{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"","title":"EP184: This Week in the World of Airbnb","description":"Airbnb has gone Hollywood on us this week, enlisting the help of A-list celebrity Danny Glover to combat racism on the platform as well as marketing several insider Hollywood Airbnb experiences with costume designers and choreographers, among others.
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\nJasper is joined by Hostfully CEO and Co-Founder Margot Lee Schmorak to discuss these high-profile stories from La La Land and other Airbnb headlines, including the activation of the Disaster Response Program for evacuees of Hurricane Harvey and how competitors HomeAway and TripAdvisor are differentiating themselves from Airbnb—and enjoying continued growth.
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\nJasper and Margot also cover an article explaining how to handle guests who break the rules, offering their own tips and tricks born from experience. Finally, they address listener confusion around cancelling reservations and declining booking requests. Listen and learn how to set filters for Instant Book and what to do if you don’t feel comfortable with a guest who booked your Airbnb.
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\nTopics Covered
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\nArticle #1: How to Handle Airbnb Guests Who Break the Rules
\n•\tPublish house rules (booking indicates acceptance)
\n•\tProvide guests with printed copy, mention as well
\n•\tRequest a security deposit (must still file claim with Airbnb)
\n•\tSome hosts ask guests to sign separate agreement
\n•\tIgnore minor infractions
\n•\tDiscuss issues with guests first in effort to resolve
\n•\tUse Airbnb resolution tool as last resort
\n•\tMust have evidence (e.g.: photos, admission from guest)
\n•\tInclude charge for cleaning fee
\n•\tSafeguard private documents, valuables in safe or locked closet
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\nArticle #2: Airbnb Hires Danny Glover to Address Racism Allegations
\n•\tHigh-profile actor, social justice advocate
\n•\tWill serve as advisor to Airbnb
\n•\tAim to get more communities of color to list on platform
\n•\tGlover impressed by Airbnb’s commitment (Blog post on Medium)
\n•\tPartnership with NAACP
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\nArticle #3: Airbnb Launches Insider Hollywood Experiences with Choreographers, Costume Designers and More
\n•\tHighlights Airbnb Experiences available in Hollywood
\n•\tShopping tour with Mad Men, Deadwood costume designer
\n•\tDance instruction with Michael Jackson’s choreographer, Kenny Ortega
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\nArticle #4: Airbnb is Helping Hurricane Harvey Evacuees Find Shelter
\n•\tAirbnb is waiving service fees for evacuees
\n•\tCheck-ins between 8/23 and 9/1
\n•\tEncouraging homeowners to list for free
\n•\tApproximately 168 free listings in Dallas, Austin and San Antonio
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\nArticle #5: How Two Old School Travel Platforms are Beating Airbnb
\n•\tHomeAway reported 50% quarter-over-quarter revenue growth
\n•\tPositioning selves as platform for higher-end vacation rentals, popular tourist destinations
\n•\tTripAdvisor has seen listing numbers increase from 50,000 to 830,000
\n•\tGrowth may be attributed to acquisitions
\n•\tAll players growing
\n•\tShort-term rental market at $100B currently
\n•\tProjected to reach $285B by 2025
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\nQ: I have concerns about being penalized for canceling reservations. Under what circumstances am I allowed to decline an inquiry? How about an instant booking?
\n•\tNo penalties associated with declining an inquiry/booking request
\n•\tOnly consequence is fewer reviews, bookings (affects position in search results)
\n•\tCan set filters for Instant Book so only guests who meet requirements can book instantly
\n•\tStandard—profile picture, confirmed email address, phone number and payment info
\n•\tAdditional options—government issued ID, host recommendation, all positive reviews
\n•\tAllowed to cancel instant booking three times per year without penalty if uncomfortable with guest
\n•\tTo cancel fourth time, must contact Airbnb in advance of cancellation