Renting out your spare room or spare home temporarily is a great way to make some extra money. People travelling to different areas do not always want to stay in a hotel and instead want to stay somewhere they can consider a home away from home, which is where you come in. Being an Airbnb host might be a great way to raise some extra funds, but there are things you can do to make your life easier and your hosting experience all that smoother.
Be Honest in What You Can Offer
Lots of people choose Airbnb because they do not want a standard hotel room; instead, they’re looking for something a little different. If the space you are renting out is a little less than perfect, let people know this in your listing; it won’t necessarily put people off and will save you from dealing with disappointed people in the future. If you have sloping ceilings, a shared garden or only a shower not a bath, make this clear before people book.
Meet The Customers’ Needs
If you are interested in being an Airbnb Host then good customer service is a must. This doesn’t have to be extravagant, but you’ll definitely get brownie points for meeting their needs. So, for example, if they ask for early check-in or a late check-out you should do your best to accommodate this.
Go The Extra Mile
Going the extra mile for your guests helps too! If you happen to be hosting in Dublin, when the annual St. Patrick’s Day is taking place, why not suggest the best placed to see the parade or even go for a pint! These little gestures make a massive difference – so even placing a fresh pint of milk in the fridge alongside some tea bags will have parched guests over the moon when they Arrive, so certainly something you should consider doing if you are able to.
Check-in With Guests Before They Arrive
The best way you can cater to their needs is to understand what their needs are before they arrive. It is a good idea to get into the habit of emailing guests a week before they arrive – this gives you a chance to set out your guidelines, but also ask them about things such as arrival times and if there is anything you can do to help make their stay more enjoyable.
Leave Them Notes For When They Get There
If you are nearby or they are staying in your home, leaving a welcome note is a really good idea. Even if someone manages the property for you, ask them to leave a welcome note. You can get blank greeting cards in bulk at an affordable price. When your guests arrive and see a personalised note for them (you could even include the Wi-Fi password if you’re feeling generous), they’ll feel right at home and this will help them really enjoy their stay.
Gather Information On Things To Do In The Local Area
Remember that the people staying at your Airbnb could be brand new to the area. Spend some time collecting literature on local things to do, taxi numbers, bus timetables etc. Put all of these in a folder and leave them somewhere your guests will be able to easily find them.
Make Sure The Place is Ready for Their Arrival
Once you know what time your guests are due, make sure you do everything to get the accommodation ready for their arrival. A good clean and leaving the windows open for a while to air the place is a good idea. Should you consider renting out your space, following our business advice tips will make your guests feel truly at home so get your notes ready to leave out and the milk in the fridge and then just await their arrival, ready to greet them if they’re staying with you in your home.
