What You Don’t Know About TripAdvisor

[2cat_lady]

One of the associations I belong to are strong TA supporters. At one of our last meetings, they basically said, if you're not on TA yet, run--don't walk--and get yourself listed. Apparently, we are nothing without reviews on TA in this neck of the woods.
How do you fight that? Thankfully, I haven't been burned yet. Don't have a business listing, just pay per click and it's worked out so far. No bogus reviews and the reviews I've got, I'll keep. Even though some of the reviews are aliases, I know exactly every single guest that has posted by the timeline and what they say, so they're all 'real'.
Just dancing with the Devil here.

 

[Lee2014]

Excellent and eye-opening (and disturbing) article.
You know, the first thing a business school teaches about starting a successful business is to "identify a need and then fill that need".
There is obviously a need in the small bed and breakfast industry for an advertising platform specifically designed for small business bed and breakfasts that doesn't strip the business owner of what little profit their HARD labor produces. We have our target market (travelers who prefer the bed and breakfast experience over the corporate hotel). You would think that some business savvy techie type person could put together a business model for such a platform that would be a win-win for everyone; something that the majority of bed and breakfast businesses could get behind and support. Of course, if it was very successful, TA would come along and offer a too-good-to-refuse buyout for that company just as they have all the others.
Just thinking as I write - why couldn't the bed and breakfast owners themselves go together and build such a platform - jointly owned by the owners themselves? Then there is no risk of sellout. I could see that site growing into the go-to site for travelers who want to stay in a B&B. The B&B industry is large enough and there are enough intelligent and talented people within the industry to pull something like this off if everyone could get on the same page..

InnRewards.com!

 

[Generic]

Back to the topic - is there anything we can do as small business owners?

• Stop paying for a listing
• Stop asking for reviews
• Remove the badges from our websites
• Remove the links in the badges, but leave the badges
• Remove the decals they send us
• Don't post the award certificates they send

Our does that just mean we lose?

I know lots of small innkeepers say they pay zero attention to ta, but is that relative to where they're located?

Little or no competition in the area and you're at the top of the list if someone is searching. And the shorter the list the faster you drop with a bad review.

So what can we do?.

I don't provide ANY links to TripAdvisor. If they charge me to link... I charge them to link. I don't put up my badges, etc. Don't have the decals on the doors. I do display my certificate.. but just one... I don't show them year from year.... and if it isn't a full 5, I don't show it.

 

[TheBeachHouse]

Back to the topic - is there anything we can do as small business owners?

• Stop paying for a listing
• Stop asking for reviews
• Remove the badges from our websites
• Remove the links in the badges, but leave the badges
• Remove the decals they send us
• Don't post the award certificates they send

Our does that just mean we lose?

I know lots of small innkeepers say they pay zero attention to ta, but is that relative to where they're located?

Little or no competition in the area and you're at the top of the list if someone is searching. And the shorter the list the faster you drop with a bad review.

So what can we do?.

How would it look to include a page in the welcome book that says something along the lines of, "Book Directly! - remember, when you book your room, table or tour directly with the small business, you save ensure that your entire payment goes to them, rather than to an anonymous booking agent."
Or something. Can someone turn that around to be more positive?
I know that once people are reading their welcome book, they've already booked, but there is always 'next time.'

 

[Morticia]

Back to the topic - is there anything we can do as small business owners?

• Stop paying for a listing
• Stop asking for reviews
• Remove the badges from our websites
• Remove the links in the badges, but leave the badges
• Remove the decals they send us
• Don't post the award certificates they send

Our does that just mean we lose?

I know lots of small innkeepers say they pay zero attention to ta, but is that relative to where they're located?

Little or no competition in the area and you're at the top of the list if someone is searching. And the shorter the list the faster you drop with a bad review.

So what can we do?.

How would it look to include a page in the welcome book that says something along the lines of, "Book Directly! - remember, when you book your room, table or tour directly with the small business, you save ensure that your entire payment goes to them, rather than to an anonymous booking agent."
Or something. Can someone turn that around to be more positive?
I know that once people are reading their welcome book, they've already booked, but there is always 'next time.'
.

Put it under a 'buy local' banner. A lot of people have seen that logo before.
It's not a bad idea.
'Book direct and save! No fees! Your email doesn't get sold!'
It's easy to understand why people use big engines - everything in one place, put your info in once and 'all' available rooms pop up.
No one realizes we pay a commission to have our properties on those OTA s. They think, like credit card rewards, that those OTA s are doing it out of the goodness of their hearts.

