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Welcome to HCH Bitesize – a new podcast series brought to you by Holiday Cottage Handbook and Hostfully!

This weekly show delves into various topics essential to the short-term rentals industry. Episodes will feature expert guests from across the STR space who will share their insights and practical advice. These industry leaders will help listeners enhance their knowledge and build successful and sustainable property management businesses.

Today’s episode features Frank Bosi, the Senior Director of Business Development at Hostfully. Frank gives us the lowdown on property management software – specifically how it can save you time and money.

2:00 What hosts can expect from HCH Bitesize
3:10 The textbook definition of a PMS
5:49 When is the optimum time to start using a PMS?
7:26 No. 1 reason why people should check out Hostfully: AI-powered unified inbox
9:00 No. 2 reason: multi-channel distribution
10:55 No. 3 reason: automated emails
12:40 No. 4 reason: leverage upselling opportunities
14:35 No. 5 reason: Hostfully’s amazing digital guidebooks
15:43 Bonus reason: Hostfully is awesome!
17:10 Save time and money with a PMS
18:27 Ongoing education and step-by-step onboarding
22:18 The simple process for developing a direct booking website

Are you looking to streamline your operations and amaze your guests? Look no further than Hostfully! Try their top-rated property management software and award-winning digital guidebooks today. Join the thousands of satisfied property managers who trust Hostfully to grow their business: https://get.hostfully.com/46p7pafubra1

Holiday Cottage Handbook: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/

Hostfully: https://get.hostfully.com/46p7pafubra1

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/

Frank Bosi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-bosi-375a5817/

Contact Frank: frank@hostfully.com

Got a comment or interested in being a guest on the show? Email james@holidaycottagehandbook.com.

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Nicolas Francony, International Business Developer at Swikly, is the special guest on today’s show.

Learn about Swikly’s deposit solution for short-term rentals, including its discreet process for guests and robust claims procedure.

Nicolas named Avantio as his favourite brand in the industry and gave a special shout-out to the Kennedys of SuperControl fame.

The episode includes sponsor mentions for HCH Financial Services, Hosthub, Smiling House Luxury, and Beyond.

3:23 Nicolas’s journey in the short-term rentals industry
4:07 Swikly is built for self-caterers who want to secure a deposit
5:52 The Swikly process to discreetly obtain a deposit
7:09 What happens if the damage costs more than the deposit?
8:59 The limitations of AirCover from Airbnb
11:14 The Swikly claims process
12:43 Reminding hosts to be careful
14:28 How many stays result in a claim?
15:28 The cost of using Swikly
17:40 The growth plans for Swikly
18:38 The average Swikly customer
19:32 Head to www.swikly.com for further details
20:10 Trends to look out for
21:04 Top tips for hosts and property managers
23:54: Favourite brand: Avantio
24:47: Individual shout-out: The Kennedys of SuperControl

Links:

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Holiday Cottage Handbook: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/
Free ticket for STR Zone on 4-5 October: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/str-zone
Free ticket for Your Air Success on 8 November: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/yourairhost
Priority list for new e-book: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/e-book
Property Management Masterclass podcast series: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/property-management-masterclass

Nicolas Francony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-francony-6a48a226/
Swikly: https://www.swikly.com/

Mentions:

Avantio: https://www.avantio.com/
SuperControl: https://www.supercontrol.co.uk/

Sponsor links:

HCH Financial Services: https://www.hchfs.com/ Call: 0333 1234 536 Email: advice@hchfs.com

Hosthub: https://www.hosthub.com/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=HCH

Smiling House Luxury: https://smilinghouse.ch/

Beyond: https://www.beyondpricing.com/products/why-beyond?utm_medium=seo&utm_source=partner-2024&utm_campaign=holiday_cottage_handbook_2024

Enjoy the show?

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Email the show: james@holidaycottagehandbook.com

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Learn how to scale a short-term rental property management business in London by listening to Stefan Hoffelner, CEO and Co-Founder of Your AirHost.

Stefan shares advice for new property managers, explains how to navigate London’s 90-day rule, and outlines the top amenities for rentals in major cities.

Stefan named Holiday Cottage Handbook, Superhog, Lavanda, and Guesty as his favourite brands, and gave Leo Walton a special shout-out.

