All Forum Posts by: Matt Mertz

I actually started with Hospitable then moved to OwnerRez.

It really depends on how much functionality you want in your PMS.

I can tell you I loved Hospitable.  Very easy to use, sleek interface, built in support for Schlage Encode locks.

But we needed to collect security deposits and wanted a direct booking site.  OwnerRez provided those so we migrated over.

I'd make sure the ROI is worth your time before entering into the STR game. That's especially important now with interest rates and market valuations eating into your revenue.

Hi John, typically what you're talking about is getting less reliant on the OTAs as you progress into your STR business by directing more stays to your own direct booking site. This helps mitigate risk if your airbnb/vrbo account is cancelled and puts more money in your pocket by eliminating the OTA's service fees.

I'd recommend keeping this as a long term goal and instead focus on the operational stuff around running your STR. Believe me your hands will already be full with that at the beginning.

Start with one OTA, get comfortable then after a month or two on board to the other. Once you're up and running on both, then roll out your direct booking site. 

Pick a PMS that has both a channel manager and direct booking site. Ownerrez does both very well. The direct booking site takes no coding skills and is basically a template you can choose. Ownerrez can sync calendars between all 3.

Like others mentioned there are other PMSs that can do this. Just be careful on the direct booking site implementation because some aren't as easy to setup.

As for CRM and collecting emails, StayFi is a good solution. However I hesitate to recommend it unless your property sleeps a lot of people. If it's only 2-4 people I'm not sure if the ROI works out because you can get your primary guest's email via your PMS (depends on the PMS).

Yeah, "killing it" is pretty cliche but that's what he actually said.  He was talking about the format of our VRBO listing, not our calendar.

I've had 2 similar calls with a VRBO rep.  Got an email saying they'd like to meet and go over y listing.  First time he actually had 2 good recommendations:

1. Add "Hot Tub" to the listing name because you can't assume guests know everyone has one in the Smokies.

2. Put the game room picture with the bunks in the top 3 pics because it would really appeal to families.

We thought those were good tips and our VRBO bookings are doing well but not sure if it's related to the advice.

The second time we spoke to him he said our list was killing it and nothing to change.

I suspect the Airbnb session would be similar.  Just thought it would be fun if someone heard something novel during their session.

You're probably right.  If we went I'd expect to hear something about allowing pets, adding exercise equipment or lowering our rates.  We've already learned alot from this forum in the last 3 years.

Anyone going to the Airbnb host success event in Gatlinburg this Wednesday and Thursday?

Just tried to reserve a spot but they were full.

I was hoping those attending could share some of their insights on this thread tomorrow.

Thanks!

LOL that response only reinforces my belief in your expertise.  ;)

@John Carbone @Collin Hays I just wanted to thank you guys for the expertise you share in the Smokies market.  I find value in your posts.  Thank you.

Be sure to check on local regulations. There may be an HOA out there that prevents parking the trailer on your lot.

Also like Nathan explained, make sure the work maintaining a relatively low revenue property is really worth it to you.