 

[Hillbilly]

Back to the topic - is there anything we can do as small business owners?

• Stop paying for a listing
• Stop asking for reviews
• Remove the badges from our websites
• Remove the links in the badges, but leave the badges
• Remove the decals they send us
• Don't post the award certificates they send

Our does that just mean we lose?

I know lots of small innkeepers say they pay zero attention to ta, but is that relative to where they're located?

Little or no competition in the area and you're at the top of the list if someone is searching. And the shorter the list the faster you drop with a bad review.

So what can we do?.

Warning some will be upset at this comment. Don't take it personal. I have the flu and I'm on meds so here we go.
Every time an Innkeepr lists with one of these companies it's just adding fuel to the fire. You asentually are dependent on them to book your rooms. Why because you feel they do a better job at it than you do. They are willing to do the effort you are to lazy to do your selves.
You no longer want to do your own marketing and get your own customers. This big sites are getting bigger and more powerful because you are allowing them to. You no longer are in control of your customers. You are a customer to your own business. The big boys own you. You work for them. Sorry but it's true. You depend on Mommy and Daddy to feed you. (Hotels, TA. Expedia...) They feed your business to you. They are slowly and vastly moving towards their grand prize. Some day, channeling most reservations that are made in the world through them. Ten they distribute those to the properties who are willing to pay the most for them. Why? Because you are allowing them too. Everyone who uploads an available room to them is basically telling them "I can't rent it will you do it for me?" The more you become dependent on them the more they will take from you. So basically your either with them or against them. Either way is fine. How you run your business or decide on how you get customers is your business. Just remember who you work for! You can only decide that!

 

[Lee2014]

Back to the topic - is there anything we can do as small business owners?

• Stop paying for a listing
• Stop asking for reviews
• Remove the badges from our websites
• Remove the links in the badges, but leave the badges
• Remove the decals they send us
• Don't post the award certificates they send

Our does that just mean we lose?

I know lots of small innkeepers say they pay zero attention to ta, but is that relative to where they're located?

Little or no competition in the area and you're at the top of the list if someone is searching. And the shorter the list the faster you drop with a bad review.

So what can we do?.

Warning some will be upset at this comment. Don't take it personal. I have the flu and I'm on meds so here we go.
Every time an Innkeepr lists with one of these companies it's just adding fuel to the fire. You asentually are dependent on them to book your rooms. Why because you feel they do a better job at it than you do. They are willing to do the effort you are to lazy to do your selves.
You no longer want to do your own marketing and get your own customers. This big sites are getting bigger and more powerful because you are allowing them to. You no longer are in control of your customers. You are a customer to your own business. The big boys own you. You work for them. Sorry but it's true. You depend on Mommy and Daddy to feed you. (Hotels, TA. Expedia...) They feed your business to you. They are slowly and vastly moving towards their grand prize. Some day, channeling most reservations that are made in the world through them. Ten they distribute those to the properties who are willing to pay the most for them. Why? Because you are allowing them too. Everyone who uploads an available room to them is basically telling them "I can't rent it will you do it for me?" The more you become dependent on them the more they will take from you. So basically your either with them or against them. Either way is fine. How you run your business or decide on how you get customers is your business. Just remember who you work for! You can only decide that!
.

Yeah! Preach it, Hillbilly!

 

[gillumhouse]

Does anyone know how to get a closed b&b off of TA?.

My friend in Toronto, Ohio closed her B & B at least 5 years ago. SHE contacted TA to say We Closed! I went in in Dec 2014 because she was still getting calls for bookings (actually more than when she was open at times) and posted this review. I just checked and it is the only thing in reviews, but the listing is still there as if she was open.
“Hilltop Haven Bed & Breakfast is CLOSED”
5 of 5 starsReviewed December 24, 2014
This was a wonderful B & B with great innkeepers however they closed at least 2 years ago. She retired to spend more time at the lake with her family. Those who failed to stay there missed a wonderful experience. Some areas have been marked inconsistant with the fact they closed 2 years ago - that is only so the review will go through.
Stayed January 2014, traveled solo
UPDATE: I just got an e-mail from TA suggesting I book at Hilltop Haven in Toronto, Ohio. It told me they have 1 review. How interesting.

 

[Breakfast Diva]

Back to the topic - is there anything we can do as small business owners?

