Guest Service fees increased to around 17.7%

[Neil23]

We have noticed a significant drop in Airbnb bookings over the last couple of months. We had the AGM of our local tourist accommodation providers group today and all Airbnb hosts there said they were experiencing the same thing. When I got back I did some incognito searches for properties in our area and was shocked to find that the Airbnb service fee to guests is now up at over 17%!
I'm finding it difficult to comprehend this, as while we have several new hosts in the area, over all bookings are down, which means Airbnbs profits must all be down, and many hosts in the area are now switching to Booking.com and other OTAs. 

When we first listed with Airbnb about 4 years ago, the guest service fee was around 9%. Then 12, then 15  and now almost 18. It seems like a serious case of shooting yourself in the foot. And at the same time, hosts are constantly under pressure to reduce their rates, so hosts suck up Airbnbs increased costs.

If you are a host, please go and try and book your own place through an incognito window. You will be shocked at what you find.

Any feedback from around the world would be greatly appreciated.

[Jeff158]

@Neil23 

Mines at 18% and bookings are slow on airbnb

[Alon1]

@Jeff158 

Please see my response to Branka & Silvia.

In short, you can't just give a single figure as the % fee for Guests.

It all depends on how long they book.

It's always been the case, originally 6 - 12% which gradually got higher over the years.

On the previous post which I think you initiated and certainly mentioned Cottage,Com, if I recall correctly, Susan from Dublin noted the historical increases. She keeps abreast of all the changes among her in depth research for a book she's writing on Airbnb.

[Donna316]

Well this could explain alot.  I have been quite busy right into March.  About a week or so ago it just all suddenly stopped as in next to know new bookings.  I normally keep an eye on how much guests will pay with the service fee.  Looks like it has gone up to approx 18% also so means approx extra $3 or so per night on the service fee.  It must've only just recently happened in last week or two.  I cant afford to lower my prices to compensate or it wont be worth me operating!  I feel Airbnb has got too greedy.  They not only charge guests money but also take money from us also.  As with the other platforms, in my experience of being on a few I don't seem to get any bookings from them and find Airbnb gets majority of bookings for me.  Well it did!

[Oxana22]

My apartment is very popular and usually becomes booked within a week as soon as I release dates. However, I did not have a one booking request for a month and had to check what is the problem. Yes, 18% service charge on everything including the cleaning fees... how about that?

Airbnb started with 6% fees on stay rates only but now charges 18% on everything that makes our property impossible to sale.

I loved letting through Airbnb but not going to stay with them unless they offer some reasonable conditions.