Less bookings this year

[Evelyn-and-Basil0]

I've had less bookings this year than the last 2 previous years. We have improved our properties, taken new professional photos, lowered our rates, decreased our cleaning fee. Please help, any suggestions?

Thank you!

[Pat271 · Accepted solution]

@Evelyn-and-Basil0 

It’s the way of the world for many these days. The economy ebbs and flows. Right now, it’s ebbing.

The best way to gauge your market is to look at comparable places around you on Airbnb and other platforms, and look for those properties with similar ratings to yours that are booking well. Set your prices, minimum stay, etc. accordingly, maybe even a little less.

Some may say this is a “race to the bottom”, but I don’t see any other alternative if the economy simply will not support all the short-term rentals out there this year.

[Evelyn-and-Basil0]

Thanks, appreciate your time and response. 

[Alicia563]

There are communities that have been inundated with short term rentals. 

Even though more listings could give the guests more choices, the short term rental saturation in local markets can cause Hosts to be more market & business savvy in order to keep their businesses afloat.

Offering listings at decreased rates, special promotions, decreased fees etc can help only so much, when the recent national economy doesn't support leisure or business travel for many people.

Keeping businesses afloat may take more effort until the amount of short term rentals decrease or the economy improves.

[Fred13]

An idea @Evelyn-and-Basil0 . Why not send a short message to past guests saying 1. hello and 2. mentioning in passing the cool changes you have made to your place and 3. finish with 'Hope to see folks again' line. We are doing this 2x a year and getting now an inordinate amount of repeats. A game changer nowadays.

[Evelyn-and-Basil0]

Great idea! Thank you so much for sharing. 

[Dawn241]

Economy