Which one is better for you: Airbnb or VRBO?
If you are planning to enter the short-term rental business then you have some serious research to do. It is only the first step to decide that you want to rent your property short-term. Now you have to search for the best platform to list your property. Airbnb and VRBO are the two leading platforms in the short-term rental industry. Though the aim of connecting the renters with guests is identical for both, there are differences in their functionality. You have to carefully examine these differences before selecting the right platform. There are many factors that will help you to find the answer to the ultimate question: which one is better for you: Airbnb or VRBO?
The right answer to this question varies from person to person. You have to find out a suitable platform for your property. Answer the following questions honestly and you will know that it is Airbnb or VRBO.
What property type are you listing?
If you are afraid to list your entire property at the beginning then you can consider listing only a room or shared space. Unfortunately, you cannot list shared space on VRBO. So, if you desire to list only a portion of your property then Airbnb is your platform. You can list any type of space on Airbnb ranging from a room in your house to a treehouse. Whereas on VRBO you can only list larger spaces that imply the whole property. VRBO aims at providing a private space for the guests while Airbnb aims at providing a place to stay at lower rates. Shared spaces lack privacy but fit in the budget of the travelers and thus attracts more bookings.
How much Airbnb charges for listing read here.
What are your financial plans?
When you list your property online, you have to pay certain fees. You will be able to choose Airbnb or VRBO only after considering your financial plans. For Airbnb, you can list your property free of cost and have to pay 3% per booking. On the other hand, VRBO has a complicated payment system. You have to choose between two plans: a) Pay for the annual subscription at the rate of $499 or b) Pay 8% per booking
Choose the platform that benefits you the most. You are entering the short-term rental business intending to gain profit. If you select the wrong platform it could cost you a lot.
Who will be your target audience?
It’s your decision whether you want to attract business travelers or groups enjoying their vacation. If your property is a shared space in the city then business travelers will be interested and if your property is a house on the side of a beach then adventure enthusiasts will come for a visit.
If you have a small space and want to attract the travelers who wander with low budgets then Airbnb is your platform. However, if your property is a lavish house that is perfect for a family vacation then you can consider VRBO. Airbnb is best known among the people who look for affordable rates and smaller spaces. While VRBO is popular among the guests who require high-end property and lots of privacy. You have to select your target guest before deciding whether you will list on Airbnb or VRBO.
Discover the TOP 12 Airbnb competitors and alternatives for hosts.
How many photos can you upload?
Since VRBO is the platform for larger spaces, it is necessary to post 15 images of your property. Whereas on Airbnb you can proceed with only 5 images. Think about your capability to display your property and then choose the listing platform.
Do you want to share experiences?
Airbnb Experiences allows the hosts to offer unique and interesting tours for the guests. You can promote your property and increase your income while sharing your knowledge. If you want to share the exhilarating local experiences with the guests then you should select Airbnb. VRBO does not offer any facility of this kind.
You have to answer all the questions mentioned above and you will know which is better for you Airbnb or VRBO. If you want you can list your property on both the platforms. However, it will be difficult to manage both the accounts without the help of Airbnb management company. You can hire MasterHost to effectively manage any number of properties on both Airbnb and VRBO. So you don’t have to choose Airbnb or VRBO, you can list on both and manage with ease.
