Laurene decided to resign from her corporate job in 2016 to focus on expanding the business . She no longer uses Airbnb as a primary platform for bookings . Due to her more advanced offerings , NightsBridge is now her online property management system and booking solution of choice . The system connects to and pulls bookings from other online channels ( like Booking . com , Tripadvisor , Airbnb and Safari Now ) and also helps streamline payments .
Airbnb is a very easy way to generate a second income , especially in parts of the country , such as the Western Cape , where demand for short-term rentals is high .
Laurene ’ s advice to others “ While it is quite hard work , it ’ s also very rewarding . You need to be available 24 / 7 ‒ especially within the luxury market . But my clients are the best to work with as they are on holiday , relaxed and in a good mood ‒ as long as I take care of them properly ,” she explained .
Her advice to other entrepreneurs thinking of investing in the hospitality sector is as follows :
• Airbnb is a very easy way to generate a second income , especially in parts of the country , such as the Western Cape , where demand for short-term rentals is high .
• Get your financial structures in place right from the get-go ; open a separate bank account for your business and keep its expenses and income separate from your other revenue streams .
• You must have a user-friendly and tastefully designed website , with good-quality photos showcasing your accommodation options . Airbnb offers a free photography service , so you can request a photographer to take professional photographs of your space .
• Be responsive to online engagements . Being accessible and a good communicator are two essential skills for success in the hospitality industry .
• Always welcome guests with a personal touch ‒ this could be a bottle of wine , a welcome note or a chocolate on their pillow . Have their rooms ready for them in time and never leave them waiting .
• Invest in good appliances ‒ dishwashers , washing machines , coffee machines etc . ‒ to make your guests ’ stay as comfortable as possible .
• As your business grows , get a good team around you to help you share the responsibilities ; from cleaning staff to someone to hand over keys and do check-ins , you ’ ll need a lot of support .
• If you are not targeting the ultra-luxury market , avoid using white linen as this gets dirty very quickly . Go for light grey linen and towels instead . It still gives a fresh , clean feel .
• If you can ’ t interact with your guests as a host , have a user manual or recommendation sheet available with all important numbers listed , along with tips on things to do and recommended places to eat in the area .
• Be as hands on as you can initially so that you know your business inside and out .
• Lastly , never , ever overpromise or underdeliver .
Future of short-term rentals According to Laurene , Airbnb now offers a cohosting option , which allows you to manage shortterm rentals on behalf of other property owners or , if you have the property but not the time , you could get someone to manage your own property for you . It can be a simple as handing over a key to managing the entire booking on your behalf . She does feel that the line between what the Airbnb technology facilitates and the services of a real estate agency is becoming quite a fine one and questions at what point it will be required to become a certified estate agent .
RESOURCES
Fijndraai Wine Estate , Nights Bridge
www . reimag . co . za MAY 2017 SA Real Estate Investor 59