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3260 Views 19 Replies Latest reply: Jun 9, 2012 6:39 AM by newbernroundhouse RSS
newbernroundhouse Contributor
newbernroundhouse
40 posts since
May 5, 2012
Currently Being Moderated

Jun 1, 2012 9:09 PM

Running a Rental WITHOUT a Computer?

Do any of you manage your rental (websites, ads, emails, inquiries, contracts, etc.) WITHOUT a computer (desktop or laptop)?  As in using a smartphone, tablet, ipad, etc etc..?  Looking for relevant feedback on the topic.  Thanks

 

 

 

Cheers,

 

Andrea Fahy

------------------

http://www.vrbo.com/414863

www.newbernroundhouse.com

http://www.facebook.com/newbernroundhouse

  • susaninrehoboth Contributor
    susaninrehoboth
    256 posts since
    Sep 3, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jun 2, 2012 3:58 AM (in response to newbernroundhouse)
    Re: Running a Rental WITHOUT a Computer?

    Did your computer break? I don't know how anyone could set up original  listing(s) without a computer. For me, using a smart phone to reply to inquiries is just about impossible. Using an Ipad is not much better.

     

    Then there is the record keeping. I have just one rental property and I'm retired and still can't imagine tracking rentals, expenses & necessary IRS info without a computer.

  • newbernroundhouse Contributor
    newbernroundhouse
    40 posts since
    May 5, 2012
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jun 2, 2012 3:47 PM (in response to newbernroundhouse)
    Re: Running a Rental WITHOUT a Computer?

    My computer is not broken, I have an excellent MacBook Pro.  I have loads of listings set up already, I fully understand all of the reasons why it is NOT a good idea to use a different form of tech. to manage my rental however I'm interested in hearing from those that DO and their first hand experience.  I can type very speedy on a small iPhone and I see that so many tablets can now handle complete websites and document editing.  I'll soon be traveling with a small minimal backpack (think roughly school backpack size, not huge hiking backpack size) while managing my rental from a distance and it's not a good idea to travel (no vehicle) with an expensive laptop if I can avoide it for those weeks.  I can always pop in at libraries and friends'/hosts' homes for intense computer work. Other times I travel by kayak and I can't fathom hauling a $3k laptop along and taking that risk of losing everything.

    • sodamo Contributor
      sodamo
      258 posts since
      Nov 5, 2011
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jun 2, 2012 7:39 PM (in response to newbernroundhouse)
      Re: Running a Rental WITHOUT a Computer?

      For what it's worth here are my thoughts.

      Basically I use, safari browser, email, Numbers, and Pages. Mostly I used my MacBook pro but like using my iPhone and iPad. I'm hoping that someday soon, the transition between Number and Pages on the MacOS and iOS via iCloud become more seamless, and don't have to worry about the translations between formats. So, I would say I could basically manage in the manner you are suggesting. Unfortunately, there are some website incompatibilities, HA/VRBO and my state tax site. Last I tried cannot edit this forum from iPad. Can't post pics to the listings either. Hopefully these get fixed.  There is a VR app, but I haven't used it yet, I'm waiting for it to share data between iPhone and iPad via iCloud. No problems with either PayPal or Square for credit cards using either.

      So, bottomland, I'd say basically doable, but might need real computer access for specific functions.

       

      I find myself doing less and less on my laptop and look forward to when I don't need it.

       

      David

      Sent from my iPad (3rd Gen) with Aloha

      Please visit vacation.ninolehawaii.com

  • margaret Contributor
    margaret
    45 posts since
    Apr 27, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jun 3, 2012 4:18 PM (in response to newbernroundhouse)
    Re: Running a Rental WITHOUT a Computer?

    If your are comforable with your smart phone you should be fine for the short term. I use my phone when I travel for a week or less to manage my rentals and have had no problems so far. Access to a computer is not usually a problem if the need should arise but for the most part I find the phone works for me. Just be sure to have everything that you can done before your leave then handling inquiries should be easy.

  • ppv1 Contributor
    ppv1
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jun 4, 2012 4:07 PM (in response to newbernroundhouse)
    Re: Running a Rental WITHOUT a Computer?

    I have been able to do it with little to no real difficulties.  Starting last December, when I have been traveling, I stopped packing my laptop and now only travel with my Asus Transformer tablet (android) and my HTC Sensation smartphone (also android).  When at home, I more frequenlty just use my Mac desktop or laptop.  I have had no problems accessing HomeAway or Vrbo to respond to inquiries or my credit card processor for requesting payments.  I have uploaded all of my documents I use to send to my guests in DropBox so I can access from anywhere.  If you plan ahead and set yourself up to access the things you need while away from home, you can definitely do it!

  • sapphiresteve Contributor
    sapphiresteve
    253 posts since
    Dec 16, 2010
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jun 4, 2012 5:58 PM (in response to newbernroundhouse)
    Re: Running a Rental WITHOUT a Computer?

    By any definition, all the devices mentioned are computers. Some computers have more capability than others. A 2012 "smart phone" probably has about ten thousand times more computational ability than existed on our planet fifty years ago!

  • xrszgirl New Member
    xrszgirl
    1 posts since
    Jun 5, 2012
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jun 5, 2012 9:46 AM (in response to newbernroundhouse)
    Re: Running a Rental WITHOUT a Computer?

    I am jealous of your travelling adventure!!!  Have a great time and you will do just fine managing your rentals from your phone.  I do it all the time1

  • jeffbailey Community Ambassador
    jeffbailey
    89 posts since
    Jun 3, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jun 8, 2012 8:26 AM (in response to newbernroundhouse)
    Re: Running a Rental WITHOUT a Computer?

