Bill's Bountiful Blog

May I keep you posted on my thoughts, ideas, observations, and silliness?. Am I serious? Is it relevant?. Does anyone care? Probably not much.

But in today's age of everyone has something to say, why not me? And who can blame me for jumping into to the pool? For speaking up For laying it out?

"Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one." - Thomas Wiley, Journalist


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Don’t Just Sit There - Lodging Newsletter September 30, 2025

Published: 09/30/25 Topics: AirBnB, Booking.com, Expedia, Guest Behavior, Lodging Newsletter, Radio, Television, VRBO.com Comments: 0

The phrase "Don’t just stand there. Do something!" is often associated with the 19th-century character. the White Rabbit, from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.  
 
For two decades, consumer vacation rental adoption has continued to climb, not withstanding the interruptions by 9-11, the 2008 real estate depression, and then Covid. Growth can be shown on a graph as a steady increase, but factors jostling vacation rentals have also increased. 
 
The advent of online travel agencies (OTAs), like VRBO, AirBnB, Booking.com and others, certainly disrupted things, sometimes for the better, but not always  The increase in consumer demand, resulted in an increase in homes offering their place for rental. That means more competition. Plus, Cities, Counties and States have stepped in to restrict property rental rights and, of course, charge taxes and fees, and impose unnecessary regulations.
 
All of the above does not mean that property owners are to avoid short term rentals. To the contrary, the niche is still a great way to buy a home you love, where you love, and outfit it as you love.
 
It does mean that property owners and managers are now tasked with hundreds of new duties, tasks, and requirements. Once the home is safe and sound for visitors, the new big step, is how and where to advertise. Plus, the marketing requirements of rates, onsite services, customer service and guest results.
 
We borrowed the word "Full Stack" from the software industry, where is means an engineer who has a complete, 100% command of all technology needed to build great applications. It explains what we do and how we do it. Very few other managers are Full Stack.
 
But with the industry now flat in many (but not all) destinations, property owners need a manager who says, "Don’t just stand there. Do something!" This newsletter is about what we are doing (and what others are not) to gain maximum bookings and income for property owner clients.
 

Lodging Newsletter by William May
September 30, 2025 - Don’t Just Stand There, Do Something.
 
For decades we have explored, adopted, tested, and innovated successful new marketing techniques to grow vacation rental income. Although we are a small personalized service, here are things we innovated, usually first:
 
Advertise on all Major OTAs and hundreds of other websites.
Local Branding websites for each destination.
Full booking website for every home.
Perfected High Dynamic Range (HDR) web-optimized photos.
Mastered panoramic and 3D tours online.
High quality in home and in community sales materials.
Significant Search Engine Optimization.
First (and still the only) to create watercolor floor plans.
Applying hotel-like yield management research and techniques.
Invest in staff who stay here decades to give stability.
Constant staff training and collaboration.
Cross advertising and selling between markets.
Include local merchants, shops and restaurants to gain readership.
Answer phones, emails, and chats long hours every day of the year.
Collect reviews from all websites to analyze, appreciate, and respond.
Local & regional tourism websites to gain bookings.
Electronic signatures on every site for easy booking.
 
In most industries that hustle would be plenty. But in light of the current economy, if your manager doesn’t do all those things, you lose. Plus, we add new initiatives that those other managers can’t even dream of.
 
Radio - Partnering with stations for direct response bookings.
Forwarding - Automating reviews to cleaners, managers, and reservation staff.
Proctoring - Directing good reviewers to Google, etc. to repost.
Canvassing - Telephoning prior guests regularly.
Orphans - Inviting before and after guests to pick up extra dates.
Boosting  - Personally inviting guests back to the rental they loved.
Interviewing - Creating blogs from appreciative guests and emailing them to the world.
Outreaching - Regular meeting and greeting all businesses in the area.
 
These new ideas are made efficient with technology, but they spring from leaders with decades of advertising problem solving. No one else has that. So if your managers is doing most of the things in the first list above - good. You’ll make bookings and profit. But if you want more for your property, it’s time to, as the White Rabbit says: 
 
"Don’t just stand there. Do something."  (Call us today.)

