Open doors to earn more cash
Use your assets to make extra money. Thanks to the sharing economy, more New Zealanders than ever before are turning their underused assets into a profit by listing them on online marketplaces such as Airbnb and Uber.
One of the most popular ways people are earning a little extra money is by welcoming guests into their home, spare room or bach.
According to Sam McDonagh, Airbnb’s country manager for New Zealand, ‘‘There are more than 37,000 listings on Airbnb in New Zealand and most people earn an average of $4400 a year.
‘‘Over the past 12 months, the number of guests travelling to New Zealand has increased by 112 per cent.
‘‘This goes to show its growing popularity. Our hosts are using the extra money they are making to pay off debts, chip away at their mortgage and even go towards their own holiday with the family.’’
If you’ve ever thought about turning your extra space into a little extra cash but don’t know where to start, here’s a few simple tips:
SET THE SCENE
Be as upfront as possible in your listing’s description. The more accurate you are in explaining the highlights of your property and its location, the better chance you will have of someone booking your place.
SHOW-OFF YOUR SPACE
Guests often pick listings based on images and interiors that appeal to them, or that give them the ability to experience a destination like a local. Present your space in the best possible light by taking great photographs.
PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL
It’s often the little touches that make a big difference and generate positive reviews and ratings. Whether it’s a bottle of water, some mints, or an extra set of towels, these things will help people enjoy their stay that little bit more.
BE AVAILABLE
It’s important to remember that travellers may have little to no knowledge about the local area, so it is essential to be available to them. If it’s a guest in your home, make yourself available to answer any questions they may have throughout their stay.
MAKE SURE TO RATE OR WRITE A REVIEW
Genuine reviews are the foundations of online sharing communities and are valuable to all people when choosing the right guests or services. After every encounter, write an honest review or rate your experience so you can share it with others in the community.
SPREAD THE WORD
Don’t just rely on the platform to promote your property – think outside the box and use sites like Neighbourly.co.nz to let your networks know your spare room or property is available.
You’ll be surprised how many people nearby may need a place for their friends or family to stay.
ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE
Most importantly, have fun. Many people keep in contact and have even become friends with their guests. The human connection between guests and hosts is what makes platforms like Airbnb so unique.