Airbnb vs Red Awning?

[Keith1004]

Hello Airbnb Hosts and Support Folks: 

I currently use Red Awning as my listing platform but am seeing that 99% of the reservations are coming through airbnb. Red Awning charges a 10% "Platform fee," which seems higher than airbnb, and I can't review guests before the reservation is accepted (they are all automatically accepted). I like that hosts on airbnb can vet their prospects before approving and rate them after the stay, and the fee to hosts looks like about only 3%.

Does anyone want to talk me out of making the switch to airbnb?

Thanks

Keith

[Shelley159]

Hi @Keith1004 

I hadn't heard of Red Awning before and I see it's not available in my area. 

Can you explain a bit more what you mean by making a switch?

You can list on any number of platforms, it's just wise to link your calendars to avoid double bookings.

[Keith1004]

Hey Shelley,

When I started the short term rental house 3 years ago I was comparing platforms based on what I've experienced as a traveler (vrbo, airbnb, red awning). Red Awning had the cleanest and sharpest listings, it seemed more professional. Airbnb seemed loosey goosey. I went with Red Awning. Aibnb however seems to have very much upped their game. Also, I am seeing these short-term rental management companies, like Red Awning and vrbo, pop up with offices in a lot of the places people like to get away, like the mountains and ski resorts. That kind of annoys me but I get it, that's business. 

Keith

[Wendy-May0]

That is a very good observation, Keith, and you should definitely make the switch to managing directly on Airbnb.

You've highlighted the two most important points:

1. The Fee is Too High: The 10% platform fee from Red Awning is far more than necessary. If you manage your bookings yourself, you will likely pay the standard 3% host fee, instantly boosting your profit margin by 7% per booking.

2. Control and Security: The auto-accept feature is a huge liability. Moving to direct management allows you to vet every guest using security settings and check reviews. This is the only way to protect your property and ensure your account stays safe.

The financial saving and the operational control are absolutely worth the extra management effort. What channel manager are you using right now to sync your calendar, or are you managing everything manually?

[Keith1004]

We are on the same page thank you!