Fascinated by AIR stuff

I'm noticing this shift ... traditional b&b's listing rooms on air and figuring out how to work it. Just so interesting to me.

if you cant lick 'em...Join 'em

We are on it. Not getting a lot of bookings-hard to compete when somebody is renting a room for $30/night!

'Plague room' turned into most booked. I caved yesterday and listed the other one too. Downside is the vast majority are one nighters. We are in between other places, so can't much be helped. Local lady who has two night minimum has had one (1) booking via Air this season.

So far I'm batting zero. I wish Air had a way to show stats. Wondering if anyone is even looked! (or have I missed where it is?)
For those that are getting takers, are you discounting the room like Air keeps telling me to do?
I did discount a little but they want me to deep discount and that ain't happening.

We find it very helpful. We almost got Great Host Award two months ago until someone left a four star review. We actually are more on air than if they booked direct to make up for the part they take, etc. We don't charge a cleaning fee or anything. Though we are talking about it since air guests don't often tip. One guest told us how it works on their end.... Air charges the guests so it's even more. We hosts get a better deal than the guest.....
We have two rooms as one nighters and the others as two night or more. We have four rooms out of eight air. We did the air photographer. We didn't like that we didn't get to see the photos before they put them up. But we can move them around and delete what we didn't want. The photographer and photos were total free for us.

Copperhead said:

So far I'm batting zero. I wish Air had a way to show stats. Wondering if anyone is even looked! (or have I missed where it is?)
For those that are getting takers, are you discounting the room like Air keeps telling me to do?
I did discount a little but they want me to deep discount and that ain't happening..

Click to expand...

Go to your dashboard and scroll down. There should be a graph down there that shows how many views you've gotten.
I've listed 2 of my 4 rooms at the same rate as my website. With the commission Air charges the guests, they're actually paying more than if they went to my website and booked. It's high season for us now, so I'm not going to reduce my rates, but I'll probably reduce them only on Air in the off season. See what happens.
So far, I've been very happy with my experience on Air. I think the more legal b&bs list, the better it will be for all of us.

Got Air reservation just this morning. We've had 3 now that I accepted, turned down 1 because I was full and another withdrew request because my less expensive room was already booked and I offered him another room but it was more money. I've only put my lowest priced room on there for exposure and I've been happy with the people who have stayed. There's no listing fee and the commission is so low that I would recommend everyone do it. They have to request a reservation so you can control it, it's not direct booking.

Yeah, doesn't work well around here. I still have to somehow collect my sales taxes. I have it as a pay at the door.
But Air doesn't highlight that breakfast is included or the legal stuff, of course.

Baby Puss said:

Yeah, doesn't work well around here. I still have to somehow collect my sales taxes. I have it as a pay at the door.
But Air doesn't highlight that breakfast is included or the legal stuff, of course..

Click to expand...

Just add the tax into your rate. I take a $180 room and mark it as $200 including the tax (9%). That covers even their 3% commission on the tax and I don't have to pay any credit card fees. They direct deposit the money into my account the day after the guest stays. It's so much better than book com or others.

Baby Puss said:

Yeah, doesn't work well around here. I still have to somehow collect my sales taxes. I have it as a pay at the door.
But Air doesn't highlight that breakfast is included or the legal stuff, of course..

Click to expand...

Baby Puss said:

Yeah, doesn't work well around here. I still have to somehow collect my sales taxes. I have it as a pay at the door.
But Air doesn't highlight that breakfast is included or the legal stuff, of course.

Click to expand...

You have to highlight all that stuff in your description. We've had no trouble collecting the lodging tax.

Morticia said:

Baby Puss said:

Yeah, doesn't work well around here. I still have to somehow collect my sales taxes. I have it as a pay at the door.
But Air doesn't highlight that breakfast is included or the legal stuff, of course..

Click to expand...

Baby Puss said:

Yeah, doesn't work well around here. I still have to somehow collect my sales taxes. I have it as a pay at the door.
But Air doesn't highlight that breakfast is included or the legal stuff, of course.

Click to expand...

