Is there enough friction with FF that the market is ready for a real competitor with better UX and customer experience? I'd expand the segment in MTR to market beyond traveling nurses (shrinking in number and pay I hear, but not sure) to ALSO include: digital nomads, relocatees to new areas, and snowbirds. Thoughts and know anyone with enough pain to want to build a better FF with me?
Lender · Asheville, NC · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
3y
There are pros and cons to FF. It's easy to set up your listing and they don't seem to have the annoying algorithms that are so hard to keep up with that the other OTAs have. Their messaging platform is horrible. Hosts miss guest messages and vice versa. I personally always receive a text notification from FF that I have a new lead loooong before that lead becomes visibile on the website. Sometimes I have to wait hours to see that lead pop up so I can actually take action. Clearly their synching is off. That said, because it's not a booking platform you're not losing any portion of your rents to the platform for each booking. Most people I know use it to post their place and source leads. As soon as you get a lead you take it off-platform to conduct your business. It needs some upgrades for sure, but I get probably 50% of my leads on there from people who are not in healthcare. Lots of digital nomads and relocations in my area. I think the opportunity is ripe for a better platform, but I would say the same thing about VRBO and Airbnb. They have become so guest-friendly that owners are getting burned and just waiting for a chance to jump to a new platform. I know there are people out there developing alternatives because I hear them on podcasts. Looking forward to better options!
Investor · Youngstown, OH · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3y
If you're going to give it a try, now is probably the best time. The MTR space isn't so established at the STR space where you're trying to take on something like AirBnb or VRBO.
Property Manager · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2022 · 590 posts · 463 votes
3y
There's definitely an opportunity for a competitor to join the ring. If you're looking into that, you'd definitely need some experience and know how. Do you have experience developing websites and apps or starting a business? Or do you have something to offer to a partner who has that experience?