• Stop paying for a listing
• Stop asking for reviews
• Remove the badges from our websites
• Remove the links in the badges, but leave the badges
• Remove the decals they send us
• Don't post the award certificates they send

Our does that just mean we lose?

I know lots of small innkeepers say they pay zero attention to ta, but is that relative to where they're located?

Little or no competition in the area and you're at the top of the list if someone is searching. And the shorter the list the faster you drop with a bad review.

So what can we do?.

Warning some will be upset at this comment. Don't take it personal. I have the flu and I'm on meds so here we go.
Every time an Innkeepr lists with one of these companies it's just adding fuel to the fire. You asentually are dependent on them to book your rooms. Why because you feel they do a better job at it than you do. They are willing to do the effort you are to lazy to do your selves.
You no longer want to do your own marketing and get your own customers. This big sites are getting bigger and more powerful because you are allowing them to. You no longer are in control of your customers. You are a customer to your own business. The big boys own you. You work for them. Sorry but it's true. You depend on Mommy and Daddy to feed you. (Hotels, TA. Expedia...) They feed your business to you. They are slowly and vastly moving towards their grand prize. Some day, channeling most reservations that are made in the world through them. Ten they distribute those to the properties who are willing to pay the most for them. Why? Because you are allowing them too. Everyone who uploads an available room to them is basically telling them "I can't rent it will you do it for me?" The more you become dependent on them the more they will take from you. So basically your either with them or against them. Either way is fine. How you run your business or decide on how you get customers is your business. Just remember who you work for! You can only decide that!
.

I couldn't agree more! I'm one of the last holdouts. No OTAs here and just a few air reservations at 3% commission. I have a lower occupancy than I used to, probably because I'm not on OTAs but I've more than made up for it by concentrating on increasing revenue rather than occupancy. At least every penny I make I get to keep...along with Uncle Sam.
I know that not everyone is in my position and location can make a big difference, but this is my story and I'm sticking to it

 

[gillumhouse]

Back to the topic - is there anything we can do as small business owners?

• Stop paying for a listing
• Stop asking for reviews
• Remove the badges from our websites
• Remove the links in the badges, but leave the badges
• Remove the decals they send us
• Don't post the award certificates they send

Our does that just mean we lose?

I know lots of small innkeepers say they pay zero attention to ta, but is that relative to where they're located?

Little or no competition in the area and you're at the top of the list if someone is searching. And the shorter the list the faster you drop with a bad review.

So what can we do?.

Warning some will be upset at this comment. Don't take it personal. I have the flu and I'm on meds so here we go.
Every time an Innkeepr lists with one of these companies it's just adding fuel to the fire. You asentually are dependent on them to book your rooms. Why because you feel they do a better job at it than you do. They are willing to do the effort you are to lazy to do your selves.
You no longer want to do your own marketing and get your own customers. This big sites are getting bigger and more powerful because you are allowing them to. You no longer are in control of your customers. You are a customer to your own business. The big boys own you. You work for them. Sorry but it's true. You depend on Mommy and Daddy to feed you. (Hotels, TA. Expedia...) They feed your business to you. They are slowly and vastly moving towards their grand prize. Some day, channeling most reservations that are made in the world through them. Ten they distribute those to the properties who are willing to pay the most for them. Why? Because you are allowing them too. Everyone who uploads an available room to them is basically telling them "I can't rent it will you do it for me?" The more you become dependent on them the more they will take from you. So basically your either with them or against them. Either way is fine. How you run your business or decide on how you get customers is your business. Just remember who you work for! You can only decide that!
.

I totally agree. I have been banging the drum of "They are pooling YOUR money with the other commission money to outbid you with your OWN marketing." All the little places around the world are feeding the beast. Many do not want to admit they are "working for the man" but when they determine policies (or change yours at will), tell YOU how you will communicate with "their" guests, and a cancellation or change in the reservation must be done though them - you are working for the man. You are just the vendor providing their service.
www.innrewards.com has NO fees and YOU are in control of what is posted on your listing, including what the reward is and who gets it.

 

[JBloggs]

Back to the topic - is there anything we can do as small business owners?

• Stop paying for a listing
• Stop asking for reviews
• Remove the badges from our websites
• Remove the links in the badges, but leave the badges
• Remove the decals they send us
• Don't post the award certificates they send

Our does that just mean we lose?

I know lots of small innkeepers say they pay zero attention to ta, but is that relative to where they're located?

Little or no competition in the area and you're at the top of the list if someone is searching. And the shorter the list the faster you drop with a bad review.

