Airbnb is a company that helps guests to look for cost-effective accommodation online. At least that is what it was known for in the past. It can still help people find cost-effective arrangements but that may be harder due to fees and other aspects.
Still the company has made a way for many different companies such as HostStarter and other services to benefit from becoming a contributor to Airbnb. It makes sense then, that Airbnb must continue to press on despite the many challenges it faces today.
Airbnb isn't backing down and wants to keep improving before it goes public.
Here are a few ways that the company is improving itself to become a long-lasting company.
Security Online
Since the transaction is made online, the host is not secure in knowing whether the guest will misbehave and will cause damage in the host’s property. Well, the host and companies such as HostStarter was more secure because they would have some sort of additional fees they can charge if something was awry, the host may even elect to have some sort of insurance to protect against such events.
Further, guests were also not secure in knowing whether the accommodation offered by some hosts do really exist.
That is why Airbnb decided to introduce a new series of policies and regulations to protect both the hosts and the guests.
After the shooting incident happened at a Halloween party held at a property booked at Airbnb in California. Airbnb decided to become meticulous with the booking made on their site by verifying all the listing, and become strict when it comes to licensing requirements.
The new sets of policies were intended to help hosts avoid accommodating troublesome guests and scams. The new policies aim to control guest behavior to avoid inappropriate actions of the guests such as excessive noise, welcoming unauthorized guests, smoking, leaving lots of trash and litter in their rooms.
Through the new policies, hosts were given the authority to make their guests leave if they were not to obey the given rules.
Airbnb also offers host guarantee amounting to $1 million to enable hosts like HostStarter to have a damage claim.
Guest Reviews
Airbnb is also concerned with the guest's reviews on the platform regarding the hosts’ accommodation. Remember that there are lots of biased reviews on the platform.
According to Airbnb, there were also irrelevant reviews such as the physical appearance of the hosts, transportation, or the people in the neighborhood.
These reviews were posted to purposely destroy the reputation of the other hosts.
That is why reviews that are proven fake will be removed by Airbnb’s agents. It is also stated that if Airbnb validated that certain hosts were in connivance in an act of fraudulence they will be reprimanded or worse they will be blacklisted from Airbnb.
The Company Will Continue to Innovate Each Day
These are interesting problems to think about and improve as the platform aims to become profitable and give a fair shake to everyone who wishes to become a part of the Airbnb community. The growing giant must make certain to pay close attention and provide the best experience to dominate the space and become the best solution for both parties in the equation.
The new policies were also made to protect its guests from having a transaction with hosts who have fake reviews and star ratings on the platform. Since the transaction is not happening face to face, some appeared that it does not exist at all.
Guests and hosts have different opinions with the said policies, some thought it would be helpful, but some criticized it. The said policies will be implemented early in January next year.
It is expected that guests and hosts will have a better experience in every accommodation made through Airbnb. The main goal of Airbnb for establishing new policies is to ensure the harmonious transaction between both parties.