The Best Products for Airbnb Hosts! (in-depth review)

[@Harzeezreport]

i go to the as-is department in ikea, i did order the mattress pad but I didn't use your link seeing how I am late to it. i got towels from griffin's sock shoppe. being that i do not drive, buying online is amazeballs. smart tv is next on our list. we started in august and we love it. my boyfriend has decided that this allows him to still run his business and do this so lodging is his new passion. a lot of your recommendations in your videos are confirmation to things that i wondered if it was too much. looks like it is just right. adding a cleaning fee and adding more space to increase the price next year. thanks sir for thinking of this concept.

[@katecomella]

This is a FABULOUS list (wonderful info) - I just jotted down close to a dozen for my “to do” , err, “to order-list” (MANY thanks!) In my experience, the only items that I would also add would be Luggage Racks, per bedroom and a pump size bottle of Listerine (w/ ample disposable paper cups) per bathroom ... our guests seem to be thrilled by both = extensive reviews, on both counts as though it’s not expected, it’s greatly appreciated (my 3 cents) Again, thanks for this great list - it was fabulous ... Happy-Hosting!

[@chasef4927]

Smart TV extreme budget option: Chromecast is $30-50. This can be set as your main HDMI port, as long as the users phone is connected to the wifi, they will be able to stream or mirror their phone to the screen.

[@WMS507]

I like a lot of these but find if I supply some of these things, like coffee pods, soap, it ends up missing. Then I am replacing it all over again, cost more. I do however now supply soap & shampoo the same as hotels do enough for a few days. So I recommend the hotel soaps and toiletries bulk found on Amazon. Also a luggage rack so they don't put there luggage on the bed. I do also like the zero water filter works better and easy to fill the Krieg and makes that last longer.

[@seandenneyhomes]

people steal all the extra coffee. Even that speaker would get taken.

[@haniffhaniff5764]

@@seandenneyhomes hahaha

[@fighterflight2492]

Yes please do not skip the carbon monoxide detectors! Sadly there was a recent story in the news about a family of 4 dying in a vacation rental in Mexico which did not have a working CO detector. It is clearly not worth the risk to skip.

[@imrichardfertig]

wow. Yes never skip on it. It's so cheap anyways

[@haniffhaniff5764]

obviously it only applies if you have gas heating in place. if not, not so much, right? unless i am missing something

[@TheSnapMaster]

Good video. I'm always looking for ways to make things better for our str. I'm running it from California and the str is in Florida, so automation is key. I have a Nest, Lockly, and Ring for front door. Next is the noise detector.

[@mikestevens2053]

Nice video. Would love to see a 2018 products update. We're close to switching over to quick dry towels, even though our existing towels are high quality. They take forever to dry.

[@imrichardfertig]

Yeah I think we need an update as well. You won't regret switching to fast dry towels. Trust me.

[@veronicagonnzales5424]

STR University do you have a link for fast drying bath Matt’s yet?

[@scgirl3164]

Link for towels?

[@sharmilelliott2414]

Hi! Thanks for all your videos. We’ve been hosting full time for 4 yrs and while a lot of your suggestions are not new to us, it’s nice to have the info in a recap and have an outside benchmark to feel like we are still on the right track. One question for you on the Dynamic pricing tool... we’ve used third party pricing tools in the past before Airbnb started Smart Pricing but didn’t find that the cost warranted the difference in revenue and it was a little cumbersome managing a separate calendar and making sure it synced up correctly. So, I’m your opinion, how does this pricing tool compare and contrast with Airbnb’s Smart Pricing? Thanks a bunch!

[@jamesdillon3320]

WOW- GREAT CONTENT- JUST STARTING MY 1ST AIRBNB AND THIS CHECKS ALL THE BOXES! THINGS WOULD HAVE SLIPPED THROUGH THE CRACKS OF THE UNKOWN ISSUES. THANKS RICHARD FOR AMAZING AND THOUGHTFUL CONTENT! YOUR BIGGEST CANADIAN FAN- JAMIE

[@FabioFrancoMIA]

Hi Richard, love your videos keep them coming great job on the list. I'm a super host myself and i think I wanted to make a suggestion for one item which is the universal power outlet adaptor. I started to keep them out for my guests after having so many requests, especially when we're welcoming people from all over the world, you would be their life saver. Happy hosting!

