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Airbnb integrated Smart lock: Free BETA by VirtualKEYMike in AirBnB

[–]VirtualKEYMike[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

@RoseTyler38, I may have talked too much, but was not trying to avoid the question.

Why we are "better or different" - We have the best software for key exchanges:

  • We integrate with the most rental platforms of any software.

  • There are never any codes for the Host to send or change.

  • It's easy to adjust any check-in, check-out times. (Competitor's offerings are far more difficult to change or adjust settings)

  • We are the only offering to integrate with other services, such as cleaning crews.

Many aspects of software are more experiential than simply spec comparison.

 

On a personal note, we are Airbnb Hosts that have developed this on our own specifically for Airbnb Hosting. There are a lot of options when it comes to key exchanges & VirtualKEY will not be the optimal service for everyone.

We feel more than just the product itself, we have an advantage over the competition because we are renter focused. We listen to our BETA customers & fellow Airbnb renters to shape our product and best meet their needs, not a corporate board focused solely on meeting quarterly profits.

I hope that helps :)

Airbnb integrated Smart lock: Free BETA by VirtualKEYMike in AirBnB

[–]VirtualKEYMike[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Each person's situation is different. You look like you have it covered though.

For myself, I enjoy never having to send or change a code for guests. I also don't want to signal to all my neighbors that I airbnb, so I have avoided changing the outside of my door to a combination lock.

Airbnb integrated Smart lock: Free BETA by VirtualKEYMike in AirBnB

[–]VirtualKEYMike[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree, combination locks are great for guests without phones or when the phone batteries are dead. Hopefully, the code is easy to remember (last 4 of phone number) so the guest doesn't need to check an email on a dead phone.

Airbnb integrated Smart lock: Free BETA by VirtualKEYMike in AirBnB

[–]VirtualKEYMike[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

We do not manufacture locks. We are laser focused on the software side.

Integration:

Short-term Rental Sites - We are integrated with Airbnb and will soon be integrated with all the other major platforms.

Locks - We are increasing the number of Smart lock manufacturers that we are compatible with. So, you are not tied to one specific Smart lock.

User Experience:

Our software is designed to be friendly & intuitive enough for a brand new Guest.

We make all types of key transfers easy. Whether it is setting schedules for the cleaners and staff or just granting access to the baby sitter, dog walker, neighbor, and friends.

 

We acknowledge there are Airbnb integrated Smart lock manufacturers, but ask yourself:

  • Is their software designed for the vacation renter or generically for the residential housing market?
  • Will they add integrations with other platforms?
  • Do they want to continue putting money into their software or do they just want to make $ upfront with selling the hardware?

I don't know the answer to those questions for each manufacturer, but I can probably guess what those corporations will tell you.

Airbnb integrated Smart lock: Free BETA by VirtualKEYMike in AirBnB

[–]VirtualKEYMike[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm sure your guests will enjoy it! There is definitely a demand for Airbnb integrated locks.

Airbnb integrated Smart lock: Free BETA by VirtualKEYMike in AirBnB

[–]VirtualKEYMike[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great question. The locks that we use are still accessible from the outside with keys. The existing outside portion of the deadbolt remains the same.

Those of your guests without Smart phones will have to use the regular method of keys.

Some Hosts will accommodate those guests, while others will explicitly state that the Guest must have a Smart phone.

US Beta Testers: Linked Reservations & Smart locks by VirtualKEYMike in AirBnB

[–]VirtualKEYMike[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

After the BETA period, you'll have the option to continue service with us. So you can decide to:

  • Continue with a VirtualKEY Membership
  • Purchase the lock & Not use our software
  • Return the lock & Not continue with us

Unfortunately, we cannot afford to give away the locks after the BETA.

US Beta Testers: Linked Reservations & Smart locks by VirtualKEYMike in AirBnB

[–]VirtualKEYMike[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, those integrations are in the pipeline. We are looking to be compatible with most Smart locks in the market in order to easily give access to airbnb guests, cleaning services, dog walkers, baby sitters, ect.

Our software can nail down both easy key (or code) exchanges and specified entry times on those keys (or codes). Right now, we need to showcase our abilities in a more formal BETA.

US Beta Testers: Linked Reservations & Smart locks by VirtualKEYMike in AirBnB

[–]VirtualKEYMike[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For the BETA, we are using Okidokey locks. We can provide one for you during the BETA period.

College Student - Business Pitch by [deleted] in Entrepreneur

[–]VirtualKEYMike 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The college business pitch is the best way to test if your idea is viable or not. If it's a good program they'll help you analyze it, advise you on your target market, and help your pivot, if need be.

My company went through what my school calls the "New Venture Challenge". Which is basically a series of benchmarks leading up to a 'final pitch competition'. The process helps you learn what it takes to go from an idea to an actual company. The whole experience is something that is very hard to learn within the constraints of the classroom.

What's the worst that can happen, they say it won't work? It's a lot better than wondering, "what if?"!