The vacation rental industry is facing many challenges during these dynamic times.  

Recent examples:

• TripAdivsor Revolt https://www.linkedin.com/grp/home?gid=8360994
• Airbnb Superhost Viral Post   https://medium.com/airbnb-superhosting/airbnb-why-did-you-terminate-my-account-an-open-letter-to-airbnb-9631213f8a1b
• Homeaway, Accept BIN or else https://www.linkedin.com/grp/post/69889-6034036231631888387#commentID_6036541838389698560http://skift.com/2014/12/11/homeaway-has-new-plan-to-force-vacation-rental-owners-to-accept-online-bookings/

This on top of regulatory issues that are not being addressed form the basis of the fragmentation ...

“What do you like most about the conference? “ The answer to this question at the VRMA Conference in New Orleans was unanimous, “networking”.   The thirst for knowledge was undeniable.  The exchange of information was a proof point that the participants are getting wiser and gaining a better understanding of the changes in our industry.   It is as if every attendee understood that they were a part of special community.

Why ...

Brand a·ware·ness

noun

1. the extent to which consumers are familiar with the distinctive qualities or image of a particular brand of goods or services.

Customer engagement is the lifeblood of any successful business relationship.  This can not be more evident than in the vacation rental business.  Before all the advertising, listing sites and everyone telling you what you need to do .... their was just you and your guest ...

The post VRMA mailer we received from Homeaway makes the pitch to new Homeaway Software customers:

*Special Offer* First come, First come, first served only 5 contracts qualify for the amazing value, act now before your competition does !”

........this is your fork in the road.  

Who is really my competition ?

• The small VRM down the street
• the VRBO in our neighborhoods
• the operators looking to buy our home owners

In ...

Caveat Emptor

More than ever we should all be extra vigilant in what we are buying ...and why. Recently, while conducting an end of year audit for a client we came across an all too familiar scenario:

Previous to our engagement, their mid size vrm was 100% dependent on the big listing sites and small distribution channels for their bookings.  Through the analysis we learned:

• Majority of their  leads were ...