Direct bookings, no commission: how your property takes bookings directly
Published:
Short answer: the big platforms (Booking, Expedia, Airbnb) bring bookings but take a commission, usually around 15-20% per booking. Your own booking site lets you take reservations directly, keep the guest relationship and stop paying a commission on every night.
Why do the platforms cost you?
OTAs (online travel agencies) charge a commission on every booking they bring. For a property with good occupancy, that is thousands of euros a year leaving as commission. On top of that, guest communication runs through the platform, so you do not build your own customer relationship for repeat bookings.
What do you need for direct bookings?
- A site with an availability calendar and a booking form that closes the dates by itself.
- Secure online payment or a deposit, with confirmation to the guest.
- Sync with the OTA calendars, so you do not get a double booking.
- Good photos, clear prices and a cancellation policy.
How much do you really save?
Every direct booking is a booking with no commission. You do not have to leave the platforms: the goal is to shift a share of bookings to your own channel. Even if 2-3 in 10 bookings become direct, the yearly difference easily covers the cost of a booking site.
At ITHACA we build direct-booking sites for accommodations, with your own branding, calendar, payments and sync — and with support in Greek.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to leave Booking?
No. The booking site works alongside the platforms. With calendar sync you avoid double bookings and simply gain a commission-free channel.
How do I avoid double bookings?
With sync (iCal/channel) between your site and the platforms: when a date is booked somewhere, it closes everywhere.