{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"","title":"EP164: This Week in the World of Airbnb","description":"Can Airbnb have its cake and eat it too? With the company’s efforts to professionalize and provide guests with consistency, some hosts feel that the ‘sharing’ roots of the platform have been diminished. It is possible for Airbnb to function more like a hotel, yet maintain its signature personal touch?
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\nJasper is joined by David Jacoby, Co-Founder and President of Hostfully, to discuss this week’s headlines regarding the Airbnb shift to promote best practices among its hosts, including that of the Instant Book feature – which is being upgraded to allow hosts more control.
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\nThey also cover Airbnb’s acquisition of Trooly, a background check startup that will help protect users from bad actors and further professionalize the platform. Last but not least, Jasper and David answer listener questions about attracting bookings during low season. Remember, you can email your questions to jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com!
\nTopics Covered
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\nArticle #1: Can Airbnb Professionalize Without Losing the Personal Touch?
\n•\tAirbnb plays up ‘sharing’ roots
\n•\tOf 3M total listings – 1M shared space, 1M private, 1M management co.
\n•\tPush for consistency of experience
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\nArticle #2: Airbnb Tries to Behave More Like a Hotel
\n•\tInstant Book feature, flexible cancellation policy
\n•\tHosts encouraged to upgrade space
\n•\tBusiness-friendly tag (privacy, Wi-Fi, 24-hr access, iron)
\n•\tMust attract different types of travelers to grow
\n•\tChanges likely part of prep for IPO
\n•\tFocus on increasing supply
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\nArticle #3: Airbnb Ramps Up Push to Get More Hosts to Choose Instant Booking
\n•\tInstant Book introduced in 2010, 40% using
\n•\tDefault search (must de-select to see additional listings)
\n•\tSuite of new tools incentive for hosts to turn on Instant Book
\n•\tImproved calendar tool for multiple listings in same home (prevents double-bookings)
\n•\tGives host more control
\n•\tSaves step for hosts who rarely turn down guests
\n•\tWith customization, listing process more complicated
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\nArticle #4: Airbnb to Buy Background-Check Startup Trooly to Root Out Scams
\n•\tAcquisition to protect from bad actors
\n•\tAuthenticates user identities to avoid scams
\n•\tCould be added to Instant Book features
\n•\tImprove image in preparation for IPO
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\nQ: How do I attract more bookings during low season?
\n•\tMake listing as attractive as possible
\n•\tList on multiple platforms
\n•\tEstablish your own website
\n•\tConsider subletting when demand is low
\n•\tExplore niche sites like misterb&b, Bud and Breakfast or Innclusive
\n•\tReach out to previous guests
\n•\tAdd creative options (i.e.: packages)
\n•\tHost refugees through Open Homes initiative
\n•\tJoin the Couchsurfing community
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\nResources Mentioned
\nArticle #1: fortune.com/2017/06/18/airbnb-professional-personal-hosts
\nArticle #2: nytimes.com/2017/06/17/technology/airbnbs-hosts-professional-hotels.html
\nArticle #3: skift.com/2017/06/14/airbnb-ramps-up-push-to-get-more-hosts-to-choose-instant-booking
\nArticle #4: bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-16/airbnb-to-buy-background-check-startup-trooly-to-root-out-scams
\nHomeAway, VRBO, 9flats
\nBooking.com, TripAdvisor, Expedia
\nmisterb&b, Bud and Breakfast, Innclusive
\nOpen Homes, Couchsurfing, Thibault Masson’s RentalPreneurs Article
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\nConnect with Jasper
\nEmail: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com
\nTwitter: @GetPaidForUrPad
\nInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad
\nFacebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpad
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\nThis episode is sponsored by Aviva IQ. Aviva IQ automates messages to your Airbnb guests. It's also free!","author_name":"Freewyld Foundry"}