He also previewed Your Air Success – an event in London on 8 November which will be co-hosted by Holiday Cottage Handbook and Your AirHost. Click here to register for your free ticket and please note places are limited: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/yourairhost

3:35 Stefan’s journey in the short-term rentals industry
4:53 Advice for new property managers
6:44 The elevator pitch for Your AirHost
8:03 Navigating the 90-day rule in London
9:50 Top London amenities
12:05 How to acquire properties
13:33 How to keep guests and owners happy
16:01 The advantages of working with a property management company
18:56 How to get great reviews
23:45 How to achieve direct bookings
25:28 Where and what to buy in London
29:08 A new event in London: Your Air Success on 8 November
30:27 Favourite brands: Holiday Cottage Handbook, Superhog, Lavanda, and Guesty
31:30 Individual shout-out: Leo Walton from Superhog
31:54 Lessons learned: get your accounting right and enjoy the ride

Links:

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Holiday Cottage Handbook: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/
Free ticket for STR Zone on 4-5 October: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/str-zone
Free ticket for Your Air Success on 8 November: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/yourairhost
Priority list for new e-book: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/e-book

Stefan Hoffelner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-hoffelner-6b360955/
Your AirHost: https://www.yourairhost.co.uk/

Mentions:

Superhog: https://www.superhog.com/
Lavanda: https://www.getlavanda.com/
Guesty: https://www.guesty.com/

Sponsor links:

HCH Financial Services: https://www.hchfs.com/
Hosthub: https://www.hosthub.com/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=HCH
RentalWise: https://www.rentalwise.com/
Beyond: https://www.beyondpricing.com/products/why-beyond?utm_medium=seo&utm_source=partner-2024&utm_campaign=holiday_cottage_handbook_2024

Enjoy the show?

Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Email the show: james@holidaycottagehandbook.com

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Eduardo Mandri, Co-Founder and CEO of Angel Host, is the special guest on today’s show.

During the episode, Eduardo shares the story of Angel Host, outlines marketing and communication tips, and discusses how AI is disrupting the industry.

Eduardo picked PriceLabs as his favourite brand.

3:29 Eduardo’s journey to the short-term rentals industry
7:25 Angel Host’s ideal customer
8:26 What makes Angel Host stand out
11:06 Supercharging marketing and guest communication
15:45 The OTAs provide interesting insights
17:06 Schedule a free audit with Angel Host
19:18 Angel Host’s collaboration with INTO
22:28 How AI is going to impact the industry
24:23 Industry trends
29:23 Favourite brand: PriceLabs

Links:

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Holiday Cottage Handbook: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/
Free ticket for STR Zone on 4-5 October: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/str-zone
Free ticket for Your Air Success on 8 November: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/yourairhost
Priority list for new e-book: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/e-book
Property Management Masterclass podcast series: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/property-management-masterclass

Eduardo Mandri: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardo-mandri/
Angel Host: https://myangelhost.com/

Mentions:

PriceLabs: https://pricelabs.co/

Sponsor links:

HCH Financial Services: https://www.hchfs.com/ Call: 0333 1234 536 Email: advice@hchfs.com

Hosthub: https://www.hosthub.com/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=HCH

Smiling House Luxury: https://smilinghouse.ch/

Beyond: https://www.beyondpricing.com/products/why-beyond?utm_medium=seo&utm_source=partner-2024&utm_campaign=holiday_cottage_handbook_2024

Enjoy the show?

Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Email the show: james@holidaycottagehandbook.com

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Ed Maughan from GroupAccommodation.com is the special guest on today’s show.

Discover more about the benefits of listing large holiday rentals on the platform – which charges just £450 annually and takes zero commission.

Ed discusses how to stand out on the platform, the benefits of upselling, and the amenities which will help to attract the most guests.

Ed named Riparide as his favourite brand and gave Richard Offor at Mid Wales Lodges a special shout-out.

3:18 The story of GroupAccommodation.com
4:46 The type of properties on the platform
5:37 The benefits of listing on GroupAccommodation.com
7:18 Direct contact between hosts and guests
8:03 The cost of listing is from £450 plus VAT annually
9:06 Driving potential guests to the website
10:34 A platform which specialises in group bookings
11:58 The advantage of avoiding regular OTAs
13:11 How to stand out on the platform
14:24 The amenities which will help you stand out
15:31 Upselling
16:09 Get in touch: info@groupaccommodation.com
18:02 Favourite brand: Riparide
19:12 Individual shout-out: Richard Offor at Mid Wales Lodges
20:14 No. 1 lesson learned: customer service always wins

Links:

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Holiday Cottage Handbook: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/
Free ticket for STR Zone on 4-5 October: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/str-zone
Priority list for new e-book: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/e-book

Ed Maughan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardmaughan/

GroupAccommodation.com: https://www.groupaccommodation.com/?utm_campaign=holidaycottagehandbook.com

Mentions:

Riparide: https://www.riparide.com/

Richard Offor / Mid Wales Lodges: https://midwaleslodges.co.uk/

Sponsor links:

HCH Financial Services: https://www.hchfs.com/ Call: 0333 1234 536 Email: advice@hchfs.com

SuperControl: https://www.supercontrol.co.uk/

Orana Stay: https://www.oranastay.com/

Beyond: https://www.beyondpricing.com/products/why-beyond?utm_medium=seo&utm_source=partner-2024&utm_campaign=holiday_cottage_handbook_2024

Enjoy the show?