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Blog #: 1045 – 09/30/25

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – We have one mission - to train and support the top lodging managers offering a variety of Resorts & Vacation Rental homes. Our support services provide world-class marketing, advertising, reservations, administration, accounting and training. All combined along with onsite local managers and staff. – VortexVIP.com

Guests Say the Darndest Things - Lodging Newsletter August 31, 2025

Published: 08/31/25 Topics: AirBnB, Booking.com, Expedia, Guest Behavior, Lodging Newsletter, Radio, Television, VRBO.com Comments: 0

Guest say the darndest things
From 1959 to 1969, host Art Linkletter’s TV show, "Kids Say the Darndest Things", was a staple on CBS television. It was based on his previous radio series with the same name.
 
Every business person who speaks with customers knows that the general public can say some doozie things. Retailers can’t remember every person who comes to the cash register, but they can certainly remember those who ask too much, demand too much, and sometimes pay too little.
 
The vacation rental and lodging industry is no different. If you want to make a meeting of hospitality people cry from laughing, just get them started on their stories. Most are funny, some are silly, and occasionally even a little sad.
 
Having a customer become irritated may be undesirable if a property fails in some way - a freezer that won’t freeze, and key that won’t turn, a hot tub that is warm. What is not decipherable is when they lose their tempers over things on one could anticipate.
 
Although the advent of online advertising services such as Expedia, Booking.com, VRBO, AirBnB and many other "channels" increase occupancy and profit for property owners, they also encourage consumers to demand more. Guests on AirBnB are 500% more likely to be difficult than if they booked on VRBO. They are 700% riskier than if they booked directly with the management firm. 
 
This newsletter is not to complain about those guests. It is to thank the dozens of hard working staff who must deal with the 5% of guests who are finicky, while finding joy in the wonderful thank yous they get from 95% of the public who love what they do.
 
Every day the attitude must be uplifting, helpful, and even overly kind to every person they come in contact with. There must be smiles and slow explanations, non-stop assistance, and downright kindness in all we do.  
 
It’s not easy. But one small reward helps. When we look back at the darndest things guests say, we get to smile and, after further thought and reflection, we get to see that difficult guests are just another way we service the property and property owners.
 

Here are a few anecdotes that would have made even Art Linkletter wrinkle his nose.
 
Lodging Newsletter by William May
August 31, 2025 - Guests Say the Darndest Things
 
To book thousands and thousands of nights for vacation rental houses, condos and rooms, staff member are always on the phone answering questions, providing clarity and taking bookings.  We must remember the hoards of people we are making happy with wonderful vacations and holidays. But we also remember the arcane, bizarre, and just plain crazy words some people say. (Along with answers we would think, but not say loud.)
 
