Introduction
Air Bed and Breakfast (Airbnb) is a platform that connects property owners with visitors in a highly convenient way. Cleaning services on this platform are an essential part of the hospitality industry, as Airbnb hosts tens of thousands of locations in each country and has a worldwide reach (Polisetty & Kurian, 2021). Developing this type of service requires a thorough understanding of the local economy and the analysis of the potential benefits and challenges of this business model.
Cleaning Services at Airbnb
Pros
The primary reason for opening such a service company is the growth of peer-to-peer relations among small firms and individual entrepreneurs. Short-term rentals, especially on Airbnb, require ongoing property management to maintain required quality standards (Airbnb, 2021). Moreover, ratings of each location depend severely on its cleanliness, which may not be achieved without outside help.
Due to these requirements, hosts often hire professional cleaning firms to perform their duties efficiently. Companies in this sphere commonly partner with Airbnb hosts and sign long-term contracts for regular visits, as their services may be required on short notice. My choice of business format is informed by my knowledge of local Airbnb locations and their demand for property maintenance.
Cons
Among the potential objections are several key issues, including new regulations and intense market competition. The costs of cleaning are not always accurately indicated in Airbnb listings, which leads visitors to question the necessity of related fees (French, 2022). Airbnb needs to standardize the inclusion and display of cleaning service costs, which may require implementing additional regulations and requirements for its hosts. Therefore, cleaning companies may experience a period of uncertainty as they restructure their pricing strategies.
Moreover, there are numerous firms in this sphere, which causes fierce competition. Their reviews may serve as a significant boost toward customer acquisition, making it more challenging for smaller firms to enter this market. There is a need to establish a reputation for a new service provider among many Airbnb hosts who seek their assistance with rental properties.
Airbnb Cleaning SWOT Analysis
Strengths
- The knowledge of the location of Airbnb businesses allows the firm to build partnerships.
- The scale of operations allows the business to grow at a suitable pace.
Weaknesses
- A positive reputation is required for a firm to attract new customers.
- Many hosts prefer 24/7 assistance.
Opportunities
- Airbnb is a popular platform that hosts tens of thousands of potential customers.
- Tourism is recovering after the COVID-19 lockdowns.
- Employees in this sphere are easy to find.
Threats
- Intense competition among cleaning companies due to low barriers to entry.
- The seasonality of the tourism industry can cause spikes in demand/supply.
- Demand for cleaning services varies depending on the location.
Conclusion
In conclusion, establishing an Airbnb cleaning services company is a viable option for many small entrepreneurs who are aware of their local demand for short-term rentals. By building long-lasting partnerships, such an organization can sustain a portfolio of maintained properties and grow gradually. However, market fluctuations may affect a firm’s business performance in this industry. The scale of operations allows one to avoid high-stakes situations while providing a viable source of income. By building a positive reputation, a firm can quickly establish a strong foothold with new clients.
References
Airbnb. (2021). Cleaning guidelines for private room hosts. Airbnb.
French, S. (2022). Airbnb has a plan to fix cleaning fees. NerdWallet.
Polisetty, A., & Kurian, J. S. (2021). The future of shared economy: A case study on Airbnb. FIIB Business Review, 10(3), 205-214.