So what can we do?.

Warning some will be upset at this comment. Don't take it personal. I have the flu and I'm on meds so here we go.
Every time an Innkeepr lists with one of these companies it's just adding fuel to the fire. You asentually are dependent on them to book your rooms. Why because you feel they do a better job at it than you do. They are willing to do the effort you are to lazy to do your selves.
You no longer want to do your own marketing and get your own customers. This big sites are getting bigger and more powerful because you are allowing them to. You no longer are in control of your customers. You are a customer to your own business. The big boys own you. You work for them. Sorry but it's true. You depend on Mommy and Daddy to feed you. (Hotels, TA. Expedia...) They feed your business to you. They are slowly and vastly moving towards their grand prize. Some day, channeling most reservations that are made in the world through them. Ten they distribute those to the properties who are willing to pay the most for them. Why? Because you are allowing them too. Everyone who uploads an available room to them is basically telling them "I can't rent it will you do it for me?" The more you become dependent on them the more they will take from you. So basically your either with them or against them. Either way is fine. How you run your business or decide on how you get customers is your business. Just remember who you work for! You can only decide that!
.

And I just saw this in a google alert:
Village of Lake George passes bed and breakfast law
Glens Falls Post-Star
LAKE GEORGE | The Village Board has passed a law that will require bed and breakfast owners to live at their businesses. The measure was debated ...
And so we have all these regulations, airBnB doesn't follow any of them, and we follow them and get the shaft by those powers that be, and feed into the sharing economy, the directories who suck the life out of everyone.
It is only a matter of time until TA lists these air listings, but at the moment they have their own little "homestay network/directory"
Which is why when a newbie shows up here and asks a simple question, there is no simple answer. If you want to OPEN A B&B, be prepared to either pay out BIG or do it all yourself to keep yourself afloat. There is no sugar daddy in this business, if you want to be listed, open a vein and let the blood suckers take a good long drink.
My money is on doing it all yourself, run the business how you want to run it. Even if it kills you doing it.

 

[Flower]

Back to the topic - is there anything we can do as small business owners?

• Stop paying for a listing
• Stop asking for reviews
• Remove the badges from our websites
• Remove the links in the badges, but leave the badges
• Remove the decals they send us
• Don't post the award certificates they send

Our does that just mean we lose?

I know lots of small innkeepers say they pay zero attention to ta, but is that relative to where they're located?

Little or no competition in the area and you're at the top of the list if someone is searching. And the shorter the list the faster you drop with a bad review.

So what can we do?.

Warning some will be upset at this comment. Don't take it personal. I have the flu and I'm on meds so here we go.
Every time an Innkeepr lists with one of these companies it's just adding fuel to the fire. You asentually are dependent on them to book your rooms. Why because you feel they do a better job at it than you do. They are willing to do the effort you are to lazy to do your selves.
You no longer want to do your own marketing and get your own customers. This big sites are getting bigger and more powerful because you are allowing them to. You no longer are in control of your customers. You are a customer to your own business. The big boys own you. You work for them. Sorry but it's true. You depend on Mommy and Daddy to feed you. (Hotels, TA. Expedia...) They feed your business to you. They are slowly and vastly moving towards their grand prize. Some day, channeling most reservations that are made in the world through them. Ten they distribute those to the properties who are willing to pay the most for them. Why? Because you are allowing them too. Everyone who uploads an available room to them is basically telling them "I can't rent it will you do it for me?" The more you become dependent on them the more they will take from you. So basically your either with them or against them. Either way is fine. How you run your business or decide on how you get customers is your business. Just remember who you work for! You can only decide that!
.

I could not of agree with you more. It has been my opinion for years .
It is even worse that they allow people to post reviews under pen names.
If they can't use their real name is the review honest? Are you a believer?
There are other venues to advertise .
I am having a new web site built and there is not going to be any badges up for any OTAs . I found out the hard way they are not the people I want in my beds. They just suck you dry. Even in slow season they are not any better then what you can do your self. We are a group of people who can help with making you stronger.

 

[Lee2014]

Back to the topic - is there anything we can do as small business owners?

• Stop paying for a listing
• Stop asking for reviews
• Remove the badges from our websites
• Remove the links in the badges, but leave the badges
• Remove the decals they send us
• Don't post the award certificates they send

Our does that just mean we lose?

I know lots of small innkeepers say they pay zero attention to ta, but is that relative to where they're located?

Little or no competition in the area and you're at the top of the list if someone is searching. And the shorter the list the faster you drop with a bad review.

