A fully booked calendar can still mean you’re undercharging.

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A fully booked calendar can still mean you’re undercharging.

Odoh Theophilus Tochukwu
Virtual Assistant · Member since 2026 · 66 posts · 16 votes

I once reviewed a listing that was fully booked for weeks.

At first glance, it looked successful.

But when we broke down the numbers:

  • cleaning costs
  • platform fees
  • utilities
  • time spent managing

…the host was barely making profit.

That’s when it clicked:

Occupancy feels good.
But profit is what actually matters.

We adjusted pricing slightly, not drastically.

Fewer bookings.
Better guests.
Higher profit.

That’s the difference between hosting…
and running a business.

2Reply
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Most Popular Reply

John RacinePro Member
Real Estate Investor · Casselberry, FL · Member since 2008 · 41 posts · 33 votes
6mo
Quote from @Odoh Theophilus Tochukwu:

I once reviewed a listing that was fully booked for weeks.

At first glance, it looked successful.

But when we broke down the numbers:

  • cleaning costs
  • platform fees
  • utilities
  • time spent managing

…the host was barely making profit.

That’s when it clicked:

Occupancy feels good.
But profit is what actually matters.

We adjusted pricing slightly, not drastically.

Fewer bookings.
Better guests.
Higher profit.

That’s the difference between hosting…
and running a business.


 Could not agree more. I'll take 90% at $300/night over 100% at $250 every single month. It is nuanced but those who execute will absolutely thrive!

2Reply
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  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    6mo

    That's absolutely what it means.

    1Reply
    • Odoh Theophilus Tochukwu
      OP
      Virtual Assistant · Member since 2026 · 66 posts · 16 votes
      6mo
      Quote from @John Underwood:

      That's absolutely what it means.



      Yeah, it’s about making sure the business is actually doing well.
      Thanks for your comment!

      0Reply
  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    6mo

    Economics 101 is knowing price should be where the supply curve meets the demand curve.

    [email protected]813-563-0877
    Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    2Reply
    • Odoh Theophilus Tochukwu
      OP
      Virtual Assistant · Member since 2026 · 66 posts · 16 votes
      6mo
      Quote from @Andrew Steffens:

      Economics 101 is knowing price should be where the supply curve meets the demand curve.




      That’s a great point, pricing should match where demand and supply meet.

      The key is making sure that price also covers your costs and leaves you with good profit. Thanks for sharing this!




      0Reply
  • John RacinePro Member
    Real Estate Investor · Casselberry, FL · Member since 2008 · 41 posts · 33 votes
    6mo
    Quote from @Odoh Theophilus Tochukwu:

    I once reviewed a listing that was fully booked for weeks.

    At first glance, it looked successful.

    But when we broke down the numbers:

    • cleaning costs
    • platform fees
    • utilities
    • time spent managing

    …the host was barely making profit.

    That’s when it clicked:

    Occupancy feels good.
    But profit is what actually matters.

    We adjusted pricing slightly, not drastically.

    Fewer bookings.
    Better guests.
    Higher profit.

    That’s the difference between hosting…
    and running a business.


     Could not agree more. I'll take 90% at $300/night over 100% at $250 every single month. It is nuanced but those who execute will absolutely thrive!

    2Reply
    • Odoh Theophilus Tochukwu
      OP
      Virtual Assistant · Member since 2026 · 66 posts · 16 votes
      6mo
      Quote from @John Racine:
      Quote from @Odoh Theophilus Tochukwu:

      I once reviewed a listing that was fully booked for weeks.

      At first glance, it looked successful.

      But when we broke down the numbers:

      • cleaning costs
      • platform fees
      • utilities
      • time spent managing

      …the host was barely making profit.

      That’s when it clicked:

      Occupancy feels good.
      But profit is what actually matters.

      We adjusted pricing slightly, not drastically.

      Fewer bookings.
      Better guests.
      Higher profit.

      That’s the difference between hosting…
      and running a business.


       Could not agree more. I'll take 90% at $300/night over 100% at $250 every single month. It is nuanced but those who execute will absolutely thrive!




      I really like how you explained this.
      That’s a great example.

      Making a little less bookings but earning more per night can make a big difference in profit. Like you said, it’s not always simple, but the hosts who understand this usually do better. Thanks for sharing this!


      1Reply
  • Patricia Steiner
    Real Estate Broker · Hyde Park Tampa, FL · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    6mo

    "Running a business" is what I find property managers - and investors - miss doing. It's not a catch phrase or tag line. It is definitely about the numbers, it's definitely about the property, the bookings and reviews (this:  everyone wants what everyone wants; highly booked properties are not driven just by price).  It's not about any one of these - it about ALL of these.  There was an earlier post about analyzing the numbers and waiting out a slow season...that won't work.  A higher rate but fewer bookings...sounds good BUT don't you want the best rate you can charge to maximize income while maximizing bookings and building a brand reputation as 'the place to stay and play?'  It's not only about running a business - it about running a HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL business.  If it were easy, everyone would and could do it...it's the difference between a knowledgable and skilled investor and everyone else.  And, you can't delegate this to anyone...it's your business, it's your money, it's all about you.  Go get what's yours.  I look forward to hearing about your fame and fortune.  Rock on!

    1Reply
    • Odoh Theophilus Tochukwu
      OP
      Virtual Assistant · Member since 2026 · 66 posts · 16 votes
      6mo
      Quote from @Patricia Steiner:

      "Running a business" is what I find property managers - and investors - miss doing. It's not a catch phrase or tag line. It is definitely about the numbers, it's definitely about the property, the bookings and reviews (this:  everyone wants what everyone wants; highly booked properties are not driven just by price).  It's not about any one of these - it about ALL of these.  There was an earlier post about analyzing the numbers and waiting out a slow season...that won't work.  A higher rate but fewer bookings...sounds good BUT don't you want the best rate you can charge to maximize income while maximizing bookings and building a brand reputation as 'the place to stay and play?'  It's not only about running a business - it about running a HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL business.  If it were easy, everyone would and could do it...it's the difference between a knowledgable and skilled investor and everyone else.  And, you can't delegate this to anyone...it's your business, it's your money, it's all about you.  Go get what's yours.  I look forward to hearing about your fame and fortune.  Rock on!




      It’s about the numbers, the bookings, the reviews, and the guest experience all working together.

      You’re right, the goal is to get the best rate and keep strong bookings while building a great brand.

      That balance is what makes a business truly successful.

      Thank you for sharing this. It adds a lot to the conversation.


      0Reply
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