Which short term mgmt software is better for sending automated messages, pricing

Question

Currently my short-term management property is managed by the property management company. If I have to manage the property by myself, I am curious which property management software (Hostaway, Guesty, Lodgify, PriceLabs, Hospitable) is better for sending check-in, checkout messages, and other automated messages. Also I hear PriceLabs does dynamic pricing, and but I  see AirBnb also has dynamic pricing option as well. I want to get some suggestions from experts on what option worked better for them and why?

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Sri S., I am with the others. No need for a PMS with only one.

AirBNB and VRBO can handle things for you.

In the end you won't save much time with only one STR.

Plus, personal correspondence really works well to boost those 5 star ratings.

Andrew Steffens · Answer

I also agree with just 1 property I would just use Airbnb/VRBO platforms.  Maybe integrate PriceLabs for pricing.  I am a PM with 60+ doors and did not get a PMS til around 10 properties.

My first PMS was Guesty which did a great job with automations IMO.  They were lacking in accounting which is why we switched, but I heard since they have gotten better accounting features.  Best of luck.

Patricia Andriolo-Bull · Answer

Do you have only one listing? If so, I would stick to the basics using Airbnb / VRBO. They sync calendars just fine and have automated messaging. I just started using OwnerRez with 4 listings. It is an uphill battle to set up but I am liking it so far. I got a Google Vacation Rental booking almost immediately and a direct booking.

John Underwood · Answer

Vrbo and Airbnb send automated messages. This has been plenty for me.

Vrbo has free dynamic pricing which has worked well for me.

Bryce Cutler · Answer

Sri, I am in the process of switching from Hostaway to Hostfully for my 5 listings. I used Hostaway for the last year and the they recently snuck in a 1.8% fee for our direct booking site. I will say it was disclosed to us in a fine print email, but it was definitely not clearly told to us and many people are migrating away because we have our direct sites listed as fee free and they no longer would be.

I did extensive research last year when signing up and Hostfully was my runner up and that’s why I am switching to them. I also liked that they are US based as I had issues with my bank with the Finland based Hostaway.

Finally, I highly recommend PriceLabs. The data points they use made me feel like it got my pricing right and I feel much more confident about what my nightly and seasonal rates are now.

Sri S. · Answer

Thanks Michael and Bryce

Bryce Cutler · Answer

So far I am basing it on customer service. Price wise they are similar. Hostaway started off slow and never really got better. Not awful, just not what I was expecting.

I would also say that with 1 property I would probably not use a PMS but it is definitely helpful when you have multiple properties.

Sri S. · Answer

Thanks John & Patricia. Currently I have only 1 short term rental property. But in future I am looking to expand more and make it more automated.

Sri S. · Answer

Thanks Bryce. This helps. I will look more into Hostfully. When you said it came as runnerup, what criteria have you used to select it.

Which short term mgmt software is better for sending automated messages, pricing

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