Airbnb is the first choice for travelers, as far as short-term stays are concerned. It is a great business and if you’re looking for ways to start your own, then here are the steps you need to follow.
Get an Official Permission
First, if you have space, like a bedroom or even a whole apartment unit with a kitchenette, you need to make sure that your landlord is comfortable with the idea of you listing it up on Airbnb. Ab official permission is granted by the homeowners association and you can get a written permit to use the concerned property for commercial use. It’s better to get this out of the way as soon as possible, because this can take some time.
Also Read: Best Money making apps
Updating the Unit
Now that you have a permit for listing, the next important thing to do is to add some final touches to the Airbnb unit. Even if the listing is for a bedroom with an interconnected bathroom, you still want to make it comfortable and welcoming. Some of the things you can install are:
- Locks on the main entrance door, whether it be a keyless entry or card scanner, for privacy and security.
- Air conditioning, if the weather is hot and humid and there isn’t any, prior to the listing.
- Facilitating hot and cold water on demand.
- A small makeshift kitchenette, with a coffee machine, some kitchen essentials, mini fridge, etc.
- Having necessary entertainment like TV and Wi-Fi.
Being Realistic with Listing & Price
Here is a pro tip that will make or break your sprouting Airbnb business. You want to be realistic during the listing. It’s better to set a reasonable price for the Airbnb unit and also mention cons, if there are any. You don’t want to keep potential customers in the dark, when it comes to listing. Along with highlighting key features of your area, you can point out several things which might be useful information for the client, and with the right price listing, you will surely get the attention of customers.
Get Help
You can do this down the line, but getting help from someone is going to be great. You can have someone deal with emails, requests and queries of customers. They can also be helpful for sudden emergencies, like repairs on the spot, tours and other miscellaneous tasks.
Keep the Taxes in Mind
When setting the price for listing, make sure that you have included the taxes in it as well. You will need to collect necessary sales tax from the customers, so you can show them on your federal tax return. If you don’t, then the IRS may keep tabs on you and you might get in trouble for it. You can also consult with a tax specialist for these confusing yet important things, if taxes aren’t your thing.
Also Read: How to make money on Shopify
You can be a successful host with Airbnb with these steps, because travelers are always looking for places to stay, during the busy seasons.
