Typical timelines before receiving reservations on AirBnB

[Brian Salazar]

I recently acquired my first short term rental in Broken Bow Oklahoma. After getting everything set up, I was able to post the listing on Airbnb about two weeks ago, and on VRBO about a week and a half ago. I have set the rates slightly below most of the other  comparable listings I see in the area and have made the rental terms as flexible as possible so I could try and get some quick bookings. After two weeks, I don’t even have an inquiry about the property, much less a booking. There have been about 400 views. What is the typical timeline for reservations to start coming in? Also, any other thoughts or recommendations would be much appreciated

[Erik Stenbakken]

Price. And not just lower by a little bit. If you don’t have ratings and you don’t have a one-of-a-kind property that they cannot get anywhere else you have a little bit of an uphill battle. You don’t have to keep your prices slashed all year! But you do have to get bookings and you need to get a few fast.

That said, in my experience, your first guest looking for the discount listing are often the worst ones you will have. They are looking for deals just like this. The trouble is they never seem to be satisfied with what they get. It’s a delicate balance: price/bookings/reviews. As suggested above, check on your guests and do what you can to make them happy.

Mention in listing that this is a new property and you are offering “sale prices.” That will help you differentiate from being a “cheap property.“  That also makes sense when you put prices up to what they should be. First year is seldom your best year. Best of luck!