You have to highlight all that stuff in your description. We've had no trouble collecting the lodging tax.
.

Click to expand...

We do have it. But remember that I'm competing with 3000 illegals in the city. The government can't keep up, though they are getting better... you get too many reviews or more than 2 properties and don't show you are legal, they start looking for you. But still... a lot of illegals.
And of course I'm selling a room... when often people are selling entire apartments.

Baby Puss said:

Morticia said:

Baby Puss said:

Yeah, doesn't work well around here. I still have to somehow collect my sales taxes. I have it as a pay at the door.
But Air doesn't highlight that breakfast is included or the legal stuff, of course..

Click to expand...

Baby Puss said:

Yeah, doesn't work well around here. I still have to somehow collect my sales taxes. I have it as a pay at the door.
But Air doesn't highlight that breakfast is included or the legal stuff, of course.

Click to expand...

You have to highlight all that stuff in your description. We've had no trouble collecting the lodging tax.
.

Click to expand...

We do have it. But remember that I'm competing with 3000 illegals in the city. The government can't keep up, though they are getting better... you get too many reviews or more than 2 properties and don't show you are legal, they start looking for you. But still... a lot of illegals.
And of course I'm selling a room... when often people are selling entire apartments.
.

Click to expand...

Not as many here that's true. Here it's a lot of house rentals. So, for $150 get a whole house or, same price, get a room. Some of them are right in town so I can't even push that we're walking distance.
But, we are getting 'city' people. Folks who don't want to drive into town so that's working.

Breakfast Diva said:

Copperhead said:

So far I'm batting zero. I wish Air had a way to show stats. Wondering if anyone is even looked! (or have I missed where it is?)
For those that are getting takers, are you discounting the room like Air keeps telling me to do?
I did discount a little but they want me to deep discount and that ain't happening..

Click to expand...

Go to your dashboard and scroll down. There should be a graph down there that shows how many views you've gotten.
I've listed 2 of my 4 rooms at the same rate as my website. With the commission Air charges the guests, they're actually paying more than if they went to my website and booked. It's high season for us now, so I'm not going to reduce my rates, but I'll probably reduce them only on Air in the off season. See what happens.
So far, I've been very happy with my experience on Air. I think the more legal b&bs list, the better it will be for all of us.
.

Click to expand...

Breakfast Diva said:

Go to your dashboard and scroll down. There should be a graph down there that shows how many views you've gotten.
I've listed 2 of my 4 rooms at the same rate as my website. With the commission Air charges the guests, they're actually paying more than if they went to my website and booked. It's high season for us now, so I'm not going to reduce my rates, but I'll probably reduce them only on Air in the off season. See what happens.
So far, I've been very happy with my experience on Air. I think the more legal b&bs list, the better it will be for all of us.

Click to expand...

AHHH. Now I see it faded out in the Aqua box in Aqua text. You would think they would want to highlight this! (well not in my case, only 4 views)

Morticia said:

Baby Puss said:

Morticia said:

Baby Puss said:

Yeah, doesn't work well around here. I still have to somehow collect my sales taxes. I have it as a pay at the door.
But Air doesn't highlight that breakfast is included or the legal stuff, of course..

Click to expand...

Baby Puss said:

Yeah, doesn't work well around here. I still have to somehow collect my sales taxes. I have it as a pay at the door.
But Air doesn't highlight that breakfast is included or the legal stuff, of course.

Click to expand...

You have to highlight all that stuff in your description. We've had no trouble collecting the lodging tax.
.

Click to expand...

We do have it. But remember that I'm competing with 3000 illegals in the city. The government can't keep up, though they are getting better... you get too many reviews or more than 2 properties and don't show you are legal, they start looking for you. But still... a lot of illegals.
And of course I'm selling a room... when often people are selling entire apartments.
.

Click to expand...

Not as many here that's true. Here it's a lot of house rentals. So, for $150 get a whole house or, same price, get a room. Some of them are right in town so I can't even push that we're walking distance.
But, we are getting 'city' people. Folks who don't want to drive into town so that's working.
.

Click to expand...

