Airbnb has plans to go public through an IPO. The general public will be able to buy shares in the company. Many companies do this to pay back initial investors and to raise capital for future investment.
This is such an important topic and I'm not sure the proper way to begin a proper discusssion with Airbnb. I agree wholeheartedly that superhost should be given the opportunity to purchase shares before the general public. If Airbnb is going to sell shares in order to pay back original investors they might as well allow the superhost in the frontline that are generating the revenue to be able to invest in Airbnb the company.
A couple of good benefits Airbnb would reap by allowing superhost to invest in Airbnb the company include exclusivity of listings as well as additional local support while regulations are being rolled out.
Exclusivity to Airbnb is going to be a big deal. Airbnb has and is going to continue to have competition: Homeaway, VRBO, Booking.com, Tripping.com, Rented.com, Expedia, and even Priceline. If I listed my properties on every home sharing website available then guest will shop the internet for the cheapest price for the same property. Airbnb is building a nice brand, but I believe the winner will come down to who has the best host accompanied with the best properties. I propose that superhost that own shares will also sign an exclusivity agreement to Airbnb. We list our properties exclusively on Airbnb.com and not with any of the competiton.
In my local area we have a facebook group. Many host are asking other host to attend town hall meetings in their respected area or municipality when short term rentals will be a major topic. I wondered why I would attend to promote an area other than my own. This would be me assisting my competition considering my city is already friendly to short term rentals. If host had ownership in the overall business then we would be much more likely to unite to help mold favorable regulation throughout the country.
Im sure we can think of other reasons why this would be a good deal for all sides. Where do we go next? How do host get into contact with Airbnb besides their customer service dept?
