There are numerous ways to book a vacation these days. Besides booking engines, which often charge exorbitant fees to the accommodation provider, there are booking platforms that fit the definition of the "sharing economy". Think Couch Surfing. True sharing economy websites do not have fees attached, for either the vacationer, or the accommodation provider, and are a matchmaking service. They find other ways to monetize the site.
There is a creep happening. Now there are websites that allow the vacationer to book stays in private homes. They do financial capture for the provider. The provider pays a % of the fees for the privilege of having the match made, and the money captured. Now everyone can be a hotelier!
Just to let you know, private homes are not regulated to industry standards. There is no requirement to test water, and ensure it's fitness for human consumption. There is no coverage under the Innkeeper's Act (if you leave something behind, it can be thrown away or liquidated at the home owner's discretion, for instance). In that accommodation is not rocket science, this maybe seems like a lower cost alternative to licenced properties, which must submit to inspections and maintain a safe environment. There are now no less than 20 community college courses that cover the operations of tourism properties. These courses have been instituted for public safety since I purchased this property in 1989.
I won't mention any names of sites here, but I am sure the savvy digital vacationer is aware of various of these types of websites/booking engines. Just in case you thought this was "sharing", be aware that some large Silicon Valley effort is making millions on your choice. Like a bank, they only take a few bucks from each participant. They take millions of $$ from the accommodation industry though.
You get what you pay for. When the bottom falls out, you may not have many choices left of where to stay. Market forces are always shifting the landscape in all industries. Of course, things change in every industry over time. However, this is not a level playing field. These "sharing" sites have all of the advantages, and none of the costs. Consider choosing a dentist, financial advisor, or restaurant this way. Maybe you see my point?
There is a creep happening. Now there are websites that allow the vacationer to book stays in private homes. They do financial capture for the provider. The provider pays a % of the fees for the privilege of having the match made, and the money captured. Now everyone can be a hotelier!
Just to let you know, private homes are not regulated to industry standards. There is no requirement to test water, and ensure it's fitness for human consumption. There is no coverage under the Innkeeper's Act (if you leave something behind, it can be thrown away or liquidated at the home owner's discretion, for instance). In that accommodation is not rocket science, this maybe seems like a lower cost alternative to licenced properties, which must submit to inspections and maintain a safe environment. There are now no less than 20 community college courses that cover the operations of tourism properties. These courses have been instituted for public safety since I purchased this property in 1989.
I won't mention any names of sites here, but I am sure the savvy digital vacationer is aware of various of these types of websites/booking engines. Just in case you thought this was "sharing", be aware that some large Silicon Valley effort is making millions on your choice. Like a bank, they only take a few bucks from each participant. They take millions of $$ from the accommodation industry though.
You get what you pay for. When the bottom falls out, you may not have many choices left of where to stay. Market forces are always shifting the landscape in all industries. Of course, things change in every industry over time. However, this is not a level playing field. These "sharing" sites have all of the advantages, and none of the costs. Consider choosing a dentist, financial advisor, or restaurant this way. Maybe you see my point?
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