[@imrichardfertig]

GREAT TIP! Was recently looking into buying a few for my properties. Do you mind sharing the link of the one you use?

[@KA-rt2vh]

Hi Richard, thank you for cool videos. But it would be cool if you'd do a video about which apartment type is more easier to rent. Is it a shared 2 bdrm, 1 bdr or studio for instance.

[@imrichardfertig]

Short answer would be they are have their pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses. Wouldn't say one is necessarily easier/harder than the other.

[@baidggg]

an update would be great. I really love all of your videos

[@KingDomunic1]

Hi Richard. I'm doing a scoscial cottage with rooms 3 listing stay private 50/50 hrs. Kayak? Fishing truits fishing. I need more help like you. Your work is simple and fun tips thanks and enjoy.

[@lynnsteinberg1898]

Hi Richard - the review was very helpful. Something I really like is putting a code door opener on the front door. It does away with keys and the code can be easily changed.

[@acmb6763]

Do guests take chargers or any of the gadgets you have in your place for guests to use?

[@vizbit]

13:15 I could be wrong but this is where Richard recommends providing a Charging Station in your Airbnb. This gadget is so handy for guests who did not take their charging equipment.

[@hwinny2]

I can’t find where your items are listed under the Kit.com what name are you using

[@prabhdeeppot]

Can you please post the link to your products? Very interested

[@scottross5706]

EXCELLENCE! Keep up the finely detailed videos, my first time posting and new to AIRBNB rentals - your channel is amazing

[@edyrovelo3309]

Rock & roll Richard ! Thanks for this priceless information Best to you always!

[@so_cal_mom]

Hi Richard, my review of the quick dry sheets are on my channel. I really liked the sheets. They dried in 20 minutes. Thank you again!

[@scgirl3164]

Link for sheets?

[@TH-eb5ro]

Quick dry sheets are good for everyone. I live in the tropics and we try to find quick dry whenever possible.

[@imrichardfertig]

Agreed!

[@imrichardfertig]

Agreed!

[@aquarius9491]

Hello Richard, Thank you for so many ideas that will not only make me a reputable host but make the stay for my guests much better. My question is: I will be hosting a very small studio loft which is 400 SQ. FT in the Lake Tahoe, CA area its a very rustic lodge type of condo that has Beams & support posts throughout, My issue is in the bathroom theirs a beam that runs along the ceiling and through the shower stall which is only about 6 FT. above the floor of the shower to the ceiling & its in the middle of the shower stall, If my guest is shorter then 6 FT its no problem but if I have a guest thats 6 FT. or taller it would just be a matter of time before they bang their head on this beam & could hurt themselves kinda bad, This is a support beam so I can't remove it & I was thinking about wrapping it with a cushion type of padding but that would still not make hitting it unavoidable, Another solution is do nothing about this beam & just describe it in my Airbnb description that if I rent to a guest thats 6 ft tall use extreme caution when taking a shower due to a low ceiling with a beam that you could knock yourself out if hit by it. Please let me know if you have any solutions for me. Thanks so much!!

[@richardb4787]

I would like to see how essential oils are used in an airbnb setting.

[@Jesse19405]

I wish u would list prices with product description

[@judyfenton6091]

Says the STRU Store has CLOSED !!

[@CyrusMurphy]

Think you should add a label maker, not directly used by guests but so nice to have.

[@imrichardfertig]

Thanks for the recommendation Cyrus. We'll add one.

[@StylosityYourWay]

Cyrus Murphy agreed

[@jeannoon4186]

I can't find host recommendations for best label maker. any suggestions?

[@Champtiste1]

Best Airbnb channel on KZbin! Please update the kit link for Amazon

[@JCCeba]

Is there an update of this best products video?

