Airbnb Setup & Optimisation Course
πŸ”’ Client lesson

Lesson: Why 13% Direct and 5% Loyalty Should Be Non-Negotiable

Module 8: Setting Up Dynamic Pricing (Pricelabs) and General Fee Policy

In short

On Airbnb and other booking sites, both host and guest pay commission while the platform wins. On your own direct booking site the guest can pay noticeably less than on Airbnb while you still keep more. The direct price needs a saving large enough to justify leaving Airbnb's safety net but not so large it looks suspicious, with a private loyalty offer for returning guests.

What this lesson covers

  • Building Towards Your Direct Booking Site
  • Why We Mark Up All Channels
  • The Direct Booking Difference
  • The Safety Net Question
  • Host Attitudes vs. Hospitality
  • The Mortgage Excuse and Token Gestures
  • The OTA as Referee
  • The Psychology of Sales and Trust
  • Why This Matters Going Forward
  • Who Really Loses on OTAs? Both Sides
πŸ”’

The full lesson is for clients

Clients get every step, the live walkthrough videos and our exact settings and templates from Skye’s Beach House.

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Questions people ask

Should my direct booking site be cheaper than Airbnb?

Usually, yes. A clear saving gives guests a reason to book direct, and without platform commission the host can still earn more per stay.

Can I advertise direct booking discounts on Airbnb?

No. Airbnb does not allow hosts to promote off-platform bookings in listings or messages, so loyalty offers should be shared privately with past guests through your own channels.

How do guests find a direct booking website?

Many guests find a property on Airbnb, then search its name on Google. A distinctive property name, your own website and a Google Business profile make you easy to find.

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