Morticia said:

Not as many here that's true. Here it's a lot of house rentals. So, for $150 get a whole house or, same price, get a room. Some of them are right in town so I can't even push that we're walking distance.
But, we are getting 'city' people. Folks who don't want to drive into town so that's working.

Click to expand...

Just looked at my listing and they said I should get inspired by a host near me... $89 for entire house/apt by the water. Of course this place is not renting legally. Guess I should be inspired that people are getting away with it.

Copperhead said:

Morticia said:

Baby Puss said:

Morticia said:

Baby Puss said:

Yeah, doesn't work well around here. I still have to somehow collect my sales taxes. I have it as a pay at the door.
But Air doesn't highlight that breakfast is included or the legal stuff, of course..

Click to expand...

Baby Puss said:

Yeah, doesn't work well around here. I still have to somehow collect my sales taxes. I have it as a pay at the door.
But Air doesn't highlight that breakfast is included or the legal stuff, of course.

Click to expand...

You have to highlight all that stuff in your description. We've had no trouble collecting the lodging tax.
.

Click to expand...

We do have it. But remember that I'm competing with 3000 illegals in the city. The government can't keep up, though they are getting better... you get too many reviews or more than 2 properties and don't show you are legal, they start looking for you. But still... a lot of illegals.
And of course I'm selling a room... when often people are selling entire apartments.
.

Click to expand...

Not as many here that's true. Here it's a lot of house rentals. So, for $150 get a whole house or, same price, get a room. Some of them are right in town so I can't even push that we're walking distance.
But, we are getting 'city' people. Folks who don't want to drive into town so that's working.
.

Click to expand...

Morticia said:

Not as many here that's true. Here it's a lot of house rentals. So, for $150 get a whole house or, same price, get a room. Some of them are right in town so I can't even push that we're walking distance.
But, we are getting 'city' people. Folks who don't want to drive into town so that's working.

Click to expand...

Just looked at my listing and they said I should get inspired by a host near me... $89 for entire house/apt by the water. Of course this place is not renting legally. Guess I should be inspired that people are getting away with it.
.

Click to expand...

I get inspired to report them to the authorities... both the legal department and the revenue department.

Baby Puss said:

Copperhead said:

Morticia said:

Baby Puss said:

Morticia said:

Baby Puss said:

Yeah, doesn't work well around here. I still have to somehow collect my sales taxes. I have it as a pay at the door.
But Air doesn't highlight that breakfast is included or the legal stuff, of course..

Click to expand...

Baby Puss said:

Yeah, doesn't work well around here. I still have to somehow collect my sales taxes. I have it as a pay at the door.
But Air doesn't highlight that breakfast is included or the legal stuff, of course.

Click to expand...

You have to highlight all that stuff in your description. We've had no trouble collecting the lodging tax.
.

Click to expand...

We do have it. But remember that I'm competing with 3000 illegals in the city. The government can't keep up, though they are getting better... you get too many reviews or more than 2 properties and don't show you are legal, they start looking for you. But still... a lot of illegals.
And of course I'm selling a room... when often people are selling entire apartments.
.

Click to expand...

Not as many here that's true. Here it's a lot of house rentals. So, for $150 get a whole house or, same price, get a room. Some of them are right in town so I can't even push that we're walking distance.
But, we are getting 'city' people. Folks who don't want to drive into town so that's working.
.

Click to expand...

Morticia said:

Not as many here that's true. Here it's a lot of house rentals. So, for $150 get a whole house or, same price, get a room. Some of them are right in town so I can't even push that we're walking distance.
But, we are getting 'city' people. Folks who don't want to drive into town so that's working.

Click to expand...

Just looked at my listing and they said I should get inspired by a host near me... $89 for entire house/apt by the water. Of course this place is not renting legally. Guess I should be inspired that people are getting away with it.
.

Click to expand...

I get inspired to report them to the authorities... both the legal department and the revenue department.
.

Click to expand...

And the IRS, as likely not reporting
I intend to report all aggressively.

