You’ve probably got a stunning vacation rental property, a real gem that’s just begging for guests to come and experience its charm.
Naturally, you’d list that on OTAs, which could bring you more bookings.
So, should you really have a Direct Booking System for your vacation rental?
Well, yes, any day!
Let’s see why.
- Say Goodbye to Commission Fees
Let’s cut to the chase – one of the biggest perks of a direct booking system is kissing goodbye to commission fees. When you list your property on popular booking sites, they take a chunk of your earnings. We’re talking anywhere from 15% to 25% of your booking.
That’s a lot of dough that could be lining your pockets instead.
With a direct booking system, you’re the captain of your ship.
You set the prices.
You collect the payments,
You keep every last penny.
It’s like finding money in your coat pocket, except it’s not just loose change – it’s a significant boost to your bottom line.
- Build Your Brand, Not Someone Else’s
When guests book through major platforms, they’re not forming a connection with your brand – they’re building loyalty to the booking site.
A direct booking system puts you center stage. It’s your chance to showcase your property’s unique personality, tell your story, and create a lasting impression on your guests.
You’re not just another listing in a sea of options; you’re a destination in your own right.
- Data is King
With a direct booking system, you’re the keeper of the keys to the data kingdom.
You’ll have access to valuable insights about your guests – their preferences, booking patterns, and contact details.
This treasure trove of information allows you to tailor your marketing efforts, personalize the guest experience, and build lasting relationships.
- Flexible All the Way
Though OTAs can fetch better visibility and bookings, they often have strict rules. They dictate your cancellation policies, payment terms, and sometimes, even your pricing.
On the other hand, a direct booking system gives you the freedom to bend and flex like a yoga master.
Want to offer a last-minute discount? Go for it.
Need to adjust your cancellation policy for a specific guest? No problem.
You’re in control, and you can tailor your offerings to suit your needs and those of your guests.
- Direct Communication
Using a middleman for bookings is like playing a game of telephone – messages can get garbled, and important details can be lost in translation. With a direct booking system, you’ve got a direct line to your guests.
This open channel of communication allows you to:
- provide top-notch customer service
- answer questions promptly
- build rapport with your guests before they even arrive.
It’s like having a backstage pass to your guests’ needs and expectations.
- Climb That Google Ladder
Here’s a little secret – having your own booking website can work wonders for your search engine optimization (SEO). When people search for vacation rentals in your area, you want your property to pop up faster.
With your own website and booking system, you can optimize your content, use local keywords, and improve your chances of appearing in those coveted top search results.
- Streamline Your Operations
A good direct booking system isn’t a lone wolf – it plays well with others. Many systems can integrate with your vacation rental property management software, channel managers, and even smart home devices.
This interconnectedness means less manual data entry, fewer booking errors, and more time for you to focus on providing an unforgettable guest experience.
Conclusion
Don’t get us wrong. OTAs are wonderful platforms to improve your vacation rental visibility and bookings. However, having a direct booking also gives you lots of advantages.
It puts more money in your pocket, gives you control over your brand and data, offers flexibility, improves communication, boosts your online presence, and streamlines your operations.
It’s not like you should disregard OTAs and rely on only a direct booking system. List on OTAs + keep a direct booking system.
The best bet here is to go with mr.alfred – our all-in-one vacation rental management software. It comes with both a direct booking engine as well as the option to list on OTAs. This could maximize your earnings and revenue. Plus, it has loads of other features as well such as Accounting, Multi-calendar, Task Management and more.
Feel free to contact us for more details
