Airbnb is taking over Africa’s tourism space at a fast pace. Since launching in Africa, Airbnb has managed to make over 500,000 listings available and recording over 5 million guest booking.
The California-based online home rental platform Airbnb stands for Air Bed and Breakfast, it lets people rent out their property or spare rooms to guests.
Airbnb’s model allows for low-value customers because it does not require one to own property or employ operating staff. This was seen as a low-cost solution to a low-value customer.
The property can be anything from a house, a single room, a boat or even a treehouse, today Airbnb has exploded into over 100,000 cities around the world.
How does Airbnb work?
Are you are a brand new Airbnb host and want to make money on Airbnb? I will take you through how Airbnb works and how you can benefit from it.
When you post a listing on Airbnb you’re agreeing that you are following all your local rules and regulations. This means that it is completely up to you to make sure that your home is suitable to list on Airbnb’s website.
Get your Airbnb account
To become a host, the first thing you should do is register on the Airbnb website. To do this visit following www.airbnb.com to sign up or register.
The registration platform allows you to use your Facebook account, Gmail or with your email. Airbnb will send an email to validate the address.
Once you receive the verification message click on it to confirm your account.
Build your Airbnb profile
Airbnb hosts are requested to complete their profile, this will assist potential guests or travellers that you are someone serious, professional and it will also get your booking accepted.
In the account section, you can add basic information such as name, gender, date of birth, educational level and the type of work you do details.
You can add a photo or video to your profile, including a welcome message this will ensure that you have given your potential guests confidence in staying at your property.
You will also include the payments gateways where you will receive your funds when a guest has checked in.
What happens when a guest books on Airbnb?
Airbnb always charges each guest who makes a booking before arrival to ensure you get paid on time when you host them. You will be notified via email whenever a booking has been made.
How do you get paid by Airbnb?
Airbnb handles the money itself, but it’s up to you how you get paid. Once a guest or traveller checks in, Airbnb will send your money by Paypal, money transfer, direct deposit, or other available methods that you chose during registration.
Airbnb typically releases your money about 24 hours after the guest is scheduled to arrive to make sure check-in goes well.
One good thing about Airbnb is the fact that you are in full control of your home’s availability, prices, house rules, and how you interact with guests.
How to list your home on Airbnb
You will list your home, a room, your guest house, or even a camper on land that you own on Airbnb’s website for a specific price per each night. Then someone will agree to stay in your home.
You also might be wondering if your home is right for Airbnb. As long as you’re paying a mortgage or own your home, then you should be good to go with listing the house on Airbnb for rent.
