keep the info about you to a few paragraphs or it will read like a dating ad
Reply Like 2 likes Delete
Andrea
Andrea2 years ago
Thank you both so much. When I wrote it all I was just trying to follow the instructions. Having the opportunity to see others profiles is very helpful. Do you ask your guests for their personal email so you can keep in touch, send out specials or 'send a friend' discounts? I have every guest's 3's for texting but it didn't occur to me (until today) that their personal email is different than the one Airbnb supplies with the booking. I'm going to edit and cut my listing. Anything else that stands out that could be better? I really appreciate the help so much.
Thanks again.
Andrea
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like Delete
Serafina
Serafina2 years ago
I've started offering great guests a discount for repeat visits in the private feedback portion of the review. I love your idea of a "send a friend" discount as well.
Rebecca
Rebecca2 years ago
Your listings look lovely, really nice! The only thing is price - there are cheaper places that offer similar. Maybe you need to bite the bullet and go lower? If you really need the income it's better to be full at a lower cost than empty...
Reply Like 2 likes Delete
Andrea
Andrea2 years ago
Well I just went through and cut the prices on both listings, reduced the photos on both listings, wrote out in the overview that I'm doing a price off-season special, and my next step is to cut my profile way down. I really appreciate the support. I'm looking into all of the things that everyone has suggested. I was definitely struggling with the calendar and the pricing though. I went all the way to the beginning of August because I don't want my low prices on there indefinitely. Is that how you are all doing it? Thank you all so much again. It actually feels really good to be in a conversation with other people who are doing this :-)
Reply Like Delete
Rebecca
Rebecca2 years ago
Yes, keeping up with your calendar and pricing is a chore. Unfortunately Airbnb do not give the opportunity to fine-tune things, like increasing the rate for a minimum period or offering one-night stays at certain times. You have to do it by hand, so to speak. That's a flaw that I'm sure they'll fix soon because it will increase their revenue. Personally, I don't like to take bookings more than 5 months ahead so I've just blocked out those dates for the time being. I think the key thing is to know that YOU are in control. It takes a while to get used to the Airbnb set-up and to gain confidence as a host. You seem to be doing great so far !
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Nic and Rach
Nic and Rach2 years ago
Way too Pricey I thought and I agree with Rebecca..you really need to bite the bullet and lower your rate to $69.00 and increase your cleaning fee of $5.00 or you can leave you rate $79.00 and offer a free breakfast for 2 nighters guests. like coffe/ Tea/ muffin/ bagel with cream cheese, fresh cut up fruits or whatever that you need to reduce your panick attack. We all do feel that way during the low season in fact Airbnb suggested that my rates to go down @ $69.00 for my low shoulders but I'll stick to my same rate of $75.00/nite and if there will be a guest inquiry low balling my rate then I'll give them a free breakfast and free dinner for 1 night with my minimum stay of 2 nights. ,, and Andrea, this is just my idea. Thanks and I hope that everything nice comes your way ! specially confirmed reservations... Happy hosting
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Glenn
Glenn2 years ago
When moving into an off-peak season, it's important to look at your numbers not only in terms of the amount of the sale, but the number of sales that are happening. If the sales *volume* is lower, then lowering your price isn't going to do anything but get you less money should you happen to get a booking. At that point, you need to start looking for ways you can increase *value* without raising the price.
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Nonya
Nonya2 years ago
Ever think about posting the room as a 'shared' space during the off peak season? If your room sleeps 4, (2 in one area and 2 in another), you could create 2 ads which would allow budget travelers (students, young professionals) to rent during the off peak season. Your rate is $79. However, if you're sharing the space, you can charge $20 per night per 1 person, $15 for each additional information. That way, you will still get $80 a night for the room without lowering the price and they meet new friends. I have a shared house. Last year I had removed all private rooms. I stay book. All of the rooms are shared. From April - September I do offer the stripe room as a private room at $79 a night up to 4 people and $10 a night for each additional person up to 7 people since thats how many the room can hold. My home can hold as many as 28 people (since it has 3 levels). I'm almost booked until the end of the month and parts of december. Weekends....forget it. They stay booked and I get the rate that I would as if I was renting as a private room....even more at times.
Reply Like Delete
Andrea
Andrea2 years ago
Thank you everyone for these suggestions. I'm working away at improving everything that I can think of. I really appreciated what you wrote, Glenn. I've had similar thoughts, wondering whether and why lowering prices would necessarily increase the inquiries. It does seem to though. I also wish I knew, when someone inquires and then doesn't book, what the reason is. I would find it so helpful to know. Also wondering if anyone knows how to see the star ratings from our guests reviews. Is this possible? I'd really love to know which people are giving five stars and why. So glad for this group.