How Removing Cleaning Fees Boosted This Host’s Airbnb Bookings by 25%
As an Airbnb host, you’re constantly looking for ways to increase bookings and improve guest satisfaction—especially if your rental numbers are dropping. In 2024, one host found a simple solution that boosted their bookings by 25%: removing cleaning fees entirely. If you're looking for a way to give your listings a competitive edge, this guide explains why eliminating cleaning fees could be the game-changer your Airbnb needs.
Why Remove Cleaning Fees?
Cleaning fees have been a sticking point for many Airbnb guests. While hosts often use these fees to cover the cost of professional cleaning or their own time, guests frequently feel like they’re being nickel-and-dimed with extra charges. In an era where travelers are tired of unexpected fees, transparent pricing is becoming increasingly important.
One host who experienced a significant drop in bookings—down by over 25%—decided to experiment by removing the cleaning fees and adjusting the nightly rate to cover the costs. The result? A 25% increase in bookings and a noticeable uptick in guest satisfaction.
The Strategy: No Cleaning Fees, No Hidden Costs
What they said: "We removed cleaning fees and added ‘NO CLEANING FEE OR BULLS**T GUEST CHORES’ to the beginning of our listing description. With our rentals down over 25% this year, we did some experimenting, and this has been a huge bump for us. We’ve had several guests tell us this is why they chose us over similar listings. Say what you want, but the math is working in our favor."
By eliminating cleaning fees and clearly communicating this in their listing, this host was able to attract guests who were specifically looking for a straightforward, no-fee stay. This kind of transparency is becoming a major selling point for travelers who are tired of being surprised by extra charges.
Guest Feedback: Why It Works
Guests increasingly prefer listings that don’t add fees on top of the nightly rate. It’s similar to the psychology behind free shipping in online shopping—people prefer all-inclusive pricing.
Top comment from a guest: "I would much prefer to see free shipping, and it’s just baked into the item’s cost. Same applies to booking a room. Just add some extra into the nightly rate, tell me no cleaning fee, and I’d be sold. I think it’s a genius idea as everyone is sick of extra fees these days."
This feedback highlights a growing trend: guests are more likely to book a property with no hidden fees, even if it costs a little more per night.
How to Remove Cleaning Fees Without Losing Money
If you’re concerned about losing out on cleaning costs, the solution is simple: adjust your nightly rate to account for the cleaning expense. Here’s how to do it:
Calculate Your Cleaning Costs: Determine how much you typically spend on cleaning, whether you hire a cleaner or handle it yourself. Divide that cost by the average number of nights per stay.
Increase Your Nightly Rate: Add the cleaning cost to your nightly rate. For example, if your usual cleaning fee is $100 and your average booking is five nights, you can add $20 per night. This spreads the cost over the stay without the need for a separate fee.
Promote It in Your Listing: Be clear and upfront in your listing description. Consider a line like, “No hidden cleaning fees—what you see is what you pay!” This kind of transparency appeals to guests and can help differentiate your property from others in your area.
Benefits of Removing Cleaning Fees
More Attractive Pricing: Guests are more likely to book when they don’t see extra fees tacked on at checkout. By rolling your cleaning costs into the nightly rate, you make your listing appear more affordable and straightforward.
Increased Transparency: Today’s travelers want simplicity and honesty. By removing cleaning fees, you show guests that your pricing is transparent, which builds trust and improves booking rates.
Better Guest Experience: Guests who don’t feel like they’re being charged extra for basic services are more likely to leave positive reviews. This host found that “No cleaning fee, no B.S. chores” led to happier guests and better overall reviews.
Stand Out from Competitors: In a market where many hosts still charge cleaning fees, eliminating these fees can give your listing a unique edge.
The Psychology Behind It: Why It Works
The psychology of removing cleaning fees is similar to offering free shipping in e-commerce. Guests prefer a straightforward, all-in-one price over seeing extra charges at checkout. Even if the total cost is the same (or slightly higher), guests feel better about booking when there are no surprises.
By removing cleaning fees, you create perceived value—guests believe they’re getting a better deal, which can tip the scale in your favor when they’re comparing listings.
Should You Remove Cleaning Fees?
While this strategy worked wonders for one host, it’s important to consider whether it’s right for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Length of Stay: If most of your guests stay only one or two nights, increasing your nightly rate to cover cleaning might make your listing seem too expensive. However, for longer stays, the cost spread over several nights is less noticeable.
Local Competition: Research other listings in your area. If most hosts are still charging cleaning fees, you might have an advantage by removing them. On the other hand, if competitors are already using this strategy, you may need to find other ways to differentiate your listing.
Your Target Market: If you cater to families, long-term guests, or vacationers, they’ll likely appreciate the no-fee model more than budget travelers who are simply looking for the lowest possible price.
Leverage This Strategy to Boost Your Airbnb Business
By removing cleaning fees and promoting a no-hidden-fees policy, you can attract more bookings, increase guest satisfaction, and improve your bottom line. Whether your goal is to boost occupancy or differentiate yourself from competitors, this strategy is worth considering.
Ready to take your hosting to the next level? Check out my Resource Shop for more tools, guides, and templates that will help you run your Airbnb like a pro. From guest communication scripts to comprehensive checklists, I’ve got everything you need to make your Airbnb business a success.
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