How Can Vending Machines and Other Unique Offerings Elevate Your Airbnb?
There are over 6 million listings on Airbnb. This means that in order to set your listing apart in a saturated industry, you need to have an edge.
Maybe your property is located near a popular travel destination, such as the beach, mountains, or even a theme park. Maybe you host a trendy Airstream with a vintage charm or a modern solar-powered unit that attracts eco-conscious travelers far and wide.
If these scenarios don’t ring true for you — and, like most Airbnb hosts, you offer a simple 1- to 3-bedroom unit with essential amenities and a welcoming atmosphere — you may consider going the extra mile to get your listing at the top of vacation rental results pages.
Equipping your short-term rental with a vending machine, or hiring a professional cleaning service to make your property sparkle, are fairly easy ways to enhance your property and make it stand out from other listings. Below, learn more about five of our favorite ways to elevate your Airbnb — helping you earn more revenue in the long run.
1. Add an Airbnb Vending Machine
Whether your customers are business travelers or vacationing families, it’s likely that guests will forget to pack something essential, such as toothpaste or shampoo. You can generate an additional revenue stream from your vacation rental, with minimum effort, by providing basic amenities in a vending machine.
Popular Airbnb vending machine items include:
- First aid kits
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Sunscreen
- Hand soap
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Bottles of water or soda
- Snacks, such as candy or potato chips
- Tylenol
When considering Airbnb vending opportunities, be sure to think about your location and busy seasons.
For example, if your property is located near the beach, you’ll want to provide sunscreen or even inexpensive sunglasses in your vending machine. Similarly, you’re located in a colder climate and your busy season is in the winter, consider stocking knit gloves and packets of hot cocoa mix.
There are companies that sell vending machines especially for vacation rentals. One such company, Air VNV Vending, offers all-inclusive, custom vending machines designed to add convenience and luxury to your short-term rental.
2. Utilize Airbnb Vending Platforms
If a vending machine doesn’t fit the aesthetic of your vacation rental, check out BnSellit™. This app allows Airbnb, Vrbo, and other short-term rental hosts to turn their properties into mini-marketplaces, offering an additional stream of income.
Include useful items like toiletries and snacks — and unique offerings such as sporting equipment, art, and souvenirs — to sell in your vacation rental for guests to purchase. Upon arrival, guests will scan a QR code and use your host ID to access your available inventory.
To get started, simply download the free BnSellit app, create your account, and start listing all of the products and photos with the associated property. You can even view your marketplace analytics to keep track of your sales revenue. This will help you learn more about what guests loved the most during previous visits to gain a better idea of what to keep stocked.
Your guests will appreciate having essential and stand-out items accessible without having to leave their Airbnb, and you’ll enjoy the extra revenue you earn from your mini-marketplace.
3. Invest in Quality Furniture and Décor
Spending more on brand-name appliances and comfortable furniture will make your property stand out, boosting earnings in the long run. Below, learn about the top stand-out furniture, décor, and design ideas to take your rental to the next level.
Living Areas
Arguably one of the most important aspects of any vacation rental is the furniture and décor.
Think comfortable, sizable couches and tables that accommodate the number of guests plus extras. Additionally, ensure that the living room, dining room, and other common areas complement one another. For instance, the living room colors should match well, and the furniture should be functional and flowing throughout the property.
Lastly, every vacation rental should be unique. Any artwork and décor should reflect a level of taste. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be expressive and reflective of the property’s theme.
Bedrooms
If you’re aiming for a high-end Airbnb, you should hold a high standard for bedroom furniture and accessories.
If possible, consider investing in:
- Bedbug blocking mattress covers
- Duvets and covers
- Plush mattresses
- Hypoallergenic white sheets with at least a 400+ thread count
- Extra blankets
White sheets are the standard for a hotel, and they should also be for rentals. White sheets can be bleached after every use, guaranteeing a stainless, clean sheet for every turnover. Just make sure your cleaners are bleaching them every time.
Spending a little more on quality materials will pay off in the long run since your bedding will last longer without needing to be replaced. Ultimately, there’s no one specific style to follow, but it should complement the rest of the home in terms of theme and colors.
Bathrooms
Observing and emulating hotels can give you inspiration for a luxurious Airbnb listing.
Like hotels, consider offering plush robes and high-quality toiletries in your bathrooms. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even ask your cleaners to professionally fold the toilet paper to show that the unit was thoroughly cleaned. Your guests will appreciate the little touches that elevate your property.
4. Market Your Rental to Luxury Travelers
Marketing your Airbnb can make or break your listing potential. Along with your premium amenities, it is crucial to invest in marketing your listing.
Notably, a luxury Airbnb requires a professional photography service to capture its essence for the listing photos. Be sure to share these photos, along with guests’ photos, on social media, but don’t overdo it. You want to still create an element of surprise for your guests.
To make your listing stand out even more, consider joining Airbnb Plus. This program ensures your property is verified by a third-party reviewer and assessed for quality and design. It makes sure you have all of the essentials to make guests feel at home — no matter where they are in the world.
Ultimately, marketing your Airbnb to be more luxurious will reel in those travelers who are looking to spend a little extra on a high-end stay.
5. Hire a Reliable Cleaning Team
To ensure your vacation rental is spotless for every reservation, you need to invest in a reliable and thorough cleaning team.
The multi-purpose software TurnoverBnB can find cleaners in your area and automate your scheduling calendar with your cleaners for seamless turnovers every time. The app also allows quick communication with hosts and cleaners and offers an automatic payment system.
Cleaning is a service you can’t overlook. But, unfortunately, just a few missed dusty or dirty areas in your Airbnb can lead to bad reviews.
On TurnoverBnB, it is encouraged to form relationships with cleaners so you can be sure your cleaners will leave the place sparkling after every turnover. Developing an ongoing relationship with your cleaner results in more consistency and overall trust that your property is in good hands.
Knowing your Airbnb will be thoroughly tidied and disinfected for every guest will bring peace of mind to you and an excellent experience for your guests.
How to Truly Create a Luxurious Airbnb Experience
You can have the most fancy Airbnb furnishings, appliances, and amenities — but none of it matters if you’re not providing a clean, welcoming environment and excellent customer service. Don’t get caught up in trying to keep up with the Joneses. Instead, focus on giving your guests a comfortable home away from home, consistent communication, and personalized attention.
We believe that the best amenities for Airbnb are an attentive host and a clean property. You can ensure thorough cleanings, and save yourself time to focus on guests’ needs, with the TurnoverBnB vacation rental automation platform.
Our automatic calendar sync, turnover scheduling, and payment features allow you to streamline your daily operations so you can spend more time providing an upscale Airbnb experience.
Learn more about the TurnoverBnB host app now.