[@anduong5146]

For the indoor camera (that face the door or owners closet), how do you tell your guest that is a camera in the apartment. Or do you not tell them? Thx

[@Stormorsheds1983]

Thanks for all the great videos. I listed my home last night and just used your link to order a bunch of items!

[@imrichardfertig]

Greatly appreciated Marc. Keep me updated on your progress!

[@Stormorsheds1983]

Hi Richard. I have 24 nights booked in 14 days having my place listed. Is that typical? Should I raise my price? What months do you typically see the most business?

[@simplybeautyfull]

Great video! Just started in my journey, could have used this 2 weeks ago. Thanks

[@ariakate6541]

How often do your knives and flatware go missing?

[@JL-tk6vv]

Do you still recommend the Linenspa mattress protector? I didn't see it in your link to the products. Which of the Linenspa mattress protectors do you recommend? There are several available. I need to get this soon, just listed my first Airbnb. Thanks for all your great videos and information!

[@jolleyzack]

Does the Zinus Memory Foam go on top of the Casper bed or is it a bed thanks zack

[@garfield8900]

Thanks Richard, a lot of these smaller items like razors, shaving cream, laundry pods, people are going to steal. They should carry some of these thing when they travel, just saying.

[@mike_lives]

Agreed

[@rooksentertainment1970]

A superhost trying to step up my game. Are u the same guy? Did u shave. Hmmm Well thank you for this kit. I will definitely use it.

[@hellamacvlog303]

this was so incredibly helpful.

[@imrichardfertig]

Glad to hear!

[@imrichardfertig]

Glad to hear!

[@navycadet1]

Where can I get the fast drying towels/sheets now?

[@rickenna8533]

Didn’t see the Amazon link for products?

[@creatingdigitalassets]

Great video! Do you know about Rently and Skybell?

[@imrichardfertig]

Still looking into these and going to do a formal review on my choice. Stay tuned!

[@KELBYL]

Richard I love your style! Appreciated the video! Checked back on my beyond pricing account, and still not available in my area! Dang... On a side note, Ive been following all of your advice, and I'm going to need those towels and sheets that dry faster, not just to save on energy; But also because I'm booked solid, and have had to make a lot of quick turn arounds. (thanks to all the great advice) Ive upped my cleaning fees, and upped my weekend prices because the Airbnb auto pricing seems way off... not been a problem for my bookings thus far! Would love to see you try doing a live broadcast one of these days. Also , Do you have a donation link? Until next time, thanks again!

[@KELBYL]

ps. sorry i missed the live stream from india ... missed that! would love a heads up before the next one!

[@imrichardfertig]

Thanks! - For Sheets and Towels, here are amazon links www.amazon.com/dp/B073M6697P - Towels www.amazon.com/dp/B073LZYHG5 - Sheets

[@imrichardfertig]

Sure! - Normally sent the heads up on ShortTermRentalSecrets facebook group here - facebook.com/groups/shorttermrentalsecrerts/

[@veronicagonnzales5424]

STR University towel link no longer valid . Sheets link is ok still.

[@veronicagonnzales5424]

STR University this link did not work. Do you have an update?

[@tassiafisher5142]

Great tips! Thank you.

[@troyund]

We tried Beyond Pricing and they were beyond horrible. The pricing they set was five to six times what I was charging. There is no way someone is going to pay $6,000/night. The Airbnb pricing was just the opposite, way too low. I can charge $1,690 and Airbnb recommended price was a third of that.

[@britneyallday]

How do I get to your Amazon list referenced in the video?

[@paulaedwards8322]

Is it acceptable to have large bottles of shampoo, conditioner etc. Guest do not have a problem using the same bottles?

[@cloudedjourney]

I think large bottles with pump tops would be acceptable.

[@wewatchluggage8158]

Thanks so much for the info!!

[@GunCatPowMeow]

haha. you won't believe it.. but I had a couple of guests who managed to actually DESTROY my lockbox (and of course they left a horrible review about it afterwards)...

[@LibyHRodriguesFreedom78]

great advice!!

