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The Dark Side of Airbnb Business No One Talks About.
Side hustles have become increasingly popular in recent years, with Airbnb business being a common choice for many entrepreneurs. The easing of Covid restrictions and the resumption of travel have led to a significant increase in this industry. However, like any business, it comes with its own set of challenges that aspiring entrepreneurs often overlook. We spoke with individuals in the field who shared their experiences, and we believe it’s important for you to be aware of them.
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Safety Risks
As much as Airbnb can be a lucrative option, it’s important to consider the high safety risks involved. Unlike a hotel, Airbnb’s main business model revolves around allowing individuals to rent out their spare rooms or cottages to strangers. This means that you may not know who is coming to stay at your place. Despite the safety checks on the app, it’s nearly impossible to fully verify everyone who stays at your property. One host we spoke with shared a story about a guest who took off with a lot of their belongings after booking their place. we had actually stayed at that same property before the incident occurred. It could have been much worse, thankfully it wasn’t a serial issue, but it’s difficult to truly know the intentions of the guests you are welcoming.
Guests Can Be Dishonest
Another host in the business we spoke to mentioned that guests can sometimes be dishonest. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for guests to book a one-bedroom apartment only to show up with an entire family. Some individuals are in a rush and simply looking for a convenient place to stay. These guests can be quite bothersome and difficult to remove from your property, often leading to payment problems. It’s always unpredictable who will arrive and what challenges may arise.
Vandalism
It may seem like we live in a well-mannered world where politeness is the standard, but that’s not always the case. There are individuals who adopt an “I don’t care” attitude and act however they please simply because they have paid for a service. One host shared with us that he discovered his property in a state of disarray, with eggs strewn about – even the ceiling was coated in egg yolk. The circumstances surrounding this incident remain a mystery. When the host confronted the guest, they simply stated that they were having a good time. The cleanup required far more effort than the compensation received. Some hosts have opened their doors to guests only to find shattered glass, soiled linens, vomit in every corner, and other unspeakable messes.
Unplanned Cancellations
This is also a common issue in this industry. Sometimes guests will book for a week, but then decide to cancel after checking in for only 2 days. It can be an awkward conversation to have with the guest especially if you’ve already used the funds, but it’s important to be prepared to handle these situations. Make sure you are familiar with the policies regarding cancellations.
Conclusion
Running an Airbnb business can be quite lucrative if done properly. It’s crucial to take the time to educate yourself before diving in. Research your local area, focus on enhancing security measures, obtain insurance, and participate in forums where you can share guest experiences. We wish you success in this endeavor, and if there’s anything we overlooked, please feel free to share in the comments below.
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