which listing do I delete?

[Diane1760]

Hi all, I got some great feedback regarding my setup months back, and now that I have my first season under my belt, I think I need to adjust the way I'm listing. 

I have an attached 1 bed/1 bath 2nd fl garage apartment, separate entrance. I had about 8 weekend bookings this past summer. Two weeks before my first guests arrived, though, I realized  I didn't want guests using the daybed in the living room AND realized I could convert my massage home office into a 2nd bedroom, as it abuts the apartment entry downstairs (the original plan was for me to live in the apartment and rent the main house while still being able to access my massage office for work).  This also allowed me to offer the use of our main house powder room (as a shared space) since it is adjacent to the massage room.

Ironically, my 1st guests were a family of 4, which worked out quite nicely for them (I didn't charge extra because it was my decision to add the 2nd room). But now I need to charge accordingly for next season.

Currently, I have 2 listings: a 2bed/1 1/2bath setup and a 1bed/1/bath setup. It seemed like the right decision at first to have two listings but now I feel confused about pricing and maximizing my profits. I also know that at least one potential guest was confused at seeing two different listings—even though I very clearly state in the descriptions for each, "Ideal for one couple" or "Ideal for two friends or two couples"... "Please see my other listing under 'X title'."

One issue is pricing, I guess, as I'd obviously like to maximize earnings booking the 2bed. Or do I just enjoy the fact that I am renting at all and take what I get whether 1bed or 2bed. I appreciate any input!

Finally, IF I go with a single listing, which listing do I keep and which do I delete, the 1bed/1bath or the 2bed/1 1/2 bath?  One concern is when does that additional charge appear to the booker, as I don't want it to feel like I've pulled a fast one and slipped in extra charges?

Thanks again for any and all support!

Diane d 

[Akshatha0 · Accepted solution]

Hi Diane 👋
It sounds like you’ve learned a lot from your first season - that’s a great position to be in!

From what you described, it might make sense to keep things simple for guests and for you. Having two listings for the same space can sometimes split your search visibility and confuse guests (as you’ve noticed).

A few ideas you could try:

• Go with one main listing. Keep the 2-bed/1½-bath version since it represents your maximum capacity and allows you to attract both small and larger groups.

• Use the “discount for smaller groups” feature. Set a base price for one bedroom (for two guests) and add a small extra-guest fee when the second bedroom is used. That way, couples see a reasonable price, but you’re still compensated for extra guests.

• Clarify in your description. In the first few lines, explain: “The second bedroom is available for parties of 3–4 guests (see extra-guest pricing). Solo travellers or couples will have the apartment to themselves.”

• Archive the duplicate listing instead of deleting it immediately - that keeps your reviews intact in case you ever want to separate them again later.

• Run a quick pricing comparison. Look at similar 1- and 2-bed listings nearby to confirm that your price difference between small and full occupancy feels fair.

It’s great that you’re thinking about guest experience as well as earnings that combination usually brings the best long-term results. 😊

[Diane1760]

Thank you for your reply. 

Question: Where is the "discount for smaller groups" feature located, please?

I found the extra-guest fee option,  but it occurred to me... what if two friends want to have their own separate bedroom? Because if they book as only 2 guests, they'd get the base price but only the 1 bedroom. If they want 2 beds, how can I charge accordingly?

Thanks!

Diane d 

[Akshatha0]

Hi @Diane1760  👋

That’s a really good question and you’re not missing anything! Airbnb doesn’t actually have a button called “discount for smaller groups” at the moment. It’s more of a pricing approach that hosts set up manually using the existing tools.

Here’s how you can achieve the same thing:

• Set your base price for two guests (covering one bedroom).
• Then add an extra-guest fee for each person above two this way, if two friends want separate bedrooms, they can simply book for 3 guests, and the system will add the small extra fee automatically.

To make it clear, you can mention something like this in your description:
“The second bedroom is opened for parties of 3+ guests, or for two guests requesting separate rooms please select 3 guests when booking.”

That keeps everything transparent and ensures you’re fairly paid when guests use both bedrooms.

You’re managing your listing really thoughtfully your approach shows exactly the kind of attention that helps guests feel confident booking. 😊

[Diane1760]

Ahhhh! and the light bulb goes on, ha ha...  🙂

A clear and illuminating explanation, thank you SO MUCH!

Diane d

[Akshatha0]

Haha, I love that, @Diane1760 

I’m so glad it all makes sense now! 💡

You’re doing a wonderful job refining your setup after your first season. Those small, thoughtful adjustments really make hosting smoother and more rewarding.

Wishing you an amazing next season and lots of happy guests ahead! 😊