Airbnb and VRBO Receiving no traffic

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Airbnb and VRBO Receiving no traffic

Prachi Metha
Dublin, CA · Member since 2020 · 69 posts · 15 votes

Hi All,

I am a new STR owner in the Phoenix/Tempe/Mesa area. I have set up my listing on both Airbnb and VRBO but I haven't received any traffic on Airbnb and on VRBO I received some inquiries and booking (but I had to cancel due to discounting). My pricing is pretty decent for a 3bed/2bath with a pool. What am I doing wrong? Forums and groups in my area are mentioning that they are receiving recent bookings. I have blocked my calendar until July 25th but post then it is wide open.

If anyone can help, I can pass my listing links too in a DM.

Any thought? 

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Collin HaysBusiness Member
Property Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
5y

I can tell you this, both airbnb and vrbo have made a major cash grab in the last 12 months.  They are charging guests up to 20% service fees now, not to mention what they are charging hosts/homeowners. The result of that is many guests are finding other ways to rent properties.

We are seeing more direct bookings through our own website, and are going to be investing heavily in alternative marketing channels over the next year.  VRBO and abnb both are killing the goose.  It always happens.

[email protected]806-672-7102
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  • Luciano A.
    Developer · Houston TX · Member since 2018 · 423 posts · 400 votes
    5y

    @Prachi Metha

    A friend of mine started Airbnb and like you weren't getting traffic. Being new and not having any reviews, he decided to look at what is out there and discount his to be the cheapest or as he would say, best bargain. Once he got a handful of bookings and good reviews he started to raise his prices. The first handful of guests he wasn't a strickler on the rules, at least to a degree. Like not taking out the trash. He was basically trying to buy good reviews. Once he got those reviews he started to get more interest. No one really wants to be the guinea pig, especially on vacation. Reviews help guests to make decisions. 

    Best of Luck 

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  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    5y

    I'm not so sure it's just the lack of reviews.......I say spice up the pictures and the whole atmosphere of the place....it looks too sterile. IMHO. :-)

    1Reply
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