Sonder Collapse Reveals Lucrative Airbnb-Adjacent Side Hustle Opportunities

When Marriott pulled the plug on Sonder’s licensing deal, thousands of rooms vanished overnight. Guests scrambled. Investors panicked. Stocks crashed 60% in a single session. For most people, it’s a disaster. But for those who see the cracks in the system? This is a goldmine for side hustlers who move fast.

Here’s how to turn the collapse into cash:

1. Short-Term Rental Arbitrage

With 7,700 rooms suddenly offline, travelers are desperate. Lease properties, furnish them cheaply, list on Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com. Market them aggressively as “fully ready, no interruptions,” charging premium rates in a market suddenly starved for reliable inventory.

*I’ve been diving into short-term rental arbitrage for a while, and The 1 Percent BNB Course is hands-down the clearest, most actionable program I’ve seen. The team has launched over 1,000 properties, so you’re learning from real experience—not theory.

The modules walk you step by step: finding high-demand properties, negotiating with landlords, furnishing units, and listing effectively. The course also gives access to all future updates, so you’re never behind the curve. I especially appreciated seeing real landlord negotiation examples, which saved me weeks of trial and error.

If you’re serious about building a profitable Airbnb business without owning property, this is the fastest way to shortcut the mistakes and get results.

Check out the course here*

2. Emergency Relocation Services

Hotels and rentals can’t absorb displaced Sonder guests fast enough. Offer concierge-style relocation services — find last-minute Airbnb stays, arrange transport, even pack essentials. Charge a finder’s fee per guest.

3. Property Management for Panicked Hosts

Sonder’s bankruptcy leaves former hosts uncertain. Many have units sitting empty, systems tangled, or revenue frozen. Step in as a “turnkey property manager,” handling bookings, cleaning, and marketing, and take a percentage of profits.

4. Liquidation and Asset Flipping

Sonder’s furniture, electronics, and décor will enter liquidation. Buy in bulk, resell units individually on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or local consignment shops. High-quality, design-forward items can fetch multiples of your purchase price.

* If you’ve ever wanted to build a cash-flowing Airbnb business without owning property, this course is the blueprint. Colin and his team walk you step by step, covering everything from finding high-demand units to furnishing, listing, and negotiating profitable leases.

The course is packed with repeatable strategies that shortcut trial and error, helping you secure your first cash-flowing property quickly. What really stands out is the hands-on support—Colin’s team answers questions promptly and ensures you avoid beginner mistakes.

Reviews are glowing for a reason: students consistently report they were able to launch their first unit smoothly and see real results fast. Whether you’re looking for extra income or a full-scale Airbnb business, this course gives you the systems, mentorship, and confidence to make it happen.

Check out the course here

5. Travel Concierge & Crisis Booking Consultancy

Travelers burned by canceled stays now want someone to guarantee their next trip. Launch a personal booking service — vet hosts, confirm availability, provide guarantees — and charge a premium.

6. Local Experience Packages

With brand hotels disappearing from inventory, locals can monetize their spaces and knowledge. Offer mini experiences (cooking, tours, cultural workshops) bundled with temporary rentals. Market as “exclusive and immediate” experiences to travelers desperate for substitutes.

7. Corporate Housing Pivot

Sonder catered to corporate clients in many cities. Businesses now need alternatives fast. Offer flexible, short-term corporate housing setups — furnished apartments with quick lease agreements — targeting HR departments and relocation managers.

8. Digital Training Courses (Optional)

Teach aspiring hosts how to profit from the collapse. Build a mini-course on turning a spare property into an Airbnb-ready unit, using Sonder’s failure as a case study. Sell it through Gumroad, Kajabi, or Whop.

9. Affiliate Booking Networks

Partner with Airbnb, Vrbo, or boutique booking sites as an affiliate. Refer travelers displaced by cancellations and earn commissions per booking. Market aggressively to the Sonder audience via email lists or Reddit communities.

10. Side Hustle Directory Idea: “Disaster Rentals Hub”

Create a simple web directory listing all available last-minute rentals, emergency relocation services, and liquidation sales in major cities. Charge small fees for featured listings. Monetize via affiliate links, ads, or subscription tiers.

Build a directory fast using Directify

The Key Insight

Sonder’s collapse isn’t just a headline; it’s a blueprint for fast-moving entrepreneurs who can capitalize on sudden market vacuums. Every property unbooked, every guest stranded, every asset liquidated — that’s money waiting for someone willing to act.

Takeaway: In chaos, the nimble earn. Watch, move, and monetize the gaps others panic over.