Vacation Rental Product
The vacation rental product at Japan Experience is an expansive portfolio of 50+ nationwide vacation rentals.
My Role
I led the development and implementation of the product roadmap, strategy, and vision for vacation rentals from 2018 – 2022, and was an integral part of business development on the ground in Japan since 2013.
I helped navigate business expansion, spearheaded multi-platform selling capabilities, wrote physical and digital requirements for the house product, and was the lead on the SaaS tool we used to run the house business.
The Product
We built and managed best-in-class vacation rentals all over Japan. We helped owners/investors find, renovate, license, and run rental properties. We provided guests with high-level concierge services around our vacation rentals.
Houses were sold on our own platform (japan-experience.com).
Through multiple APIs, we were able to sell across different platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, VRBO, and Trip Advisor.
Strategy
Using data, analysis, market intelligence, and customer development, we were able to continuously support and build a viable business model by solving end-user pain points.
Our focus included services for both hosts looking to invest in property and for customers looking for accommodation and a great stay in Japan.
Vision
Our vacation rental product vision:
“For travelers to Japan who want the best experience at a vacation rental property, Japan Experience’s selected properties are hand-picked in popular destinations around the country. Unlike other vacation rental companies and platforms, we offer only quality-tested properties with impeccable on-site concierge service.”
SaaS Tools
As multi-platform selling capabilities and relationship management became more important, I wrote requirements and spearheaded the project to select and implement a SaaS VRMS tool.
I helped create processes across teams to handle contracts, API connections, customer templates, supplier communications, and more.
Metrics
- Gross Revenue – 2 million USD YoY
- Use – Over 10,000 nights and 30,000 guest stays yearly
- Bookings – Over 200 bookings per month
- Occupancy – Up to 90% in high seasons, and a 70% overall occupancy on average
- Implemented SaaS VRMS tool as an omnichannel solution across 5+ platforms
Key takeaways
- How to build physical and digital products from the ground up working with professional teams effectively developing customers.
- How to work with cross-functional / international teams smoothly, serving as an internal and external evangelist for my product.
- How to lead and coach teams on SaaS tools.
- How to use tools like Trello to make sure communication is constant and deadlines are consistently met.
Chris Wiggin 