Photo Credit: Airbnb has expanded its lobbying efforts across the U.S. Flickr / Open Grid Scheduler/Grid Engine
Call it "direct booking" if you like, but the reservation still runs on Airbnb's platform. And Airbnb's take rate now seems variable.
LinkedIn X Facebook Email Gift What signal does this pilot send about Airbnb's strategy to defend against hosts building independent direct-booking websites? Why is the reduced fee variable (6% vs 10%) across hosts, and will Airbnb standardize it? How does routing a self-sourced guest through Airbnb at 6%–10% compare to the true cost of running a direct booking channel? Select a question above or ask something else
Airbnb is offering some hosts “direct booking links” that come with a reduced service fee, according to messages sent to hosts that were shared on Facebook groups for hosts and LinkedIn.
Messages sent to some Airbnb hosts this week, titled "Share your link, get a lower fee," tell hosts that when guests book through those specific new links, the host service fee drops. The messages also say that "direct booking links are now available in your Listing editor.”
According to the Airbnb emails, links shared by hosts through social media and other channels like email and message boards are eligible for the reduced fee. Resulting bookings take place on Airbnb and keep Airbnb's usual benefits, including AirCover
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Tags: airbnb , online travel , short-term rentals , very online
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