When we think about Airbnb and why they are successful, we ask What are they selling? A place to stay? Sure, but you can stay at a hotel. What makes airbnb unique is that they are selling the user experience.

 

The HBR article Marketing Myopia by Theodore Levitt can help put things into perspective. He coined the phrase - “What business are you really in?”  Airbnb is concentrating on meeting customer’s needs, not selling a product. They are selling the service of a unique experience. Since their ‘real’ business is selling experiences, below are some options to enhance the user experience thus creating an attraction to choose airbnb over any other travel service.

 

Future:

https://trustcloud.com/future-trust

 

- Offer more search options from the beginning. Instead of only offering, “Where do you want to go?” Offer, “What type of experience would you like?” 1. Traditional, Economy, Unique, Luxury, Themed experiences? At the bottom of the listing could be ‘sub offers’ offers “What else would like?” Canoe rental, food vouchers, event tickets, etc.

 

-Facilitate relationship with travel sites Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, etc.

 

-Groupon (add discounted local restaurants and events at time of check out)

 

-Amex (offer card members special perks)

            *Discounts or vouchers for massage/spa in the area, sporting events, entertainment, etc.

            *Travel care package that arrives at destination prior to arrival and includes a gift for the host.

 

-Amazon (Offer travel extras like electric adaptors, travel size toiletries, travel accessories, etc. at check out.)

 

-Red Cross -partner with Red Cross to facilitate a speedy process when disasters strike in the area.

 

 

-Option for hosts to offer guided virtual tours of the area via airbnb app.  (add on option at time of check out)

 

-petitions

            *Start a petition to give shared economy businesses immunity from outdated laws.

            *Start the process to change the law.

            *Start a movement. Organize protests. Start activism via social networking.

 

-alternatives to current restrictions of law?

            *Sell “time” at hosts place instead of “renting” the space.

            *Sell “tours” instead of renting space. A tour guide license is $50 and you just have to take an exam. http://www.nyc.gov/html/dca/html/licenses/021.shtml

 

 

-Set up disclaimers on the site?

            *Vamp up current disclaimers on the site about legal issues.

 

-Set up a certification system with local government that proves viability of host’s intentions and credentials. (This might be an option to add an addendum to current local laws and could be an additional revenue source for local government.)