Was Anyone Else on the Acorn Webinar today?

[gillumhouse]

It was a free for anyone webinar today about Goo gle practices and what they are doing to the industry. What an eye-opener!
If you, like me, are not on the OTAs, Goo is dicking around with how you show up (or don't). Web site buttons are missing in some views, every place using an OTA will show up first. Prices will be listed with some (OTA users) and no prices for the non-payers (not using OTA). The OTAs are paying fees to Goo.
for those of you who use Trip Connect - did you know that they pull your lowest price from wherever it is listed and show that as your price - NOT necessiarily what you post on Trip connect. they show your price and then in a box below that, show the lowest price available.
She showed screen shots. I took a LOT of screen shots from her presentation. And I thought it was just the couple thousand new hotel rooms and Air accounting for my downturn in reservations. Looks as if I can also thank Goo.

 

[Momma Smurf]

Essential viewing for ALL INNKEEPERS:
The webinar video can be found at this link, it's the first one listed (you will be required to enter the password to access the video):
Webinar Link: http://ffa.acorn-is.com
Password: 2018FFAvideo

 

[dumitru]

Thank you for sharing the webinar. Goo did become quite evil in the past couple of years... Every dollar that they earn is taken from someone else's pocket... They actually don't create anything of value, they are simply the middle man in the global economy.

 

[Generic]

Thank you for sharing the webinar. Goo did become quite evil in the past couple of years... Every dollar that they earn is taken from someone else's pocket... They actually don't create anything of value, they are simply the middle man in the global economy..

And X, BK and TA are any different? They all want money from an industry where they do SFA. They don't own the property, manage the property, clean the property, service the property... they just want to turn traffic into cash... they are the entirely replaceable 15% off the top.

 

[dumitru]

Thank you for sharing the webinar. Goo did become quite evil in the past couple of years... Every dollar that they earn is taken from someone else's pocket... They actually don't create anything of value, they are simply the middle man in the global economy..

And X, BK and TA are any different? They all want money from an industry where they do SFA. They don't own the property, manage the property, clean the property, service the property... they just want to turn traffic into cash... they are the entirely replaceable 15% off the top.
.

I would argue for Boo's value. For example I use them as a convenient discovery tool. When we travel we usually are very flexible in regards to destination and amenities, so we look for something cool and interesting. This search wouldn't be very possible without Boo, as even via Goo I would have a tough time finding something interesting.
On Boo it takes me 20 minutes to plan a one week trip with numerous interesting locations.
I think that if you're doing really well and your Boo reviews rating is high, you can start compensating the commission by increasing the rates a little bit.

 

[Copperhead]

Very informative and deserves everyone's time.
Our industry is being singled out by Google.
Unlike any other business, Google does not allow us to write our own description with Google My Business.
(Note: lawyers can, and even STRs can according to this webinar)
Unlike any other business, Google does not allow us to create a post, even though we get emails asking us to do so.
They have changed their algorithm in their 3,4 and now sometimes 6 pack, as well as on Google maps to first promote businesses with OTA availability, even if the results provide only hotels instead of what the search request of "X city bed and breakfast" even when there are several B&Bs in the area.
We need the FTC to look into this matter. Now is the time. Please listen to the recording and then submit your survey. Your voice is needed NOW.

 

[Generic]

Thank you for sharing the webinar. Goo did become quite evil in the past couple of years... Every dollar that they earn is taken from someone else's pocket... They actually don't create anything of value, they are simply the middle man in the global economy..

And X, BK and TA are any different? They all want money from an industry where they do SFA. They don't own the property, manage the property, clean the property, service the property... they just want to turn traffic into cash... they are the entirely replaceable 15% off the top.
.

I would argue for Boo's value. For example I use them as a convenient discovery tool. When we travel we usually are very flexible in regards to destination and amenities, so we look for something cool and interesting. This search wouldn't be very possible without Boo, as even via Goo I would have a tough time finding something interesting.
On Boo it takes me 20 minutes to plan a one week trip with numerous interesting locations.
I think that if you're doing really well and your Boo reviews rating is high, you can start compensating the commission by increasing the rates a little bit.
.

The reason that I do BK is that I also get a fair amount of repeat direct business and sometimes even direct business from them.... since my terms with them are different than with direct bookings.
I would argue more for X's value, because they are the backend travel department for some corporations... so I get corporate bookings that might not see me, otherwise.