What is the deal with VRBO & Airbnb?

When marketing your Gloucester, Rockport, and Manchester by the Sea vacation rentals, maximizing exposure and booking opportunities by utilizing multiple vacation rental platforms is crucial. Airbnb and VRBO are two leading services in the traditional vacation rental market, each offering unique benefits to enhance your rental property's performance. VRBO offers specific features and benefits for vacation rental owners and guests, such as host protection plans and liability insurance options. These two booking platforms comprise around 85% of all single-family vacation rental bookings on the North Shore of MA. At Wilkuma, we leverage Airbnb offers and VRBO rentals to ensure your North Shore vacation rental management strategy is as effective as possible.

Overview of Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals have surged as travelers seek more personalized and authentic experiences than traditional hotel stays. These rentals can range from cozy private homes and chic apartments to shared spaces and even unique hotel rooms. The rise of online booking platforms like Airbnb and VRBO has made it incredibly convenient for travelers to find and book their next vacation rental with just a few clicks. Whether you're looking for a quaint cottage in Gloucester or a modern apartment in Rockport, vacation rentals offer a home-away-from-home experience that caters to various preferences and budgets. This flexibility allows travelers to enjoy a more immersive and comfortable stay, making vacation rentals an appealing choice for many.

Key Features of VRBO and Airbnb

VRBO and Airbnb offer various vacation rentals, but each has distinct features that set them apart. VRBO, which stands for Vacation Rentals by Owner, primarily focuses on private homes and apartments, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more traditional vacation rental experience. On the other hand, Airbnb offers a broader range of options, including shared spaces and even hotel rooms, catering to a wider audience. One of Airbnb's standout features is its "Plus" property option, where listings are vetted in person for quality, ensuring a premium experience. In contrast, VRBO emphasizes private homes and apartments, providing a more consistent and traditional vacation rental experience. Whether you prefer the variety of Airbnb or the focused offerings of VRBO, both platforms have something unique to offer.

Airbnb: A Leading Vacation Rental Platform

Airbnb has become one of the most prominent players in the vacation rental space, offering a wide-reaching platform that attracts a diverse, global audience. Users must check the house rules section of Airbnb listings to determine specific policies, such as pet allowances. Unlike typical hotel rooms, this vacation rental platform is viral among younger, tech-savvy travelers seeking unique lodging experiences. Airbnb's interface encourages potential guests to book private rooms or entire homes that offer a sense of place and local flavor, perfect for properties in Gloucester, Rockport, and Manchester by the Sea. Airbnb listings often include various options, from shared spaces to entire houses, catering to different preferences and budgets.

VRBO Offers: Explore Your Next Vacation Stay

VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) focuses more on attracting guests interested in more extended stays, which is ideal for vacation homes in the North Shore area that can accommodate extended getaways. Typically, VRBO users are families or older travelers who prioritize comfort and are willing to spend more (and not necessarily save money) on accommodations on their next vacation. This platform often results in fewer but longer bookings, which is ideal for homeowners who prefer managing fewer turnovers and maintaining a steady income stream. VRBO's fee structures are particularly advantageous for owners of higher-end properties or those interested in minimizing frequent guest turnover. We generally opt to pay the $699 service fee for our listings on VRBO so that there is no percentage fee when booking through this platform.

Marketing your property on Airbnb and VRBO expands your reach, tapping into both platforms' strengths. This strategy increases your market exposure and caters to a broader range of guest preferences and booking behaviors, thus increasing the likelihood of higher occupancy rates and more consistent revenue. For example, while Airbnb might bring numerous short-term bookings during the tourist peak season, VRBO could secure several long-term stays in the shoulder months, balancing your calendar and revenue stream.

When listing your property on Airbnb and VRBO, it's essential to understand how to optimize your presence on each platform. While both vacation rental platforms offer similar services, nuances in their fee structures, booking processes, and guest expectations can affect your strategy. You're casting a wider net by listing on both, but managing each listing effectively is crucial. Pay attention to the total price guests see, including any cleaning fees, to ensure you remain competitive across both platforms. This dual-platform approach allows you to leverage each service's strengths, potentially increasing your bookings and revenue.

At Wilkuma, it's not Airbnb or VRBO. Our properties are marketed on both platforms, and we highly recommend you do the same. We estimate hosts who do not sell on both platforms are leaving 20-35% of their vacation rental home's annual revenue potential on the table.

Fees and Finances for Vacation Rental Owners

Understanding the fees and finances associated with listing your property on VRBO and Airbnb is crucial for vacation rental owners. Both platforms charge service fees to hosts, typically ranging from 3% to 5% per booking. Also, hosts may need to cover cleaning fees, which vary based on the property and location. Airbnb offers a host-only fee model, ranging from 14% to 16% per booking, providing an alternative to the standard service fee structure. In contrast, VRBO charges a service fee of 5% per booking and a 3% credit card processing fee. Awareness of these costs helps vacation rental owners manage their finances effectively and decide which platform best suits their needs.

Guest Experience and Booking Process

The guest experience and booking process are pivotal for any vacation rental platform. VRBO and Airbnb offer user-friendly interfaces with multiple filters to help guests find their ideal stay. Airbnb enhances the guest experience with features like the "Guest Favorites" collection of top-rated spots and a trophy-icon badge for the top 1% of ranked listings. Both platforms offer an "instant book" option on select properties, streamlining the booking process and making it more convenient for guests. However, VRBO's booking process can sometimes be more complex, with additional fees and requirements. Understanding these nuances can help guests navigate the platforms more effectively and ensure a smooth booking experience.

Cancellation Policies and Flexibility

Cancellation policies and flexibility are critical considerations for hosts and guests when booking a vacation rental. Airbnb offers a range of cancellation policies, including Super Strict 60 Days and Super Strict 30 Days, providing more flexibility for hosts. In contrast, VRBO typically has a more rigid cancellation policy, with a 60-day policy requiring full payment for cancellations made less than 60 days before the reservation. However, both platforms offer flexibility, allowing hosts to set their cancellation policies and guests to request refunds or booking changes. Understanding these policies can help hosts and guests make informed decisions and manage their bookings more effectively.

Choose Wilkuma to Manage Your Vacation Rental Booking Process for Vacation Rental Owners

At Wilkuma.com, our expertise in managing listings across both Airbnb and VRBO (part of the Expedia Group) ensures that your property in Gloucester, Rockport, or Manchester by the Sea is getting maximum online exposure, and we are converting the highest number of potential guests into secured bookings. With over a decade of experience providing vacation home management services in Massachusetts, we understand the nuances of each platform and tailor your listings to resonate with the specific demographics each attracts, enhancing your property's visibility.

By strategically marketing your North Shore vacation rental on both platforms, we aim to maximize your returns and ensure a successful, profitable operation. We strive to make the check-in process smooth and provide an excellent stay for all visitors to your property.

Call us to learn more about how we can help you maximize your vacation rental on these popular booking platforms.