You’ve signed the contract on your new Airbnb, and you’re excited to start hosting guests.
But where will you get your first guests? How do you know what they’ll expect? And how can you provide an experience that will keep them coming back for more?
In this article we’ll walk through the first month of a typical Tulum Airbnb business. So you can make sure that your own first month goes as smooth as possible.
1. Finding the right guests
A challenge that most Airbnb hosts experience is getting the right guests. The good news is, you can do a lot to increase your chances of getting great guests.
Firstly, be clear about what you offer and setting expectations for them as soon as they book with you.
The best way to do this is through your listing description. Clearly state all the details of your space and how it works.
Include things like whether there are any rules about:
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Smoking or no smoking.
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Pets (if applicable).
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What time of day is suitable for check-in.
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How many people can stay in the space.
If there’s anything special about your listing that would affect another guest’s decision on booking with you? Like if it’s only accessible via stairs or if there isn’t AC—then be sure to include that information as well.
Another thing that’s important is being available when someone books with you.
I know sometimes we’re busy doing other things during our off hours. But try at least responding within 24 hours so they don’t think something has gone wrong on their end.
It may seem like a small thing. But your guests will remember how responsive (or unresponsive) their host was when looking back about their vacation experience.
2. Dealing with Cancellations
Cancellations are the bane of Airbnb hosts. It’s the reason why you need to be strict about your rates and availability. Because you want to avoid cancellations as much as possible.
There are many reasons why people may have to cancel their trip. Such as natural disasters, illness, family emergencies and more.
As an Airbnb host, your goal is to have happy guests who return for future bookings and refer others to you.
While no one wants their holiday plans changed at the last minute. It does happen for some unfortunate reason or another.
Cancellation can be hard on both parties when people don’t give proper notice.
Be kind but firm with those who try canceling at short notice.
On average we’ve found that cancellations do happen throughout our year here in Tulum Mexico. But sometimes more than others depending on seasonality factors.
3. Playing with pricing
As a host, it’s important to know how much money you’ll be taking in. Pricing is something you will begin to master on your first month of Airbnb business in Tulum Mexico.
The first thing to do is set a base price and then fluctuate off of it. You can do this in two ways:
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Smart pricing. Airbnb has an automated system that looks at the market and sets prices according to demand, so if you want to let your host manage this, they can do it with one click or tap. There are also ways for hosts to manually adjust their rates (up or down) when they feel that the market has changed significantly since they first listed their property. If you want more control over how much money you take in, smart pricing may be best for you—just make sure it aligns with your goals!
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Fluctuating based on time of year and day of the week. You could decide what days are less popular and adjust rates. Thus lowering prices would help attract customers who want lower costs but still want a nice place near town where they can enjoy restaurants/bars/nightlife. While increasing prices on busy days like weekends will bring more revenue into your pocket.
4. Be detailed
When you’re starting an Airbnb business, you need to be very detailed in the check-in information and descriptions of your listing.
Your first-time renters will have a lot of questions and it’s better to over-explain everything rather than assume they will know things.
For example: If there are two keys provided, make sure that one is labeled “front door” while the other is labeled “back door.” You get the picture!
You can also use laminates or even sticky notes on surfaces such as tables around your property with instructions or tips for renters.
This way if someone gets confused about how something works, they can find an answer without bothering you!
5. Your Cleaner is important
Hiring the right cleaner is one of the most important things you can do for your Airbnb business.
A thorough cleaning of your Tulum property is important. Hire someone who is great at cleaning. They will make sure that your guests feel comfortable and relaxed in your home.
You should consider what types of cleaning services you would like to offer your guests when they arrive, as well as how often they will be cleaned.
Hire a cleaner who can wash and control laundry if needed.
If it’s possible, hire someone who speaks both Spanish and English.
6. Lost and found
Your first month of Airbnb hosting will be a bit messy at first. You’ll have to get used to having guests in your house, and you will also have to deal with some inevitable messes.
One common example is that people will often leave things behind by accident (or forget about them).
Don’t worry about it. There are ways for you and the guest to work together so that the item can be retrieved if possible.
Sometimes people lose track of their stuff and never realize it’s missing.
If someone leaves an item in your home, try contacting them via Airbnb messaging or emailing them directly so you can find out if they want it back before throwing it away (or giving it away!).
If not, consider donating the item instead of throwing it away; there are many charitable organizations that would love to receive items.
7. Use signage
Signage is a key part of your Airbnb business. It helps guests find you, it helps them engage with the place, and it helps to cut the amount of communication between hosts and guests.
Our hosts have signs at their house: one’s outside, one’s inside, one’s in each room (the ones in rooms are small), and one for the bathroom door that shows how to use the toilet (it’s different from other toilets).
Signage works because people trust written instructions more than verbal ones.
8. Put money back into your Airbnb business
You should always put money back into your Airbnb property. If you’re not putting money back into the management and maintenance of your Tulum Airbnb, then it will be more difficult for you to manage and maintain the property.
If you do invest in making improvements to your Tulum Airbnb, it will make things easier on yourself when it comes time to manage the property.
Improving any part of your Tulum Airbnb can also increase your revenue from guests because they’ll have a better experience staying at your rental property.
Some investments that are worth considering include:
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Updating appliances (refrigerator, stove/oven)
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Replacing bathroom fixtures (sink & faucets)
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Providing more services at no cost
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Add extra features to your property.
We hope that this article has provided you with some useful information and guidance to take your first steps into the wonderful world of running an Airbnb in Tulum without a headache.
With the right preparation, proper research and sound advice from our experienced hosts, you can get started on your journey towards financial freedom and a better lifestyle sooner than you think.
Find Your Airbnb Property in Tulum Mexico Today
We are a team of real estate agents who specialize in helping you find your Airbnb property in Tulum Mexico.
We will do this at no extra cost to you, and there is no obligation on your part.
If you choose to work with us, we will inspect the properties for you, book showings for you, help you make an offer on the property of your choice and help close on your purchase.
