In short: to reduce Booking and Airbnb commissions you do not need to leave them. Add a direct booking channel for guests who return or arrive by word of mouth, while respecting each platform's rules.
The real weight of commissions on your margin
Commissions on the main OTA platforms typically sit in a double-digit range of the booked price, plus extra guest-side fees in some cases. On a property with already thin margins this can separate a profitable business from one that barely sustains itself. To see the numbers for your case use the Booking and Airbnb commission calculator: enter your monthly revenue and see how much you save by moving part of your bookings to the direct channel.
Diversify channels, do not abandon them
The most common mistake is thinking "OTAs or direct site". The strongest strategy keeps Booking or Airbnb (still excellent for acquiring new guests) and adds a direct booking channel for returning guests and word of mouth, reducing the share of revenue that pays commission.
The value of returning guests
A satisfied guest who wants to book again should not be forced back to Booking to pay the commission again. Offering a direct channel, even just a link or QR code left at the property at checkout, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to recover margin on repeat bookings.
Mind the off-platform policies
Airbnb in particular forbids actively soliciting guests to book off-platform during a stay booked through Airbnb itself. The safe route is to communicate the direct channel passively (a visible QR code at the property, a business card) rather than with direct messages explicitly inviting guests to skip the platform for that same booking.
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A direct booking site does not have to be expensive
You do not need a complex, costly site to start: a simple page with an availability calendar, price and direct contact, reached through a QR code, is enough to begin building an alternative channel, to grow over time with your own reviews and word of mouth.
How long before you see real results
Building a credible direct channel typically takes months, not weeks. The first direct bookings almost always come from guests you already have, while organic traffic to a direct booking page grows gradually as you collect your own reviews and word of mouth.
A common mistake to avoid from the start
Offering a lower price on the direct channel than on Booking can seem a good strategy, but some platforms explicitly forbid it (rate parity clauses) in host contracts. Better to offer a benefit other than price (such as late checkout or breakfast included) to differentiate the direct channel without breaching contractual agreements.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I pay in commissions every year?
It depends on the platform, your contract and your revenue. The commission calculator works it out and shows how much you could keep by moving part of your bookings to your own site.
Can I ask guests to book directly?
Yes, but with care for platform rules. A prudent way is a visible QR or card at the property, without soliciting the guest during a booking received through the platform. Always check each portal's current terms.
How do I avoid double bookings with several channels?
Connect your calendars: BoostWiFi reads the iCal calendars of Airbnb and Booking and connects to Smoobu, Beds24, Hostaway and Lodgify.
How do I receive direct payments?
With a website or booking page that accepts online payment or a deposit. See the page for short-term rentals and B&Bs, with a 14-day free trial.
What to do today in 3 steps
- Calculate how much you pay in commissions in a year.
- Prepare a direct booking page with the same stay rules.
- Put a QR code at the property for guests who want to return.