So what can we do?.

Warning some will be upset at this comment. Don't take it personal. I have the flu and I'm on meds so here we go.
Every time an Innkeepr lists with one of these companies it's just adding fuel to the fire. You asentually are dependent on them to book your rooms. Why because you feel they do a better job at it than you do. They are willing to do the effort you are to lazy to do your selves.
You no longer want to do your own marketing and get your own customers. This big sites are getting bigger and more powerful because you are allowing them to. You no longer are in control of your customers. You are a customer to your own business. The big boys own you. You work for them. Sorry but it's true. You depend on Mommy and Daddy to feed you. (Hotels, TA. Expedia...) They feed your business to you. They are slowly and vastly moving towards their grand prize. Some day, channeling most reservations that are made in the world through them. Ten they distribute those to the properties who are willing to pay the most for them. Why? Because you are allowing them too. Everyone who uploads an available room to them is basically telling them "I can't rent it will you do it for me?" The more you become dependent on them the more they will take from you. So basically your either with them or against them. Either way is fine. How you run your business or decide on how you get customers is your business. Just remember who you work for! You can only decide that!
.

And I just saw this in a google alert:
Village of Lake George passes bed and breakfast law
Glens Falls Post-Star
LAKE GEORGE | The Village Board has passed a law that will require bed and breakfast owners to live at their businesses. The measure was debated ...
And so we have all these regulations, airBnB doesn't follow any of them, and we follow them and get the shaft by those powers that be, and feed into the sharing economy, the directories who suck the life out of everyone.
It is only a matter of time until TA lists these air listings, but at the moment they have their own little "homestay network/directory"
Which is why when a newbie shows up here and asks a simple question, there is no simple answer. If you want to OPEN A B&B, be prepared to either pay out BIG or do it all yourself to keep yourself afloat. There is no sugar daddy in this business, if you want to be listed, open a vein and let the blood suckers take a good long drink.
My money is on doing it all yourself, run the business how you want to run it. Even if it kills you doing it.
.

And I just saw this in a google alert:
Village of Lake George passes bed and breakfast law
Glens Falls Post-Star
LAKE GEORGE | The Village Board has passed a law that will require bed and breakfast owners to live at their businesses. The measure was debated ...

This was in the article as well.
"Blais and others said the change would tighten the code and prevent people from skirting the short-term rental ban in residential mixed-use zones where short-term rentals are not allowed but bed and breakfast businesses are if a special-use permit is obtained.
Proponents of the change said someone could get an approval for a bed and breakfast in that zone, not live in the house and rent it out as an illegal vacation home when they are not there."

 

[EmptyNest]

Back to the topic - is there anything we can do as small business owners?

• Stop paying for a listing
• Stop asking for reviews
• Remove the badges from our websites
• Remove the links in the badges, but leave the badges
• Remove the decals they send us
• Don't post the award certificates they send

Our does that just mean we lose?

I know lots of small innkeepers say they pay zero attention to ta, but is that relative to where they're located?

Little or no competition in the area and you're at the top of the list if someone is searching. And the shorter the list the faster you drop with a bad review.

So what can we do?.

Warning some will be upset at this comment. Don't take it personal. I have the flu and I'm on meds so here we go.
Every time an Innkeepr lists with one of these companies it's just adding fuel to the fire. You asentually are dependent on them to book your rooms. Why because you feel they do a better job at it than you do. They are willing to do the effort you are to lazy to do your selves.
You no longer want to do your own marketing and get your own customers. This big sites are getting bigger and more powerful because you are allowing them to. You no longer are in control of your customers. You are a customer to your own business. The big boys own you. You work for them. Sorry but it's true. You depend on Mommy and Daddy to feed you. (Hotels, TA. Expedia...) They feed your business to you. They are slowly and vastly moving towards their grand prize. Some day, channeling most reservations that are made in the world through them. Ten they distribute those to the properties who are willing to pay the most for them. Why? Because you are allowing them too. Everyone who uploads an available room to them is basically telling them "I can't rent it will you do it for me?" The more you become dependent on them the more they will take from you. So basically your either with them or against them. Either way is fine. How you run your business or decide on how you get customers is your business. Just remember who you work for! You can only decide that!
.

Ok where is there a LIKE button here?? I agree with all of you. If I were still an innkeeper it would be me all the way just like JB says. No OTAs I would be keeping every penny of my hard earned money!

