Choosing the right Airbnb management service

Managing one or more Airbnb properties can be a time-consuming and stressful business for hosts. Guests expect hotel quality amenities, personal yet professional service, and 24-hour support when booking a vacation rental. For hosts who have daytime jobs or other responsibilities, it can become a struggle to keep up with it all, which is why many are choosing to use an Airbnb management company to help with the day to day running of their properties.

What can an Airbnb management service help with?

Airbnb management can range from a little bit of assistance with handling bookings, to a full package of support services. Some of the things on offer can include:

• Listing creation
• Professional photography
• 24/7 concierge service
• Guest accommodation and screening
• Personal welcome and key exchange
• Price optimization
• Premium amenities
• Laundry, linen and cleaning services
• Property maintenance

Pricing options

There are two main options for Airbnb management fees. The first is a flat-rate per month. This means that no matter how many bookings you get, you pay the same monthly rate to the management company.

The second is a commission rate. This means that the company will take a percentage (ranging from between 12-40% depending on what management package you select) of your Airbnb earnings each month.

Some companies will charge set-up fees on top of their monthly management fees. Make sure you find out what is included in the fee and how much extra the company might charge for professional photography or setting up the initial listing.

Deciding between a flat rate and commission rate is not always easy and you have to take into consideration that depending on what management services you select your bookings could increase dramatically making the fixed option more appealing. Always check whether you can swap between these two options or how long you are tied into a contract.

Caring for your guests

What kind of customer service does the company offer and does that cover you as well as your guests? For example, if your guest has a problem in the middle of the night… will your Airbnb management company be on-call to handle it?

Some Airbnb management companies are small operations with only a handful of staff based in a central location. It’s always good to go with a company who has local account managers as they will offer a more tailored, professional service.

Reporting back

As with any management service, it’s important for you as the customer to be able to easily view financial results. How much have your earnings improved over the past six months? What commission have you paid out to the management company? What specific services have been provided for that commission? Choose a management service that has software or a tracking app for your financial results.

About GuestReady

GuestReady was founded in late 2016 with the objective of taking the hassle out of Airbnb hosting. Our team has extensive experience in the fields of hospitality and business and finds powerful solutions to the problems that arise when hosting on Airbnb.

The company offers a full range of management services and has fixed as well as commission-based pricing options. Our account managers are based in many locations around the world and offer personalised, 24/7 services and support to both hosts and guests. We have the latest software to provide real-time reporting to hosts as well as an easy-to-use app.