[@lorrainebailey5392]

Beyond pricing isn’t availabe in our location.

[@shaoqinglihu696]

If guests break the plates/wine glass, we can take the money off the deposit right ?

[@mikifiki01]

Nope actually for small stuff airbnb does not refund www.airbnb.com/guarantee

[@shaoqinglihu696]

Michelangelo Matteoda thx I will look into that.

[@imrichardfertig]

I choose not to. It's going to happen and that's why I buy the Amazon Basics plates and wine glasses seen in the video. Easy and cheap to replace if it happens.

[@jahskido06]

@@imrichardfertig What things would you choose to deduct from the security deposit?

[@surfdonkey7584]

Great video thanks

[@reaganb6954]

Nice touch with the men’s razor, but you forgot feminine products! Great video.

[@laken1804]

It's best that women buy their own feminine products. I like the pads with wings. Nobody seems to want to make them available. Also there are certain brand of tampons that are questionable. They don't use cotton in them, but some type of synthetic material, that can give you toxic shock syndrome.

[@A90MKV_]

This looks great! However I cannot afford to buy it all at once

[@charwest9449]

Is there any problem with people taking things ?

[@glenn7721]

11:30 DO NOT BUY! I have owned 2 of these and during the summer, it will turn the heat on. I had guest complain all the time. My HVAC man said they are a bad product. 😩

[@lox5567]

I love your video. As a host I get small items from Bed Bath and Beyond. Later down the line I'll try to get it from a wholesale to save money. You such amazing great tips. Btw I notice you alot of items that have Airbnb logo. How did you get that?

[@mihaelgjuretek5884]

What about the cost? If you spend so much money on this is it profitable? Isn't the cost then greater than profit?

[@cloudedjourney]

Gotta look at it like an investment over time. Any business is going to cost more up front. You may pay more for quality items, but they should last longer and not need to be replaced as often. Plus better guest experience =better reviews = less vacancy = more money.

[@Aim4sixmeals]

You deserve to make some money since you put effort in the videos

[@karthikprithviraj2486]

How about a video on lightings (Kitchen lightings, Living room lightings, Bedroom lightings, Bathroom lightings). The best lighting solution for homestay?

[@imrichardfertig]

We can do that!

[@veronicagonnzales5424]

STR University I appreciate the LED concept but don’t like the light glow, makes it feel kind of like you are in a lab. Do you have suggestions?

[@idearibbonchannel]

How much fees will Airbnb charge , what's the percentage ?

[@imrichardfertig]

3%

[@Krista1921]

Excellent tips on products, especially the sheets. But please can we stop using the Keurig. It is terribly bad for the environment. I realize it is more convenient.

[@serinadelmar6012]

You care about allergies but use multiple products scented with lemon? This is quite a common allergy. Personally I know three people with a citrus allergy. I thank using the non-scented laundry detergent was fantastic but please be mindful of citrus scents people!

[@cathynordahl9081]

What is with the music at the end of your video? Holy cow!!

[@elizabethsergent4138]

Hello Richard how do u make money on air bnb when it so cheap my friend have 4 bedroom house in Atlanta she not live in the so it fully furnished king queen. They put people in it for 3 nights she reserved 250. For 6 guests for Superbowl 8 for 5 hundreds what about water light internet gas that only for the cost of amenities

[@cloudedjourney]

I think location is pretty important, not just any property works as an airbnb. Especially in the U.S. where you can make quite a bit on rent, might not be worth the extra effort/expense.

[@relax9286]

Idk my daughter's staying at an airbnb in Georgia and the room she's in is very hot. She says it's around 80/85 degrees. She asked the hostess about the heat and the lady accused my daughter of having a dog. No dog. I'm very suspicious of the airbnb format now and would not recommend anyone to stay in one. Oh and it's very hot outside. From what I've been reading airbnb hosts only care about ratings and money. I considered doing airbnb in my home. Now I would not.

[@djknowl3dg3]

You adjust your guests thermostat? Wtf is wrong with you lol