China.org.cn: An agent company may help to set balanced prices for both the renter and consumer. Can you tell us how do you come to the rental prices?
Qin: Initially we have to consider the house owner's expectations: how much rent he wants? After looking at the photos we investigate the house and we set a price from there. Mostly price is a consideration of the homeowner.
China.org.cn: Where is the area with most expensive rental prices? How far does this area extend?
Qin: The area with most expensive rental prices tends to be around the northern part of Beijing, especially around the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Centre).
China.org.cn: www.2008inn.com was mainly oriented towards the short-term house renting market during the Olympics. But the Olympics has a limited time period. Have you given thought about how to develop www.2008inn.com after the Games?
Qin: There must be a transformation plan.
China.org.cn: Can you elaborate?
Qin: We hope to transform our website into a kind of online house supermarket which includes three sections. The first being the short-term rental industry, our customers can reserve very nice family hotels or apartments via our website. The second will be long-term rentals; we can bring value to homeowners looking for long-term tenants. Lastly our website will provide more information about shopping venues.
Markets and society give everyone many chances during a certain period of time. But the crucial point is whether you can seize the opportunities.
(China.org.cn by Zhang Ming'ai, July 18, 2008)