Not a Solution for Hosts

[Peter3575]

Airbnb, 

Please do not hide behind the messaging that this is an improvement for hosts. This has been optional for hosts for a while now and you’ve left it up to us to choose our pricing strategy. There is obviously benefit to you primarily to force this change. I would appreciate you being honest about that. 

Peter (co-host with SuperHost Beth)

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Peter3575 Airbnb is now in line with the rest of the industry. With ALL hosts transferred onto the new structure there is no longer a competitive issue between Airbnb hosts so it is fairer for all.

[Frances3408]

@Mike-And-Jane0 . Nothing is fair, level or consistent now in the STR market.

For example, here the state of ACT (nation's capital) state govt introduced a 5% levy on platform STR non hosted total fee bookings for 28 days or less. Non platform ie DIRECT bookings with owner (but not if via channel managers) were exempt, despite both needing to be registered!!  

But get this, motels, hotels, caravan parks and certain other commercial accommodations are EXEMPT from that levy (which is to be paid direct to govt and not via Airbnb)

Interestingly the ACT is an inland state so every summer its public servants and their families escape to the nearby east coast, which is part of NSW and often, my local Council area: we are yet to introduce an occupancy tax in NSW so on balance we should get a bigger slice of the Airbnb holiday bookings. Fair?

[Emilie]

Hi @Peter3575, 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this change with us.

I just wanted to clarify that it does not increase the amount Airbnb collects from each booking. While we’ve adjusted how the service fee is applied, the overall share we collect remains the same. Simplifying our service fee structure lets hosts set the price guests see and pay and price their listings competitively. You can keep your earnings per night the same by adjusting your prices to account for this change. 

Emilie

[Peter3575]

HI @Emilie 

Thanks for engaging.

But now it looks like we as the host have increased rates by 15.5%. Instead of the guest being surprised by a 13% Airbnb fee, they’re surprised by a 15.5% increase in overall pricing the host has set. 

Even if you’re not collecting more fees, it still seems to boost your perception among guests more than the hosts perception. 

Please consider still giving hosts the option to set their fee structure.