Q: Can we use the neighbor’s boat? How would they even know? (We would tell them.)
Q: I am not putting my female parts into a hot tub after my children use it. (Nice kids.)
Q: Why does the lake go up and down twice a day? (Can you spell O-C-E-A-N?)
Q: The dates I wanted are booked. Can you cancel the other people? (We like them better.)
Q: Can I bring a trailer with 10 more people to use the bathroom? (Mr. Septic will not like that.)
Q: Why is there a pet cleaning fee? My dog doesn’t pee that much. (Did you measure it?)
Q: I had to rearrange all the furniture to be feng shui. You’ll love it. (No, we won’t.)
Q: Am I allowed to use the water? (Yes and electricity, too. Kinda like magic.)
Q: Is there a nearby store where I can buy a large bra? (Bras R Us.)
Q: For max occupants do you count young people AND old people? (None over 100.)
Q: How thick is the toilet paper? (Do you have something special in mind?)
Q: Can you block all political news on the TV? (Would if we could.)
Q: Why is there no garbage disposal in the bath tub? (I have no kind answer.)
Q: Can you ship me the devices I left in the bedroom? (Only if we don’t have to touch them.)
Q: Can you guarantee it will be snowing? (In summer years, we can.)
Q: Can I bring guns for target practice? (Book that room at the jail.)
Q: Does your Internet provider allow porn? (That is more than we want to think about.)
Q: Don’t tell my wife I am renting with my girlfriend. (There are extra charges for infidelity.)
Q: Do you have a bed bigger than a King. My wife is coming with me. (You have us confused.)
Q: Can you tell me where I can get a lap dance? (Ah ah ah, no.)
Q: I see checkout is 11AM. Can I leave earlier?  (No, you must stay every minute.)
Q: Can you pick me up at the airport? It’s only 3 hours away. (Rush hour, or?)
Q: I arrived late, do I get a discount? (Try that at McDonalds.)
Q: If the listings says no dogs, does that mean no pit bulls? (No bulls of any kind.)
Q: If I stay three times do I get one free? (One what?)
Q: Can you guarantee it won’t be raining? (Yes, if there are no clouds.)
Q: Can you arrange for a porta potty for my uncle. (Not that uncle.)
Q: Can the bathroom be locked from the inside so my kids don’t come in? (Odd children.)
Q: I am only 51, but can I get the senior discount anyway? (Do you look old?)
Q: My dog is not a service animal, can I just say it is? (How nice of you to ask, no.)
Q: Do you provide free jello mix?  (What flavor? No.)
Q: Can you introduce me to friends while I am there? (We’ll be your friend.)
Q: Do you guarantee the toilet seat will be comfortable for a long sit? (Spelling?)
Q: Does the door lock? (Yes.) Does the refrigerator lock? Does the TV lock? (No.)
Q: Can I get a discount if I book last-minute? (Sure, it it’s only for one minute.)
Q: Can you put a framed picture of Sylvester Stallone on the night stand? (Is it for your wife?)
Q: When we depart can we take all the soaps and paper products home? (If you are that poor.)
Q: Is that garage tall enough to put my travel trailer in? (Sorry, no trailers allowed.)
Q: Can you meet me when I arrive at 1AM, to explain where to eat? (Too early for breakfast.)  
Q: Can you waive the fee if I clean up before I depart? (Promises, promises, promises.)
Q: Where do bears go in the woods? (Please rephrase that.)
 
 
 

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Blog #: 1040 – 08/31/25

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – We have one mission - to train and support the top lodging managers offering a variety of Resorts & Vacation Rental homes. Our support services provide world-class marketing, advertising, reservations, administration, accounting and training. All combined along with onsite local managers and staff. – VortexVIP.com

Who's Confused - Lodging Newsletter January 31, 2024

By Wm, May
Published: 01/31/24 Topics: AirBnB, Booking.com, Channels, Expedia, Online Travel Agents (OTAs), VRBO.com Comments: 0

Five years ago, we last visited the question - how can I find my listing on all those giant vacation rental websites?
 
As usual, those websites continue to change at lightning speed.
  • Can there be anyone in the country who doesn’t use the internet?   
  • But who of us truly understands how the internet really works?
For two decades, our engineers have been working to keep our vacation rentals dominant on hundreds of websites. That is because advertising on websites continues to become more convoluted.
 
Invisible: Property owners love to see their listings on those giant websites and are needlessly worried when their property seems to be missing.
 
But there is good news - your listing is not gone, it has just been intentionally hidden from you by those same websites you might presume are there to help you gain bookings.
 
The reason - how can those massive websites show millions of listings on itsy bitsy screens?
 
The answer is they cannot. SO they use algorithms, filters, variables and even Artificial Intelligence (AI) to guesstimate, predict, estimate and display listings in some order (and on maps) to generate the highest possible revenue for themselves - not for property owners.
 
Try this exercise - open up a website and look at the map. There you may see maybe 20 "push pins", one per home. Then zoom in to still show 20 pins while some of the original pins fall off the side of the map. Zoom in again and you’ll still see 20 but not the same properties as on the first screen.
 
The websites cannot display all the push pins or the entire map would be covered. So which units are displayed? Those that the software guesses are most likely to sell, but not necessarily yours.
 
This month’s newsletter summarizes more about searching, how we work within that maze and what owners can also do to improve visibility.

- - - - - -

Lodging Newsletter
by Wm. May, for January 31, 2024
 
Visibility of VRBO, AirBnB, Booking.com, Expedia and other vacation rental websites are affected by three main categories - (1) Technical (2) Editorial (3) Product.
 
Technical - Advertisers have no control over the hundreds of variables that channels use to rank listings, nor their algorithm or AI. The websites are very vague in describing their systems and they change it frequently for fear someone will figure it out.
 
