Thanks For Visiting

No matter how well you prepare your space, accidents happen—and that’s just part of the short-term rental business. But when damage occurs, do you know how to handle it professionally, recover costs effectively, and keep your emotions out of the process? In this episode, we walk you through how to navigate guest damage, from identifying what actually qualifies as a damage claim (versus normal wear and tear) to how to submit a successful claim with Airbnb’s AirCover. We also talk about communicating with guests, what to say (and what not to say), and how to prepare your systems before damage even occurs. In this episode, we cover: * What doesn’t qualify as a damage claim (even if it’s frustrating) * Examples of true negligence and when to take action * How to approach your guest with professionalism and clarity * What Airbnb expects for reimbursement—and how to give it to them * Why speed and documentation are critical when filing a claim * How to prevent retaliatory reviews * Planning ahead: insurance, margins, and staying level-headed Resources: * AirCover is not insurance | Proper Insurance (our preferred STR insurance) [https://www.proper.insure/promo/tfv/] * YouTube: 11 Ways to Avoid Parties in Your Airbnb [https://youtu.be/fCSy81Mqo4M] Mentioned in this episode: StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months. [https://thanksforvisiting.captivate.fm/stayfi]

is week on the Hosting Hotline, Amy from Canada calls in with a common (but often overlooked) question: How should short-term rental hosts handle TVs and streaming services? We dive into: * Where you should place TVs in your rental (and why it matters) * Which streaming services to offer—and what to avoid * Smart tips to protect guest privacy and your own subscriptions * Operational systems for checking logins, batteries, and connectivity * How your STR's brand and guest profile should influence your entertainment setup Whether you're running a cozy cabin or a large vacation rental, this episode will help you create a seamless, secure, and thoughtful guest experience around your in-home entertainment setup.

This week on Thanks for Visiting, we’re joined by hospitality entrepreneur Taylor Gates, whose journey from renting out rooms in Charleston to founding multiple thriving hospitality ventures is anything but ordinary. What started as a side hustle quickly grew into Stay Duvet, a premier property management company focused on elevating the guest experience through hotel-quality standards and operations. Taylor also founded Fluffy, a commercial laundry and housekeeping service that supports his mission to raise the bar in short-term rentals. In this episode, Taylor walks us through: * How he went from giving golf cart tours to managing 200+ properties * The surprising ROI of clean bedding and intentional linens * What he looks for when hiring housekeeping teams * Why every host should be staying in their own property * The systems and values that keep his team aligned and guests coming back Whether you’re managing one unit or scaling your business, this episode is packed with insight, transparency, and practical tips from someone who truly lives and breathes hospitality. Stay Duvet [https://stayduvet.com] – Taylor’s luxury short-term rental management company Fluffy [https://www.fluffylaundry.com] – Commercial laundry and housekeeping service built for STRs Minoan [https://www.minoanexperience.com] – A platform for hosts to source and showcase shoppable furnishings for their STRs Mentioned in this episode: Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! [https://thanksforvisiting.captivate.fm/minoan]

This week on the Hosting Hotline, we're shaking things up by answering a listener question from the comments section of our YouTube channel. The question? Whether using a dynamic pricing tool like PriceLabs is really worth it if you only have one seasonal property. Spoiler alert: our answer is a resounding yes—and we’re breaking down why. In this episode, we discuss: * What PriceLabs is and how it compares to Airbnb's Smart Pricing * Why dynamic pricing is essential for seasonal properties * How a $20/month investment can yield huge returns * How to use data to compete more effectively in your local market * The top reason every host should prioritize a pricing tool in their tech stack Even if your booking calendar only gets busy for part of the year, having smart, data-informed pricing can help you make every single night count—and ultimately, bring in more revenue with less guesswork. If you're curious about dynamic pricing, we’ve got a full video that walks you through how to use PriceLabs and why it works. 📺 Watch our YouTube video on dynamic pricing [https://www.youtube.com/@thanksforvisiting] Drop your questions in the comments and your topic might be featured in a future episode! Resources mentioned: PriceLabs [https://www.pricelabs.co/] – Dynamic pricing tool we personally use and recommend. Offers a free trial (no credit card required). Thanks for Visiting YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@thanksforvisiting] – Subscribe and leave your hosting questions in the comments. Hosting Handbook [https://thanksforvisiting.com/handbook-learn-more-eg] – Learn the basics of how to launch your listing

A local photographer wants to use your Airbnb for a shoot. Should you say yes? In this episode, we’re walking through the exact questions we ask when we get these requests—and all the lessons we’ve learned the hard way. From influencer swaps to full-on commercial productions, we’ve seen it all. And we’re here to help you protect your property, price it properly, and make smart decisions about the kind of content being created in your space. Whether you’re already hosting photoshoots or a guest just asked to “pop in for a quick brand shoot,” this episode will help you set better boundaries, ask the right questions, and explore new income opportunities in a smart and sustainable way. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER: * The different types of content shoots you might be approached about * Why it’s critical to ask what kind of content is being created * How to protect yourself legally with a COI (Certificate of Insurance) * What to charge (and why it’s not just your nightly rate!) * How to manage timing, cleaning, and neighborhood impact * Real stories from our own experiences—both great and not-so-great * Red flags to watch out for before you say yes RESOURCES 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel | 6 Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Airbnb Business [https://youtu.be/e_bsKR-Nl2M] 📸 Check out Peerspace – a platform for listing your space for hourly rentals, perfect for photoshoots and production: peerspace.com [https://www.peerspace.com/] Mentioned in this episode: StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months. [https://thanksforvisiting.captivate.fm/stayfi] Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription. [https://thanksforvisiting.captivate.fm/https-www-hostfullycom-tfv-500]