Introducing Houfy Price Comparison: Boost Your Bookings and Revenue

In the competitive vacation rental industry, platforms like Airbnb and VRBO take a big chunk of the profit pie while charging hefty service fees. As a vacation rental host, standing out and attracting direct bookings for your properties can become increasingly challenging. This is where Houfy's price comparison comes into the frame to give you a competitive edge.

If you're a Houfy host with listings on popular OTAs, you can now compare prices across different platforms to help your guests pick the most affordable option. This innovative feature highlights Houfy's affordability, ultimately driving more direct bookings to your vacation rentals. Let's delve deeper into how this works!

What is Houfy?

Houfy is a direct booking marketplace that connects guests with homeowners without middlemen. With a vision to revolutionize the hospitality industry, Houfy works transparently, encouraging direct communication for more personalized service. The platform has no booking fees or hidden commissions, making it a cost-efficient alternative to prominent OTAs.

How Does Houfy Price Comparison Work?

Houfy's new price comparison feature allows guests to compare nightly rates for the same property on different booking sites based on their selected dates and the number of guests. Thanks to Houfy's zero commissions, this feature inevitably highlights the platform as the most affordable option, urging visitors to book directly. Here's how it works:

1. Hosts list their properties: if you're a Houfy host, ensure your listings are up-to-date and your prices competitive.
2. Guests search for a rental on Houfy: they select their travel dates, location, and number of visitors and get matched with relevant Houfy properties.
3. Guests compare prices: through Houfy price comparison, guests can view what prices they'd pay if they booked the same property on Airbnb or VRBO (usually much higher prices due to service fees).
4. They book directly and save: guests opt for the direct booking process through Houfy, saving money and ensuring a more personalized service.

Houfy price comparison for property owners

How Can Hosts Benefit From Houfy Price Comparison?

Here are the most important benefits Houfy price comparison offers to hosts:

1. Increased Visibility

Hosts can easily differentiate from the competition, highlighting their affordability and value. At the same time, they position themselves as trusted providers in the vacation rental market, ultimately attracting more guests.

2. Enhanced Transparency

Guests can instantly see the cost difference between Houfy and other booking sites, creating a transparent and trusted environment. This helps them understand precisely what they're paying for and how much they save from a direct booking site. The result? Higher satisfaction and more reservations.

3. More Bookings

Houfy price comparison helps guests get a clearer picture of the platform's price perks, increasing conversion rates. Guests are willing to save those extra dimes for their actual vacation and are happy to support a booking platform that doesn't charge hefty commissions.

4. Higher Revenue

More bookings mean more revenue. Not only do you earn more from reservations, but you also save from host service fees on OTAs. This means more rental income stays in your pocket, increasing your profitability and occupancy rates. It's a win-win for both you and your guests.

Connecting properties directly with guests

How Can I Activate Houfy Price Comparison for My Listings?

You must have a verified Houfy listing and an active Airbnb/VRBO/Homeaway account to activate price comparison. You can easily add your Airbnb or VRBO URL to your listing from Manage listings > Edit listing > Photos or at Edit listing > Reviews.

Why is My Houfy Price Comparison Not Working?

Here are the most common reasons why your Houfy price comparison doesn't work:

1. You haven't yet connected your Airbnb or VRBO listings with Houfy: follow the instructions on this Airbnb and VRBO guide to find your URLs, and paste them at:
• Edit listing > Reviews
• Edit listing > Settings > Contact
• Edit listing > Verifications
2. You have hidden or removed your VRBO or Airbnb listings: you'll need to re-activate them or remove their URLs from Houfy by following the same steps above.
3. You haven't synchronized your calendars: your dates aren't available on VRBO or Airbnb but are available on Houfy. Check our guide for calendar synchronization.
4. You've added short URLs: short URLs like airbnb.com/h/abcd won't work. Your URL must contain your Airbnb or VRBO listing number, such as airbnb.com/rooms/1212313123.

Guests book directly without agent fees through Houfy's social marketplace

How to Maximize the Benefits of Houfy Price Comparison?

Houfy price comparison is a step closer to securing more bookings for your vacation homes while retaining higher earnings. As a Houfy host, there are still things you can do to encourage guests to book directly:

• Set competitive rates: regularly review your pricing strategy to ensure your rates are competitive. Seasonality, supply and demand, property characteristics, and local events can influence your nightly rates. Houfy integrates with pricing software PriceLabs to help you make the most of your Houfy property even during low season.
• Highlight guest savings: emphasize the costs guests save when booking directly in your listing descriptions, direct booking site, blog, or social media. Create awareness of the cost efficiency for both guests and hosts and increase visibility for your real estate properties.
• Spread word of mouth: every time you accept Airbnb/VRBO guests to your vacation rental properties, let them know of the perks of booking directly through the Houfy community. Encourage them to book their next stay through Houfy and save money from future OTA fees.

Booking vacation homes directly with Houfy

Increase Direct Bookings With Houfy Price Comparison

In conclusion, Houfy's new price comparison feature is a step closer to promoting your vacation rentals and increasing revenue. By booking directly through Houfy, both guests and hosts save money while ensuring more personalized communication without third parties. As a Houfy host, you can stand out in the crowded rental marketplace and watch your bookings and income soar.

If you're not on Houfy yet, join a community of over 15,000 hosts who took the leap before you and become part of the direct booking movement. Regain control of your business and boost your independence as a property owner. Your house, your rules! List your property today.