    The HomeAway iPhone/iPad app actually has an owner login which gives you some of the features of ReservationManager.  However, last I checked it only works if you list of HomeAway (not VRBO), so I wasn't able to check it out. 

     

    I also have an iPhone/iPad app called Vacation Props that allows you to quickly respond to inquiries using from HomeAway/VRBO/FlipKey/VacationRentals.com using customized email templates.  It keeps track of your reservations, inquiries, and other property information.

     

    Jeff Bailey

    Creator of Vacation Props, an innovative iPhone/iPad app to manage vacation properties and quickly respond to inquiries

    http://www.fourthframe.com/FourthFrame_Technologies/VacationProps.html

    http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vacation-props/id452612798?mt=8

    • newbernroundhouse Contributor
      newbernroundhouse
      40 posts since
      May 5, 2012
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jun 8, 2012 8:33 AM (in response to jeffbailey)
      Re: Running a Rental WITHOUT a Computer?

      Jeff, thanks for the reply. I don't have a HA listing, only VRBO.  I'm also leaning towards a tablet that is not an iPad.  While I appreciate my Apple products, the iPad has a lot of features I don't require (the cameras and so forth)  I do plan to check out the Vaction Props App, that sounds promising.  oh, I see it's your App, very nice!!!  Is it only for iPad/iPhone? 

       

      I'm trying to sell my MacBook, one fellow offered a trade for his 1st gen iPad.  Would apps like yours and any other things I need to do work on the first gen?  I haven't heard back from him though so it might not happen.

       

       

      Cheers,

       

      Andrea Fahy

      www.newbernroundhouse.com

      www.facebook.com/newbernroundhouse

      • jeffbailey Community Ambassador
        jeffbailey
        89 posts since
        Jun 3, 2011
        Currently Being Moderated
        Jun 8, 2012 8:51 AM (in response to newbernroundhouse)
        Re: Running a Rental WITHOUT a Computer?

        Yes, the app only for iPhone/iPad and it runs fine on an iPad 1.  Personally, I think you'd be much better off with an iPad than an andrioid tablet if you plan to rely on it for your rental properties.  The android tablet market is pretty fragmented and the ecosystem of third party apps is much stronger for the iPad.  However, I'd be a little hesitant to get an iPad 1 at this point since at some point in the future Apple will likely not support it with newer versions of iOS.  iOS 6 will likely come out this year and its possible they may announce its only for iPad 2 and beyond.  If I had to guess I would say iOS 6 will be supported on the iPad 1, but it will be the last major release.

         

        Jeff Bailey

        Creator of Vacation Props, an innovative iPhone/iPad app to manage vacation properties and quickly respond to inquiries

        http://www.fourthframe.com/FourthFrame_Technologies/VacationProps.html

        http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/vacation-props/id452612798?mt=8

  • murdockvacationrentals Community Ambassador
    murdockvacationrentals
    57 posts since
    Jan 28, 2011
    Currently Being Moderated
    Jun 9, 2012 3:12 AM (in response to newbernroundhouse)
    Re: Running a Rental WITHOUT a Computer?

    In my opinion, it is most effective to have access to a computer in order to provide prospective guests with a thorough response to their inquiry, including a break-down of the pricing.

     

    An advantage of doing everything on a mobile device is that you could respond very quickly, if desired. A downside is that the responses may be a little more limited in scope and content.

     

    However, IF I was to go completely mobile I would convert all of my email templates into the notes app so I could simply copy/paste them into the response. I would convert all of the attachments I normally send (floorplans, terms and conditions, maps, etc.) into URL links that could be included in the response as well. The last component for the inquiry response would be the pricing breakdown and you would have to figure out the easiest way to put that in.

     

    When it comes to completing a reservation though and all that goes with that, I guess it could all be done on a tablet, but it seems like it wouldn't be as time efficient as getting it done on a computer.

     

    I like the idea of hiring someone part-time or full-time to help respond to inquiries, process reservations, send cleaning reminders to cleaners and send thank you cards to guests after booking and staying, thereby freeing up more time for owners/managers to focus in on other tasks needing attention.

     

    Good luck in your travels and adventures!

     

    Munro Murdock

    Murdock Vacation Rentals

    Kapolei, Hawaii

    • newbernroundhouse Contributor
      newbernroundhouse
      40 posts since
      May 5, 2012
      Currently Being Moderated
      Jun 9, 2012 6:39 AM (in response to murdockvacationrentals)
      Re: Running a Rental WITHOUT a Computer?

      Hi Munro,

       

      Thanks for writing.  I appreciate your feedback and thought I'd respond!  I've started saving everything into Google Docs, This way any of my documents can be accessed by a device of my own or someone else's.  I also have much of the information on my website.  The rental agreement & rules is on my site in PDF form.  I try to keep information readily available online to try and answer questions folks might have.  Likewise with pictures or the floorplan, it's all on my website.  I'm still pretty new at this and I find it difficult for me to use a template with the way I try to gear my responses per each person.

       

      Re. time efficiency, that's not the issue here.  I travel.  For fun.  In order to travel and not be bound by employment, I turned my house into a vacation rental.  So, when it's rented out I have all the time in the world to do anything I'd like.  That's the joy of it!  Similarly, since it's a new rental I'm not in any position to hire out for much more than lawn maintanence.  I could definnitely see, down the road once clearly in the profit margin, hiring out like you suggest!  I look forward to that day when I can get someone else to run it all for me  =)

       

      I checked out your website, it's very nice, easy to navigate and pleasing to the eye.  Also your family portrait on the site is beautiful!

       

       

      Cheers,

       

      Andrea Fahy

      www.newbernroundhouse.com

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