Which Listing Sites Should New Hosts Use?
Which Listing Sites Should New Hosts Use?
New hosts often ask if Airbnb or Vrbo is the better site to list on. Everyone's short term rental market is different. So my advice is to test out both platforms. Caveat: Be sure to carefully read the fine print and terms and conditions of any platform.
Sites like Airbnb and Vrbo are great for immediate bookings to pay the mortgage and bills. These sites charge hosts to market their properties. Payment is in the form of commissions and/or traveler service fees. This might cost thousands a year, or it could cost thousands a month.
But once a guest has already stayed with you, they should know how to book you directly. You and the guest should never pay commissions and/or service fees to a middleman platform more than once. The traveler's credit card protects from fraud anyway.
Houfy is a free book direct market network. No commissions for owners. And no service fees for travelers. It's 100% word of mouth. Houfy does not market and advertise your property. Instead, members spread the word via social media and to their departing guests.
Owners can import much of their Airbnb or Vrbo listing into Houfy within seconds. Connect a Square or Stripe account to Houfy so travelers can book and pay with the security and convenience of a credit card, just like they do on Vrbo and Airbnb.
All of my repeat guests book on Houfy's book direct market network. They are thrilled to save the hundreds in service fees. Plus, I get paid by Square or Stripe as soon as they process the payment. But you can choose your own payment methods and payment terms for your own guests.
Be sure to join the Say Yes to Houfy facebook group.
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