EP172: This Week in the World of Airbnb - a podcast by Jasper Ribbers

As ShareBetter ramps up its aggressive smear campaign against Airbnb, the platform is fighting back. This week Airbnb filed a formal complaint against the coalition, alleging that ShareBetter has failed to register as a lobbyist, disclose its funding sources, and file the required expense reports.

Glenn Carter, Hostfully Director of Marketing, joins Jasper to discuss the showdown between ShareBetter and Airbnb, explaining how the coalition functions as a mouthpiece for the hotel industry. They also cover the exponential growth Airbnb is experiencing in London and the resolution to the incident of racism in Big Bear last year when an Airbnb host cancelled a reservation at the last minute because the guest was Asian American.

To wrap up today’s episode, Glenn and Jasper address a question posed via the Facebook group around cleaning white bedding and towels. Listen in as they brainstorm ideas for keeping your whites white and your Airbnb looking spit spot spic and span!

Topics Covered

Article #1: Airbnb Bookings in London More Than Double in Just One Year Despite Concerns Over ‘Lack of Regulation’
•Number of nights booked shot up 130% last year
•From 4% of market share in 2015 to 9% in 2016
•Nights booked rose from 2M to 4.62M
•13,000 bookings on any given night
•Additional 55% increase in first four months of 2017
•90-day limit may curb growth

Article #2: Airbnb Host Who Canceled Reservation Using Racist Comment Must Pay $5,000
•February incident took place in Big Bear
•Dyne Suh booked mountain cabin for ski weekend
•Host cancelled reservation by text, race given as reason
•Host ordered to take Asian American studies course in addition to $5,000 fine
•Also required to apologize, participate in community education panel, and volunteer with civil rights organization

Article #3: Airbnb Fights Back Against Lobby Groups, Demands Info on Their Funding Sources
•Airbnb filed formal complaint with NY state ethics panel
•Accuses ShareBetter of illegal, unreported lobbying
•ShareBetter largely funded by hotel industry, worker union
•Aggressive anti-Airbnb campaign includes paying PIs to pose as guests
•Airbnb working with local municipalities to comply with regulations
•Racism, affordable housing and public safety are issues worth discussing
•ShareBetter doesn’t seem interested in dialogue to solve problems

Q: How do I deal with makeup marks on white bedding and towels?
•Provide guests with makeup remover wipes
•Try cleaning products like Vanish Oxi Action, OxiClean or Triple-Acting Shout
•Leave laundry in water with bleach overnight, then wash at 90°
•Consider providing brown towels for makeup removal
•Leave framed note with specific instructions
•Charge small cleaning fee, use reserve fund to replace bedding/towels as needed

Jasper’s Feedback Around Current Airbnb Stay in SoHo
•Consider blackout curtains for jetlagged guests
•Change Wi-Fi network, password for ease of use

Resources Mentioned
Article #1: standard.co.uk/news/london/airbnb-bookings-in-london-more-than-double-in-just-one-year-despite-concerns-over-lack-of-regulation-a3589051.html
Article #2: theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/13/airbnb-california-racist-comment-penalty-asian-american?CMP=twt_a-technology_b-gdntech
Article #3:skift.com/2017/06/14/airbnb-ramps-up-push-to-get-more-hosts-to-choose-instant-booking
ShareBetter
GPFYP Episode 67: Airbnb Cleaning Service Tips with Kyle Gesuelli From Handy
GPFYP Episode 153: How to Arrange a Perfect Airbnb Turnover and Cleaning
wikiHow to Change Your Wi-Fi Password

Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.

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