265. 6 Hidden Costs Your Guests Pay | Airbnb Pricing Insights
If you're managing short-term rentals, you know how vital dynamic pricing tools are to maximizing your revenue. Platforms like PriceLabs and Wheelhouse integrate seamlessly with Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com, making it easier to adjust rates daily. However, what many hosts don’t realize is that the price you see in your tool often doesn’t match the final cost your guests pay. These hidden costs—from platform commissions to payment processing fees—can significantly impact your pricing strategy and overall revenue management. In this episode, I’ll break down 6 hidden factors affecting the prices your guests see. Whether it’s Airbnb commission fees, property management software charges, or local taxes, understanding these details is key to staying competitive. We’ll also discuss how cancellation policies, STR promotions, and discounts influence your listings on platforms like Booking.com and VRBO. By the end, you’ll have actionable insights to fine-tune your short-term rental revenue management strategy for optimal results. Key Points: Channel Commission Fees: Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com charge varying fees that directly impact the final price your guests see. Stay informed to stay competitive. Property Management Software Charges: Tools like HostAway and Guesty often add hidden fees, which can inflate the price without your knowledge. Payment Processing Fees: Credit card fees, often around 3%, are passed on to guests or deducted from your revenue, depending on the platform. Cancellation Policies & Rate Plans: Offering flexible or non-refundable booking options can change guest pricing significantly and impact your revenue strategy. Taxes & Local Fees: STR taxes, like transient occupancy fees, can vary widely by location and platform. Make sure your listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com are aligned. Pricing isn’t just about setting competitive rates—it’s about understanding the ecosystem of fees and commissions that affect your listings. By diving into these dynamic pricing insights, you’ll be better equipped to maximize your short-term rental revenue and deliver great guest experiences. If you’re looking for help with revenue management or pricing strategies, my team and I are here for you. Need help managing your short-term rental and you don’t want to go it alone? Shoot us a message here and we’ll see if we can help. Are you enjoying the podcast? Please subscribe, leave a rating and a review, and share it! This helps us reach others that may find the info helpful as well. You can find all of our links here including our website, recommended resources, upcoming live event, short-term rental playbook, Instagram, and more!
