Post by High Priestess on May 30, 2016 19:06:38 GMT
Avery sahred on Anecdotes Jan 2015
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-102524
To include or not to include CableTv and Wifi?
Hey there. I'm very new in AirBnB and have had very good inquiries from guests. I had one inquiry though that said that I'm not ready to accept guests yet because I don't have cable tv and internet. However, I am by far the cheapest hosting in the area because of not including these services in my hosting. But I have the "works" - towels, coffee and tea, cleaning (for a price), etc.
Do you think cable TV and internet is a necessity that I should start scrambling to get those services?
Thanks for your help in advance!
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Mark
Fran
Carolyn
Carolyna year ago
Hi Avery! Definitely you need WiFi. I believe it's expected at this point. Also, I suggest you re-post your concerns on the "New Hosts Forum" group. You will get great feedback there! Good luck (:
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Kim
Kima year ago
I just looked at your listing and you offer daily cleaning of the whole apt, yes I think you can charge a price for a maid/housecleaning service.
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Kim
Kima year ago
Don't know what happened to my other comment but no I don't think you need cable TV or wifi. You have it clearly stated they are not included
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Avery
Averya year ago
Hey Carolyn, thanks for our reply. Really appreciate it. Can't seem.to find the New Hosts Forum. I'll go and check. Thanks again!
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Avery
Averya year ago
Hey Kim, thanks for that. Now I just have to rerhink and decide on it.
Appreciate the help!Reply Like
mark
marka year ago
As a visitor to manilla I would expect free access to WiFi to be included. I don't care about cable at all, and I think most tourists would feel the same. Access to maps/Google translate/transit info would be very important to me. But that's just me....
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Leanne
Leannea year ago
Your place looks great very cheap Internet Is nice to have but not cable But most travellers have Internet phones that can be connected to tablets to get the traveller by I think for the price you don't need to supply them Good luck with you adventure
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Rick
Ricka year ago
wi fi has become an expected amenity....Is there someplace very close to you that offers it for free (like a coffee shop?)...Cable is a nice perk, but not considered as essential as an internet connection...
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Christina
Christinaa year ago
WiFi is expected. It is the first question a guest asks. You can get away with no cable, but some will like it.
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Nic and Rach
Nic and Racha year ago
Give your guests an option, Let your guest know that your price is lowered and if they want the internet then you can tell them it will be $10.00 more per night or $$$ what ever the cost may be, or, if there is an " Internet Cafe in the premises then that would be a plus " Pay as your Surf" Not all travellers has 4G's on their phone.. so that's just me. pero mas maganda kung meron internet
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Salvia
Salviaa year ago
Avery, at this moment you will most likely find the New Host Forum only if look for it main site. On the App it seems to have vanished for some reason.
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Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
Not having wifi would be the same as not having a phone in the 80's.
Of course it's your choice to make, you can offer whatever you want or not offer whatever you want but I think your bookings would increase significantly if you offered basic modern conveniences.
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Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
Oh - and I agree, most people don't care about cable anymore. If you have the internet, you're covered.
Tove
Tovea year ago
I have had guests who just do not want television nor internet connexion, do have, so a choice , Just say you do not have it and put the accent on relaxed not connected holidays, and maybe give adress for closest internet café/hotspot if needed, for television we just have the TNT French televison, Stayed in seeveral places without TV and no problem as I do not go on holidays to Watch TV
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Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
You know, I think a lot of it hinges on how you pitch your place as well. If you're in a high-rise, in an urban center, people expect the technology to be up-to-the-minute. If you're in a more rustic setting, chances are people are going to be more interested in a low-tech getaway.
I looked at your listing and in my opinion, wifi is a priority. Your price is very low, it could easily be adjusted to include any extra expense. I think your bookings would increase immediately if you did both. Just my opinion.
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Julie and Eric
Julie and Erica year ago
We're in an urban area and don't have cable but we have amazing over the air reception. Wifi - yes.
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Stephanie and Steven
Stephanie and Stevena year ago
Up-to-the-minute technology, as far as I can see, no longer includes cable. Most people watch "TV" over the internet these days.
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Mario
Mario a year ago
I am really concerned that you are trying to offer services not unlike a hotel/ serviced apartment. The guest knows what to expect via info provided on the listing. I had a guest stay with me not so long ago....she was a doctor...she left a review saying that there was not enough cupboard space. You cannot be everything to everyone so go with what you have. I had no wifi for 2 years and this did not stop bookings coming through hard and fast.
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Carolyn
Carolyna year ago
However, depending on your area, Airbnb has so many listing options that it's very important to stay competetive.
Avery
Averya year ago
Hey guys. Really thanks for this. It gives me more perspective on how to do my hosting (especially the urban vs. rural, connected vs. not connected response). I really apprecuate this. I think I'll just get a prepaid pocket wifi, that way if guests ask if I have internet, then I can give them that. So that I don't worry on paying for internet during lean season. I think that's good. Really really really thanks guys!
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Avery
Averya year ago
Btw, I found the new host forum! Whopeeee!
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Gonzalo
Gonzaloa year ago
Wifi is as basic as towels. I would not offer the daily cleaning service and I will use that money in Wifi. Include a cleaning fee, it is normal for Airbnb guests. If you have a smart TV u can use Netflix instead of cable. It is cheaper and they really appreciate it!
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Avery
Averya year ago
Thanks Gonzalo! I'm from the PH so we don't know of we have netflix here (I don't watch TV). But I'll definitely get internet services for my future guests. I think if I were also a guest, wifi will be a staple I'd look for in a hosting. Thanks again!
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Gonzalo
Gonzaloa year ago
I just saw your announcement and your place is gorgeous! Just found this article in case you want to get through netflix from the PH: philpad.com/how-to-watch-netflix-in-the-philippines/. If you have a dvd player, try to get some dvd videos or movies: it always help to have some entertainment to complimemt the lack of cable (I use Netflix and dvd movies because I dont use cable). Good luck!
Avery
Averya year ago
Thanks, Gonzalo for being very nice! I think it's a very humble space for guests. I have a dvd player, so maybe I will just purchase dvds to compensate for the lack of cabletv. Thanks for all your help!
Fran
Frana year ago
Hi Avery, greetings from Zagreb. Although I am from the different country, I thought it might help you if I shared my experiences with you. I included free Wifi and cable TV to my apartment. Here it is not so expensive, because I could subscribe for a fixed monthly fee with the telecom provider. When I was talking to the guests, they said that they frequently watch TV through Internet. Also many of guests bring their lap tops along, and therefore they need access to Internet, too. We also subscribed to a fixed telephone line, so it is possible for the guests to call local services , such as taxi, pizza delivery...etc, and they can receive all international calls. I hope I helped a bit with my experiences. I wish you luck, best regards from Zagreb, Fran.
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Avery
Averya year ago
Thanks Fran! For a 10mbps internet speed, you have to shell out around Php 5000, roughly 120USD. I was also thinking about the phone line. But nowadays, here in the Philippine, it's almost not a necessity because you can order online, etc. Anyway, really thanks for your input. I value your advice.
Elle
Ellea year ago
I didn't offer wi-fi, a telephone, or cable until this week (still don't have a telephone). I think it depends on what your house is used for by your guests. I live in a sport driven city so my guests all tell me that they won't be in the house much. I have been asked only once if there was internet service. When I replied that there wasn't, the guest replied, "No problem! That's great! I didn't want to work anyway so here is my excuse!" 95% of my guests so far come for sports related activities so I have gotten away with it. When summer rolls around and my client's reason for a trip changes, I will be glad I offered wi-fi.