This forum is dedicated to connecting hosts with other hosts. Sign up to get the latest updates and news just for AirBnb hosts! Note that we are not affiliated with Airbnb - we are just passionate hosts!
As the spokesman for the Airhostsforum Consulting Group (the members of this forum), which tests and gives feedback to new companies that feel that hosts cannot find household items they need at their local shops and stores and would be better served with companies inserting themselves into the shopping experience, we welcome your questions and requests for feedback.
Here’s how it works: Your company can offer free supplies or services for a period of 30 days to any and all hosts who request from you. the Airhostforum Consulting Group will evaluate your service, discuss amongst the members, and provide you with feedback. You will then be allowed to repeat the process, and after the next 30 day period, obtain again the insight and commentary that only experienced hosts can provide.
While all companies do research, and so many of them spend many thousands on information, we are happy to provide this to you, after sampling your services.
We look forward to consulting on your new venture. Until then, we ask that you refrain from seeking free information from the Airhosts, as our time is valuable and is spent here in this group helping other hosts and ourselves with matters that need the expertise and knowledge of years of experience and hundreds of guests.
Rolf thanks for all that great info. I am not a business yet. I have no products and no store. I came here to get a sense for wether or not my idea would be of interest to anyone here. If I am interested in advertising or getting the members of this forum to test products I will get in touch thank you.
I’m still not sure what unique service you are offering. You mentioned in the OP that you think there is a market for one stop shopping and affordable. You’ve been told that Amazon already does this. So now we seem aggressive? What is the kind and encouraging way to say these services already exist at a price you can’t compete with?
Did you know Amazon sells just the top sheet, flat sheet or sets of pillowcases as singles? You don’t have to buy a whole set if one item gets ruined.
All the experienced hosts have extras on hand. I don’t think there is anyone here who doesn’t have multiples of everything. So when something gets ruined we have plenty of time to go out and restock without making a special trip to the store.
Most of the folks responding to you are veterans. Some members have been Airbnb members almost since they started (like 2010). New members frequently complain that we aren’t the most welcoming and I can’t disagree with that. But it is what it is. An internet forum.
Several times a year someone comes on the forum with what they think is a unique and brilliant idea. The problem is, we’ve heard it before. Don’t shoot the messenger when we tell you your idea isn’t unique.
Sure wish it was possible for moderators to segregate the obvious merchandisers, both the suppliers and wanna-be’s, from the main forum and move their “pitches” into a separate category and thread called, “Vendors.” That way, they don’t clutter the board and cause aggravation, and hosts interested in checking out the latest vendor offerings can peruse the Vendor thread on their own.
There seems to be an increase (now weekly?) with every Tom, Dick and Harry promoting their idea or offer to make things “easier and more convenient” for hosts…but in actuality, they would be the middleman…with hand held out.
Like any other forum its about being a bystander first to get a feel for how it works before jumping in. As a host you will be welcome and I am sure can provide valuable input and advice to others.
As already mentioned we do get people coming on here quite often wanting to set up various types of support services for hosts.
If you are going to set up a business I think you will need to grow a harder skin. Not everyone will love your concept and on forums like this you will get honest feedback, not just people who validate your ideas.
Listen to it, it will help identify whether you have a viable business model.
I think the issue is that you feel that ‘many hosts’ will want a one stop service and that the problems you feel you encounter in sourcing goods is common amongst hosts. However this may not be the case. The only way you will know is to do some proper market research with your target market (US I presume).
Its also been pointed out that you are unlikely to be competitive on price so how will you make yourself stand out. Also do you have the know how and budget to market an endeavour like yours?
What are your thoughts on this?
So do stick around and contribute advice here on hosting issues - it’s certainly unique for it’s ability to go off tangent but also offers some invaluable advice.
Having worked in retail, I cannot see how you are going to source your stock to price it to beat the amazon and Costco’s of the internet world. People’s loyalty is as deep as their wallets and you will be a middleman - how would you make a profit?
I think the only way to monetize this concept would be to couple it with full outsourced management including cleaning service, linen service, and supplies replenishment. You’d have to standardize the service, maybe you could have an optional add-on “luxury” service level with high thread count sheets and gift baskets. I’m sure there are entrepreneurs out there already doing this. I don’t need it and wouldn’t be interested myself.
Bnb, I believe your post is thinly veiled marketing research. You really can’t do that here, sorry. You say things which make me think you may be pretending to be hosts to gain our trust…
Moderators can’t create new forum places like vendor lounges and I suspect imposters like this would not use them even if they did exist. Besides we would have to ask for another raise if we had more unnecessary work to do.
You guys can help us by flagging spam, We see the flags immediately and can delete the post or deal with it appropriately. Help make the forum better for everyone by flagging spam or promotions. (But please do not overflag or flag someth8ng for being off topic!)
I can only say that I’m a new host since June last year. I have always been made to feel welcome, been taken seriously and have learned so much from people’s advice and experience.
I appreciate a new potential business venture wanting to get the pulse of the customer before a large investment of time & money.
New hosts may enjoy the ease of product access. For hosts like me who have an established supplies routine, I’m not sure unless there is a large cost savings.
I get my supplies at Amazon, Costco & either Zulily or Woot (Amazon subsidiary) products on special. I pick up a few at my rare Walmart trip (e.g. tooth brush / toothpaste travel kit $0.97 each) or my monthly local dollar store trip. I’m fortunate that I live 1.5 miles from Costco. I have a product routine that is time efficient & fairly cost efficient.
I see Amazon mentioned a lot but I’ve found that is definitely not the cheapest all the time…it’s easy but I’ve found big differences before on items where Amazon is not the cheapest. FWIW.
You are correct. Everything that I stock is at least three times the price on amazon compared to sourcing locally or a different online source. And yes, I have a prime account.
They aren’t but if your time is money, that counts. Also they fact that I don’t have to get up, get dressed and go out counts.
I don’t know about airbnb, honestly I don’t buy much airbnb stuff on amazon. But I buy a lot of dog stuff and other random stuff on there and it’s usually cheaper.
So true about time is money. I have a prime account too, but I’ve found enough places also offer free shipping that it can be worthwhile to shop around online if you have the time.
In larger markets I could see business in actually getting products into the units. Busy hosts may pay a premium to get shampoo into the unit when a guest notices it is empty in the morning. If a host is off site.
Annet3176 thank you so much for being kind and giving your opinion in such a respectful way. I believe we have a way to compete with Amazon/Costco and Target prices and still get things shipped for free and within 2-3 days all over the US. The nature of this post is exactly as you described - wanting to get the potential customer perspective before going forward. I know a store like that is something I would want but I didn’t want to assume every host would want it. Thanks again for being humane in your response
if you have the time.