Reduce OTA costs without losing profitable bookings
Reduce distribution costs by comparing net contribution per booking and developing a viable direct channel. Lower commission alone is not a reason to abandon a channel that brings profitable demand.
Calculate the actual channel contribution
For each source, record guest revenue, platform charges, payment costs, refunds and attributable marketing spend. Use your own contracts and invoices; there is no single commission rate that applies to every host, market and arrangement. Compare similar stays rather than mixing peak direct bookings with low-season OTA bookings.
Build the direct channel before relying on it
A booking website does not generate traffic on its own. Budget for search visibility, repeat guests and permitted communication. Lodgify offers website and booking tools; Hospitable documents direct-booking options that may involve fees. Include those costs and payment handling in your calculation.
Protect inventory and guest trust
Connect direct bookings to the same calendar as your OTAs and test a reservation, cancellation and refund. Keep clear guest terms and a support process. Review each platform’s terms before moving communications or bookings off-platform; a software feature does not override a marketplace contract.
What to verify in a trial
- Channel costs measured from actual invoices.
- Direct acquisition and payment costs included.
- Cancellation and refund workflow tested.
- Marketplace terms respected.
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Compare for my business →Related decisions
Use these guides to compare the next step in the same workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Are direct bookings free?
They can avoid an OTA commission but still incur software, payment, support and acquisition costs.
Should I leave Airbnb or Booking.com?
Only after assessing their net contribution and proving another source of suitable demand.
Official sources
Product scope was checked against these official pages. Plans, prices and territorial availability can change; confirm the offer for your operation. Our trial criteria are editorial recommendations.
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