33. My Biggest Airbnb Fear Came True! Let’s Talk About It.
Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course
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Episode Summary
This one stings a little. In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the exact scenario I’ve dreaded since becoming an Airbnb host: a guest checked into a dirty cabin. Not once, but twice. 😬 Despite all the systems, automations, and bulletproof planning, it still happened—and it sucked. But I’m sharing it all with you so you can learn from my mistakes and avoid a total guest meltdown. I also break down how we use the cleaning app Turno (formerly TurnoverBnB), how we handle inventory, and how to bounce back with grace when crap hits the fan.
Key Takeaways
- What Turno is and how it automates your STR cleaning schedule
- The #1 reason our cleaner missed not one—but two cleans
- Why relying only on automation can backfire
- Real guest reactions (the good, the bad, and the absolutely screaming)
- How I use unread messages and Amazon orders to stay on top of inventory
- Why I send supplies to my cleaner’s house, not the property
- What to do when a guest wants a refund—and how to avoid a bad review
- Lessons learned and what I’m doing now to prevent this from happening again
Why Listen to This Episode?
If you’re relying on automation tools like Turno to run your Airbnb cleaning schedule (or you’re considering it), you need to hear this. I thought I had every duck in a row—and still had a total system failure. This episode is your behind-the-scenes look at what happens when things go wrong and how to stay calm, fix the issue, and keep your business running.
Mentioned in the Episode:
- Sign up with Hospitable: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $30 when you sign up under the link below! Save time and money today!
- Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST
Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course
- Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes content, tips, and updates.
Let’s Connect
Had a cleaning disaster of your own—or nervous it’ll happen to you? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your story or your questions. I’ll cheer you on (and share my sympathy!).
Work With Me
Want to avoid the Airbnb disasters I talk about on the pod? Enroll in the Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator — the step-by-step, self-paced course for launching, managing, and scaling your short-term rental.
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Chapters
00:00 – My biggest STR fear came true
01:00 – How Turno works and what it automates
03:00 – Pros and cons of using Turno
06:00 – Managing inventory and ordering supplies
08:45 – Why I ship everything to my cleaner’s home
11:00 – What went wrong (guest checks in to a dirty cabin)
13:30 – Dealing with Verbo guest rage & refund process
18:30 – It happened AGAIN?!
21:00 – How we handled a second missed clean
23:00 – Communicating with your business partner under stress
25:00 – Final thoughts + how I’m preventing this in the future
25:23 – Airbnb Accelerator Course promo + discount
Subscribe and Share
Love this episode? Even when it’s a little messy? 😉 Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this one with a fellow Airbnb host who’s navigating the ups and downs too. We’ve all been there—let’s grow from it together.
