Requesting Critique — New listing

[Ridley1]

Hello everyone,

Topic heading speaks for itself!

Would really appreciate any positive and/or constructive comments concerning our new listing. It is a very unique product which shines in some areas, and calls for a bit of imagination in others. For example, we are situated on a river bank with stunning scenery but lack mains electricity or an indoor loo. A solar set-up backed-up with an insurance battery provides the former and the latter is an eco-wooden structure which is Jerry/rigged with a changeable cassette (maintenance is kept in-house!) for hygiene purposes.

I have struggled with pricing after the excitement of getting it off the ground in late July, mainly via one of the other big OTAs. We had entered at the bottom of the range (£50-70/night) but I am finding the amount of work is barely worth it. I have since (yesterday) incurred a minimum stay (2 nights) and £70/night with £15/head. Again, it is quite niche since we are only one unit but it is a big open plan layout which can easily sleep four. So groups are the target market whether it be families or young people. Any thoughts here? For reference, nothing locally goes for anything less than £100/night but obviously there is the niche aspect to consider.

How would you approach the lack of the usual amenities? Does it go in the listing itself, thereby putting off potential punters? Or in a first, initial message so they have time to cancel if they wish? Or not at all, since everything is catered for but in a niche design, and simply offer to refund on the basis of a formal complaint? It is all visible in the photos, after all. Why be “down” on the listing in the description when people who visit seem to enjoy it?

I wondered, as well, whether it is poor customer service not to meet the guests? I am very busy outside of this project and prefer to get things completed on my own time, so that they can locate the key and let themselves in. 

What do you make of the photos? I find a good way to filter is by taking out anything which isn’t “bringing” anything to the listing.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Here is the link:

https://abnb.me/bk1gxwTltCb

Thanks for for your help in advance!

Ridley

[Michelle3692]

Wow, what a fantastic place. I would certainly rent the property.

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Ridley1 

I love what you've done with the place. I'd play up the lack of power and plumbing as something positive. 

[Kia272 · Accepted solution]

@Ridley1  I think it looks fantastic, and I'd stay in a heartbeat. I think you need to retitle to something like: Eco-friendly off-grid getaway- River Wye. Something like that. As @Kitty-and-Creek0 said, play it up. This seems kind of like a Glamping experience. 

You are going to have to be very clear- much clearer- about what amenities there are and how the services work. Explain about the solar power setup, as well as the shower. Guests do NOT read, and you'll have someone expecting something very different, i.e. where's the TV? You've not said that there's a TV, but I guarantee that someone will expect one. Be clear that there's also no wi-fi. 

Perhaps provide examples of how much power is available, and how long it might or might not last. Explain that a party of 4 might not all get showers? I'm putting question marks because A- I have these questions myself, and B- can you really support 4 guests in this space? 

I also didn't see a picture of a toilet, so I'd be wondering if there is one? 

Be clear that the kitchen is the outdoor setup in the pics. Not everybody will get that. Guests do NOT read! Did I say that already? It's true. 

Provide more information than you feel is necessary, and you will be okay. 

You should also use the photo caption feature to assist with your description. 

I can't help with pricing, but I can say that you should decide what it's worth to you to rent it out, and don't go below that minimum.  Get some reviews under your belt and see how demand is, and then adjust accordingly. Don't be afraid to ask a bit more than you think you should. It's a unique place and so will stand out in the market a bit. 

Best of luck! Kia

[Jenny]

Hi @Ridley1 

Welcome to the Community Center!

All I can say is - WOW!  Your listing is pretty much my ideal living arrangement.  I might have to book with you at some point!

Thanks to @Kia272, @Kitty-and-Creek0 and @Michelle3692 for their input.  I totally agree about playing up the off-grid element.  I can't be the only person who yearns for and seeks the escape from modern living!

You might be interested in reading about our Festival of Sustainability, which we held online in the Community Center earlier this year.  You can read all about it here.

Wishing you the best of luck on your hosting journey.  Feel free to check in with us and let us know how you're getting on.

Jenny

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Ridley1 This is not my cup of tea at all BUT I would look at yurts/shepherds huts and similar glamping style places in your locality. I know these near us go for stupid prices (£135+ per night) when we offer a lovely warm place fully plumbed with full kitchen for around £70/night!

Ah well there's nowt so queer as folk.....