Please subscribe, rate, and review!

Email the show: james@holidaycottagehandbook.com

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Property Management Masterclass is a six-part special brought to you by Holiday Cottage Handbook and Your AirHost.

Hosted by Holiday Cottage Handbook's James Varley and featuring Your AirHost Co-Founder, Stefan Hoffelner, the series contains a vast range of expert tips to help short-term rental hosts and property managers build successful and sustainable businesses.

Episode 6 focuses on how to scale your short-term rental business.

2:14 The short-term rentals journey for Stefan and Your AirHost
3:56 Growing the number of rentals
4:56 The foundations for success
6:26 Recruitment and the challenges of managing a team
8:03 If you could go back and do one thing differently, what would it be?
9:19 Accountancy: a major lesson learned
10:45 How to keep guests and owners happy
11:50 How to stand out and have a unique selling point
13:15 The importance of setting targets
14:01 Top tips to people starting out
14:48 The future for Your AirHost
15:54 Exiting the business?
16:24 Lesson learned: the landscape can change quickly
17:31 Why the short-term rentals industry is so great

Links:

Register for your free ticket to Your Air Success on Friday 8 November at Six Park Place in London (near Green Park tube station): https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/yourairhost

Holiday Cottage Handbook: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/
Your AirHost: https://www.yourairhost.co.uk/
James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Stefan Hoffelner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-hoffelner-6b360955/
Email the show: james@holidaycottagehandbook.com

Send us a text

Property Management Masterclass is a six-part special brought to you by Holiday Cottage Handbook and Your AirHost.

Hosted by Holiday Cottage Handbook's James Varley and featuring Your AirHost Co-Founder, Stefan Hoffelner, the series contains a vast range of expert tips to help short-term rental hosts and property managers build successful and sustainable businesses.

Episode 5 focuses on how to earn great reviews.

1.58 Reviews are the most important part of running a short-term rental
3:29 The fundamentals of earning a great review
5:43 Solving problems quickly can help you earn a good review
7:18 Communicate quickly
8:22 Prompt and encourage your guests to leave a good review
9:27 Dealing with undeserved below par reviews
12:23 Dealing with bad guests
15:46 Should you be completely honest about guests in the host review?
17:11 The vast majority of guests are great

Links:

Register for your free ticket to Your Air Success on Friday 8 November at Six Park Place in London (near Green Park tube station): https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/yourairhost

Holiday Cottage Handbook: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/
Your AirHost: https://www.yourairhost.co.uk/
James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Stefan Hoffelner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-hoffelner-6b360955/
Email the show: james@holidaycottagehandbook.com

Send us a text

Property Management Masterclass is a six-part special brought to you by Holiday Cottage Handbook and Your AirHost.

Hosted by Holiday Cottage Handbook's James Varley and featuring Your AirHost Co-Founder, Stefan Hoffelner, the series contains a vast range of expert tips to help short-term rental hosts and property managers build successful and sustainable businesses.

Episode 4 focuses on guest communication.

2:01 Communicate as soon as the guest books
2:21 Find out information about the guest
3:20 Send clear and concise check-in instructions
4:11 Respond quickly (within an hour ideally)
5:10 Automated messaging
6:10 Be flexible in terms of sharing check-in details
7:24 Deliver a great guest experience by asking questions
8:58 Dealing with guests who don’t communicate
10:20 Digital guidebooks
12:34 Video tutorials
14:14 When to communicate with guests during their stay
15:33 Incentivise the good review and direct booking
17:18 Communicate in your rental – try using QR codes

Links:

Register for your free ticket to Your Air Success on Friday 8 November at Six Park Place in London (near Green Park tube station): https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/yourairhost

Holiday Cottage Handbook: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/
Your AirHost: https://www.yourairhost.co.uk/
James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Stefan Hoffelner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-hoffelner-6b360955/
Email the show: james@holidaycottagehandbook.com