For example: In general the website looks for location (country, state, city, neighborhood and even resort), quality, popularity and price. (They admit they want listings to be cheap.) How about waterfront, ski-in and close to restaurants? Good reviews and preferred status help, but they look for words like "love", "perfect", "charming" in reviews guests leave.
 
Homes fitting popular filters do better, such as having hot tubs, fire pits, fireplaces, gourmet kitchens, parking, dog-friendly, child-friendly. AI looks at how often the home is saved to "wish lists", but drops priority if those guests never book.
 
Channels love dynamic pricing that ebbs and flows with the market, presuming you are trying to be less than competitors. (Not good for you, but good for the channel.) They like it when guests stay longer, making you more visible for new bookings.
 
Editorial - Overtime, we have proven that certain techniques help make a home more visible. Here are some we feature: High quality photos and lots of them. Well written descriptions with valid content. Rapid response to guest inquiries and questions (during the stay).
 
We list every possible amenity and remove any if they are no longer there. We include tags in descriptions, such as mountain, riverfront, close to pool. We maintain high hospitality-grade cleaning.
 
AI loves "instant booking", which we always use and we do then talk with guests to assess their qualifications. Conversely, the algorithm hates cancellations (even if for valid reasons). We use catchy headlines (some channels disallow headlines).
 
Homes get points for rapid customer service and professional messaging. (We do all of that.) And we include specifics of the location and benefits. We don’t presume the guest has been to the area previously.
 
Product - While admitting that the channels care only about themselves, logic does say there are things owners can do to improve their odds of being seen and of being booked.
 
Adding bedrooms, beds or occupancy are sure winners. (Remember families of 4 often rent a home that sleeps 8 with 4 beds.) More bathrooms means more bookings. Upgrade amenities regularly - linens, towels, pots and pans, etc. Nothing lasts forever.
 
SUMMARY: Owners can help make their homes more popular and we as managers are using every tool to boost visibility. In the end, the house itself is part of a very large system in which an unknown algorithm decides how visible a property is and when.

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Author: Wm, May, Vortex VIP
Blog #: 0980 – 01/31/24

Sponsor: Vortex VIP – – VortexVIP.com

AirBnB Lists Anything Everywhere All at Once

By Ron Lee
Published: 02/25/23 Topics: Advertising, AirBnB, Booking.com, Expedia, Online Travel Agents (OTAs), TripAdvisor, Vacation Rental Association, Vacation Rentals, VRBO.com Comments: 0

AirBnB’s quest to make every home in the world into a "shared’ living space shows their appetite for growth and profitability even at the expense of those they serve.

AirBnB and others are really nothing more than an easily distributed list of classified ads. Albeit with the ability to print more quickly, include more information, display pretty pictures and allow consumers to instantly buy the product.

Because the Internet has simply remove the burden of mechanically compiling, editing and printing a media, like many Internet businesses in most industries, companies like AirBnB entice investors that they can "Scale" without limitation.

Other than governmental intervention, there really is no obstruction to listing every space, everywhere in the world all at once. (My apologies to the movie of similar name)

A close look at comments made by AirBnB’s immature CEO Brian Chesky reveal a fatal flaw in the company’s vision. As the economy has stalled and consumers are traveling less, which means a flattening or downturn in travel expenditures in total.

Some vacation home owners are squealing about dropping rental income which can be directly attributed to negative economic news. These investors are the ones who jumped on the AirBnB gravy train that was running fast and furious during Covid.

But now that demand is lower, what dose the CEO do? He runs a campaign to entice far more people to put their homes into rental. He foists grandiose projects about AirBnB’s income which misleads home owners into thinking they will follow in his footsteps.

It seems as if AirBnB will list any kind of "Lodging" in any kind of area and do so willingly. AirBnB’s argument must be that they have become so much the "Darling" of the lodging industry that they can attract enough new guests to fill every property.

Unfortunately that has never been the case. Smart lodging managers have always used all other possible media - such as VRBO, Expedia, Booking.com, TripAdvisor and many more. But even with heavy use of all possible advertising websites, supply can outstrip demand.

Chesky’s ploy will hurt existing AirBnB properties and short-change those he misleads into listing. But why should he care? The more inventory he gets the better for AirBnB, even if all the "Vendors" make less.

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Author: Ron Lee – Volunteer, Vacation Rental Association
Blog #: 0948 – 02/25/23

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