To Plus or Not to Plus

[Virginia_Amos]

We started with Airbnb in late September 2018, have had steady bookings, 5 star reviews and SH status from the beginning. So now we have registered with Airbnb Plus - mainly because they asked (everyone likes to be asked don’t they?); because there is a “Plus” one street over from us; and because it would boost our ranking in a crowded local field - a very desirable/convenient neighborhood located in Alexandria, VA. The inspector/photographer came yesterday and we should hear something back in abt 5 days. My quibble is not with the photos - the photographer said they have very strict guidelines and a very definite look that they want - but with their write ups which I don’t think are very good, creative, or interesting. So, is it really worth it? I’ve already started to increase my pricing, our occupancy rate is 85%+, and our reviews are great. Are there any real downsides to doing this? All comments welcome.

[KKC]

Please see existing threads like these

Cancelled our "Plus" status

We just opted out of “Plus”. Reasons were many. The “Magazine” look was cold and impersonal. We had no real control over the photos and our original photos conveyed some important features but were not used for Plus. The title was phony sounding and inaccurate. While I am still unclear about this I believe Airbnb has hiked their charges to the guest which will impact our bookings yet we do all the work! Important issues in our original description we’re not visible to potential guests. The list…

AIrbnb Plus Issues

My LIsting So i applied for the plus program and they had someone come out and take some pictures and walk through the unit. After about 6 weeks i get the pictures with some explanations of what needs to be done. Let me say that my condo is in downtown Aspen CO, one block from the base of the mountain. I purchased it and did a $120,000 remodel, which included furniture etc. I am a super host with a 4.9 star overall rating. So they have a couple valid points, dirty windows, etc. But they are a…

My Airbnb Plus Update

Don’t do it! I think potential guests see the “Plus” as “more expensive”. My bookings are down considerably. Has anyone opted out and, if so, did it affect where you appear in the searches?

Airbnb Plus feedback wanted

Hi all, This morning I was invited to apply for Plus. The first step is professional photography and inspection to go through the check list of requirements. Oh and fee of $149. I went through the photographer booking process and not once did it mention the other terms of Plus which I only found out after a call to support. They are: Photos- must use only those taken by their photographer and Airbnb chooses which ones and the cover photo. Airbnb writes your text. It’s 2 or 3 sentences, tha…

WARNING - Be careful with Airbnb Plus - you lose control over your listing!

We just joined Airbnb Plus - photographer came and took brand new photos and also verified we met the long list of requirements (exact number of towels, matching dishes with no cracks and on and on.) The idea of them verifying our listing was good, but… They walk you through creating a whole new listing, particularly the photos. In the end they select the photos and you have no way to change or add, only delete. A prime example of how this isn’t ready for prime time is the photographer took a g…

There are more to be found using the search function of the site

[HH_AZ]

@KKC You’re alway SO quick with your replies… I was about suggest similar MULTIPLE (dare I say ad nauseam) discussions.*

@Virginia_Amos. I would suggest you review the many topics created, however I’ll give you my summary:

• it works for some but not others
• It is very limiting to photos posted, write up, control over your listing
• It is challenging (but not impossible) to get changes made
• It will put your listing higher up in search

*

[Allison_H]

I’d see how your photos come back and what (if any) suggestions they have for your place.

Ultimately you’ll need to decide if the loss of control over your listing is compensated by the potential increase in earnings.

Personally, I think it would make me feel like an Airbnb franchisee and I fancy myself an independent entrepreneur.

[Virginia_Amos]

Thanks. I’ve just abt decided to abdicate. I frequently change the wording in my listing to compliment big events or call attention to our proximity to a large, very expensive convention hotel - which has worked very nicely. Also slowly increasing our prices with no push back. Not sure being higher in the ranking chain compensates for losing out on search parameters.

[adrienne12]

i forgot the topic but a few days back there was a lady who posted here pics taken by herself vs pic taken by plus. Oh my, the Plus one were horrible! Dark and impersonal.