Feedback Listing Please

[Simone2064]

Hello I’m new to air b n  I’ve had 4 bookings but concerned about the lack of bookings atm as the air b n b is currently costing more than it is making due to double council tax etc.

Also I have set it to minimum 3 nights since yesterday as it was 2 nights stay however the reason being as the first days fees is wiped out by cleaning and laundry charges.

id be grateful for any pointers or if I’m missing anything 

here is my listing

https://www.airbnb.com/l/v36LT3en

[Shelley159]

You don't have to change the minimum stay if you don't want to @Simone2064, you can add a cleaning fee to price accurately.

Pricing  tab, Additional charges.

Hope it helps.

[Simone2064]

Thank you for your response @Shelley159  appreciate it, is there anything about my listing that maybe explains why I’m not getting so many bookings?

[Ahmed1132]

Your listing looks wonderful, maybe one day i will be your guest 🙂

I believe Airbnb works best with trial & error

You have to test the market, try several settings than choose the better working.

Take care that each location have high & low season accordingly change your rates & settings.

Best of luck

[Ami14386]

Your home is designed well, but the pictures don't showcase its glory.  I'd hire a professional photographer to get better pictures.  You should have shots the include details as well as zoomed out shots.  Take a picture of the outdoor sofa from the front.. it looks less inviting from behind.  Why do you have two pictures of the hallway?  Do you offer champagne to guests?  You don't need 3 pictures of the champagne bucket and if you don't provide it, I wouldn't make it such a big feature in your photos.  Take pictures of the dishes, toiletries, laundry option (if there is one)... Also - I'm not sure if this is a UK thing - but it doesn't make much sense to me to have the coffee table on the small area rug... You barely have any area rug exposed. 

Just a few thoughts.  I hope that helps 🙂

[Simone2064]

Thank you for the tips Ami I shall look into it though the photos are professionally done.

Appreciate your advice 🤗

[Bhumika]

@Simone2064 , @Ami14386 did raise some interesting points! Do you offer Champagne or similar goodies at your listing- if so, how do you advertise them other than adding it to the photos?

I also wanted to share some guides on photos shared by experienced hosts @Oksana127 and @Andrea6232. In case they help in addition to @Ami14386 's tips above : 

👉10 Photography Tips to Attract More Bookings for Your Airbnb Listing 

👉 How to best photograph your home with your smartphone 

Regards,

[Adrian4165]

@Simone2064 Your home looks lovely. I do agree that you should charge for the cleaning and laundry fees. I'm in the United States and while I'm not familiar with your weeks, I've have found here that a lot of people will stay Friday and Saturday, leaving on Sunday, so only 2 paid nights. Some do stay only one night and it's my opinion that it's better to have the one nighters rather than no one. We do charge a cleaning fee, as well. 

I also read that you provide milk and snacks. That seems like an extra expense that could end up being wasted. We only provide spices, coffee pods and tea, chilled creamer packets, ketchup and mustard. 

I hope this helps! 😄

[Simone2064]

Many thanks Adrian for your reply and taking a look I appreciate it.

I know I have to be patient and give it time 😂 hopefully things will lock up.

I’ve only just recently increased the minimum night stay to 4 but can change that back just the cleaning and laundry fees wipe out the first day payment.

Many thanks for your support 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Simone2064 , I am tagging @Adrian4165 in order to receive the notification of your message and keeping the conversation flowing 🌻 

In the previous comment @Adrian4165 mentions that in the US, guests usually book for weekends. Have you noticed a similar trend for your listing in the UK? Or do you usually get tourists who have planned longer vacations? 

[Simone2064]

Hi @Bhumika 

I have had guests book the weekend Friday to Monday and Saturday to Monday and also a direct booking that was longer. It varies for each one but my first are generally from the UK any UK hosts feel free to share your thoughts.

Many thanks 

[Bhumika]

@Simone2064 , I agree, bookings may vary from guest to guest! But looks like in general it's more during the weekends 🎉

On a side note, I was having a quick search for Huddersfield and the place looks gorgeous! Are there any local attractions near your listing, that are may be a walk away or easily accessible through public transport? 

[Simone2064]

Hi Bhumika
The cottage is within walking distance of local shops, bars and restaurants, also the Manor which hosts weddings. Nearby is the Piece Hall which is a fabulous venue for hosting concerts, there is also John Smiths stadium for sports events.

Holmfirth is also nearby as is Howarth where the famous Bronte sisters are from so lots to do and see nearby 🙂

Very accessible to public transport too with local train station, and access to the Motorway 🙂

[Bhumika]

@Simone2064 I'd love to visit Huddersfield next time I visit the UK 😍 Sounds like an amazing travel destination, especially with a literature background nearby!

With so many concerts and sports events happening nearby, I imagine you might receive quite a few guests who come specifically for these activities 😉

[Simone2064]

I would love to welcome you 😍 if you decide to visit give me a shout