I thought about joining but, no, I don't think it will work for us right now. We are marketing to higher-end guests who want 3-7 nights at our destination. And we are winding down, so we are refusing reservations if they don't fit our time schedule for more personal relaxed time.
I am concerned that our brand will fade from view as we cut back and do not get as many reviews. Perhaps I'll revisit the air idea when we are offering only the cottage on a weekly basis without breakfast...probably in 2017.
We do have 2 neighbors who are using air legally, earning enough to pay their property taxes and maintain their properties. More power to them. They get $150/night, and a lot of 1-2 nighters...I get more than double that $ with longer stays and would not lower my rates or min. stay requirement to compete.

Copperhead said:

Breakfast Diva said:

Copperhead said:

So far I'm batting zero. I wish Air had a way to show stats. Wondering if anyone is even looked! (or have I missed where it is?)
For those that are getting takers, are you discounting the room like Air keeps telling me to do?
I did discount a little but they want me to deep discount and that ain't happening..

Click to expand...

Go to your dashboard and scroll down. There should be a graph down there that shows how many views you've gotten.
I've listed 2 of my 4 rooms at the same rate as my website. With the commission Air charges the guests, they're actually paying more than if they went to my website and booked. It's high season for us now, so I'm not going to reduce my rates, but I'll probably reduce them only on Air in the off season. See what happens.
So far, I've been very happy with my experience on Air. I think the more legal b&bs list, the better it will be for all of us.
.

Click to expand...

Breakfast Diva said:

Go to your dashboard and scroll down. There should be a graph down there that shows how many views you've gotten.
I've listed 2 of my 4 rooms at the same rate as my website. With the commission Air charges the guests, they're actually paying more than if they went to my website and booked. It's high season for us now, so I'm not going to reduce my rates, but I'll probably reduce them only on Air in the off season. See what happens.
So far, I've been very happy with my experience on Air. I think the more legal b&bs list, the better it will be for all of us.

Click to expand...

AHHH. Now I see it faded out in the Aqua box in Aqua text. You would think they would want to highlight this! (well not in my case, only 4 views)
.

Click to expand...

Also, it's not real accurate. Mine doesn't even show the booking I have for Sunday.
I got another inquiry this morning which we'll probably take. With all my inquiries, I remind them in a message that since I am fully licensed and inspected I need to collect an additional 10% tax from them when they check in. So far, so good!

Breakfast Diva said:

Copperhead said:

Breakfast Diva said:

Copperhead said:

So far I'm batting zero. I wish Air had a way to show stats. Wondering if anyone is even looked! (or have I missed where it is?)
For those that are getting takers, are you discounting the room like Air keeps telling me to do?
I did discount a little but they want me to deep discount and that ain't happening..

Click to expand...

Go to your dashboard and scroll down. There should be a graph down there that shows how many views you've gotten.
I've listed 2 of my 4 rooms at the same rate as my website. With the commission Air charges the guests, they're actually paying more than if they went to my website and booked. It's high season for us now, so I'm not going to reduce my rates, but I'll probably reduce them only on Air in the off season. See what happens.
So far, I've been very happy with my experience on Air. I think the more legal b&bs list, the better it will be for all of us.
.

Click to expand...

Breakfast Diva said:

Go to your dashboard and scroll down. There should be a graph down there that shows how many views you've gotten.
I've listed 2 of my 4 rooms at the same rate as my website. With the commission Air charges the guests, they're actually paying more than if they went to my website and booked. It's high season for us now, so I'm not going to reduce my rates, but I'll probably reduce them only on Air in the off season. See what happens.
So far, I've been very happy with my experience on Air. I think the more legal b&bs list, the better it will be for all of us.

Click to expand...

AHHH. Now I see it faded out in the Aqua box in Aqua text. You would think they would want to highlight this! (well not in my case, only 4 views)
.

Click to expand...

Also, it's not real accurate. Mine doesn't even show the booking I have for Sunday.
I got another inquiry this morning which we'll probably take. With all my inquiries, I remind them in a message that since I am fully licensed and inspected I need to collect an additional 10% tax from them when they check in. So far, so good!
.

Click to expand...

The stats are of by 3 days. If your Sunday booking just came in it won't show until they're gone.