Post by High Priestess on May 30, 2016 21:07:42 GMT
Nikki shared on Anecdotes Jan 2015
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-102703
NYC - Dramatic drop in views and reservations

Hi, I'm a relatively new host. My apt was pretty much booked out - back to back through Oct - Nov. But Dec and now seemingly Jan, are empty. Any thoughts / ideas ?
12 comments•2 likes
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Nikki
Ernie
Mario
Mario a year ago
Open up a bottle of champagne ?? Wish I could join you :-)
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Christina
Christinaa year ago
Its the slow season in NYC. You can market your place for events that might be going on near your area. You can reduce the price too.
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Salvia
Salviaa year ago
Or your minimum stay?
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Tena
Tenaa year ago
I was also super busy in the fall and had absolutely NOTHING in Dec. Jan is off to a better start though with 3 bookings... Hope it gets busier for you soon!
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Gonzalo
Gonzaloa year ago
Check your minimum stay (5 nights is too much for a slow season). You may charge an extra fee for cleaning, that is better tolerated by guests and helps you if you hate to clean every 1 night. I know we all have valuable things in our places, but I believe that a 1.000 security deposit may limit the financial capacity of your potential guests. Good luck and tell me how it goes!
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Gonzalo
Gonzaloa year ago
I meant a 1.000 usd deposit. Greetings from Chile
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Tena
Tenaa year ago
I just looked at your adorable place! Having a 5 night minimum totally lowers the rate of those just wanting to come to the city for the weekend. I would lower the rate to 175. and a 2 night minimum. If you get too busy you can always eek it back up. I bet you get very busy!
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Alexandra
Alexandraa year ago
I'm always surprised when people suggest lowering prices. I started out at what I thought was market rate based on the price for comparable size and location. After 3 weeks I was booked out 3 month straight. I didn't want people in my home 100% of the time ( I do appreciate some personal time), so I slowly started increasing my rates. Today I am at double the rate I started out at and am booked 50% of the time. Do the math. Monthly I'm making the same income with have the wear and tear on my home and plenty of personal time.
Reply Liked 6 likes
Christina
Christinaa year ago
I don't lower my prices because I am reasonably priced, but for others in NYC, they might have a lot of competition in their neighborhoods. It helps if you have high rates.
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Nikki
Nikkia year ago
Wow thanks so much. You guys took the time to check out my listing and offer real feedback - that's so kind. I will try making these changes and will report back !
Reply Like
Christina
Christinaa year ago
Good luck. You might want to look at other hosts in your neighborhood. January and February are slower in NYC and you can actually get hotels in Manhattan for less than what you charge during these months. It will pick up. I actually am glad that my guests left today and I have a week's rest. I also like to do repairs and upgrades now.
Reply Like
Margo
Margoa year ago
If I want to visit NYC it definitely will not be in the winter, I guess many potential guests feels like me. That said, offer attractive price for the few who visit the city in the winter.
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-102703
NYC - Dramatic drop in views and reservations

Hi, I'm a relatively new host. My apt was pretty much booked out - back to back through Oct - Nov. But Dec and now seemingly Jan, are empty. Any thoughts / ideas ?
12 comments•2 likes
Follow
Like
Nikki
Ernie
Mario
Mario a year ago
Open up a bottle of champagne ?? Wish I could join you :-)
Reply Like
Christina
Christinaa year ago
Its the slow season in NYC. You can market your place for events that might be going on near your area. You can reduce the price too.
Reply Like
Salvia
Salviaa year ago
Or your minimum stay?
Reply Like
Tena
Tenaa year ago
I was also super busy in the fall and had absolutely NOTHING in Dec. Jan is off to a better start though with 3 bookings... Hope it gets busier for you soon!
Reply Like
Gonzalo
Gonzaloa year ago
Check your minimum stay (5 nights is too much for a slow season). You may charge an extra fee for cleaning, that is better tolerated by guests and helps you if you hate to clean every 1 night. I know we all have valuable things in our places, but I believe that a 1.000 security deposit may limit the financial capacity of your potential guests. Good luck and tell me how it goes!
Reply Like 1 like
Gonzalo
Gonzaloa year ago
I meant a 1.000 usd deposit. Greetings from Chile
Reply Like
Tena
Tenaa year ago
I just looked at your adorable place! Having a 5 night minimum totally lowers the rate of those just wanting to come to the city for the weekend. I would lower the rate to 175. and a 2 night minimum. If you get too busy you can always eek it back up. I bet you get very busy!
Reply Like
Alexandra
Alexandraa year ago
I'm always surprised when people suggest lowering prices. I started out at what I thought was market rate based on the price for comparable size and location. After 3 weeks I was booked out 3 month straight. I didn't want people in my home 100% of the time ( I do appreciate some personal time), so I slowly started increasing my rates. Today I am at double the rate I started out at and am booked 50% of the time. Do the math. Monthly I'm making the same income with have the wear and tear on my home and plenty of personal time.

Reply Liked 6 likes
Christina
Christinaa year ago
I don't lower my prices because I am reasonably priced, but for others in NYC, they might have a lot of competition in their neighborhoods. It helps if you have high rates.
Reply Like
Nikki
Nikkia year ago
Wow thanks so much. You guys took the time to check out my listing and offer real feedback - that's so kind. I will try making these changes and will report back !
Reply Like
Christina
Christinaa year ago
Good luck. You might want to look at other hosts in your neighborhood. January and February are slower in NYC and you can actually get hotels in Manhattan for less than what you charge during these months. It will pick up. I actually am glad that my guests left today and I have a week's rest. I also like to do repairs and upgrades now.
Reply Like
Margo
Margoa year ago
If I want to visit NYC it definitely will not be in the winter, I guess many potential guests feels like me. That said, offer attractive price for the few who visit the city in the winter.