 

[Lee2014]

Back to the topic - is there anything we can do as small business owners?

• Stop paying for a listing
• Stop asking for reviews
• Remove the badges from our websites
• Remove the links in the badges, but leave the badges
• Remove the decals they send us
• Don't post the award certificates they send

Our does that just mean we lose?

I know lots of small innkeepers say they pay zero attention to ta, but is that relative to where they're located?

Little or no competition in the area and you're at the top of the list if someone is searching. And the shorter the list the faster you drop with a bad review.

So what can we do?.

Warning some will be upset at this comment. Don't take it personal. I have the flu and I'm on meds so here we go.
Every time an Innkeepr lists with one of these companies it's just adding fuel to the fire. You asentually are dependent on them to book your rooms. Why because you feel they do a better job at it than you do. They are willing to do the effort you are to lazy to do your selves.
You no longer want to do your own marketing and get your own customers. This big sites are getting bigger and more powerful because you are allowing them to. You no longer are in control of your customers. You are a customer to your own business. The big boys own you. You work for them. Sorry but it's true. You depend on Mommy and Daddy to feed you. (Hotels, TA. Expedia...) They feed your business to you. They are slowly and vastly moving towards their grand prize. Some day, channeling most reservations that are made in the world through them. Ten they distribute those to the properties who are willing to pay the most for them. Why? Because you are allowing them too. Everyone who uploads an available room to them is basically telling them "I can't rent it will you do it for me?" The more you become dependent on them the more they will take from you. So basically your either with them or against them. Either way is fine. How you run your business or decide on how you get customers is your business. Just remember who you work for! You can only decide that!
.

Ok where is there a LIKE button here?? I agree with all of you. If I were still an innkeeper it would be me all the way just like JB says. No OTAs I would be keeping every penny of my hard earned money!
.

Ok where is there a LIKE button here?? I agree with all of you. If I were still an innkeeper it would be me all the way just like JB says. No OTAs I would be keeping every penny of my hard earned money!

Right here-

 

[Skamokawa]

Back to the topic - is there anything we can do as small business owners?

• Stop paying for a listing
• Stop asking for reviews
• Remove the badges from our websites
• Remove the links in the badges, but leave the badges
• Remove the decals they send us
• Don't post the award certificates they send

Our does that just mean we lose?

I know lots of small innkeepers say they pay zero attention to ta, but is that relative to where they're located?

Little or no competition in the area and you're at the top of the list if someone is searching. And the shorter the list the faster you drop with a bad review.

So what can we do?.

Warning some will be upset at this comment. Don't take it personal. I have the flu and I'm on meds so here we go.
Every time an Innkeepr lists with one of these companies it's just adding fuel to the fire. You asentually are dependent on them to book your rooms. Why because you feel they do a better job at it than you do. They are willing to do the effort you are to lazy to do your selves.
You no longer want to do your own marketing and get your own customers. This big sites are getting bigger and more powerful because you are allowing them to. You no longer are in control of your customers. You are a customer to your own business. The big boys own you. You work for them. Sorry but it's true. You depend on Mommy and Daddy to feed you. (Hotels, TA. Expedia...) They feed your business to you. They are slowly and vastly moving towards their grand prize. Some day, channeling most reservations that are made in the world through them. Ten they distribute those to the properties who are willing to pay the most for them. Why? Because you are allowing them too. Everyone who uploads an available room to them is basically telling them "I can't rent it will you do it for me?" The more you become dependent on them the more they will take from you. So basically your either with them or against them. Either way is fine. How you run your business or decide on how you get customers is your business. Just remember who you work for! You can only decide that!
.

Ok where is there a LIKE button here?? I agree with all of you. If I were still an innkeeper it would be me all the way just like JB says. No OTAs I would be keeping every penny of my hard earned money!
.

Ok where is there a LIKE button here?? I agree with all of you. If I were still an innkeeper it would be me all the way just like JB says. No OTAs I would be keeping every penny of my hard earned money!

Right here-

.

Agree with 'Nest. A couple of years ago I considered bk_ing but after finding out the commissions and the lack of control over your own listing, well -uh, no.
How do I search for lodging?
Put area and 'lodging', 'Bed and Breakfast', etc.. in the search box and go. I'll use TA to 'check it out', so to speak, with a grain or two of salt, but the best way to search seems still by area rather then the OTAs. OTAs: Ick. worst room guaranteed.
I hope that the more savvy will find us, not the OTA bottom feeders. Fingers crossed it seems to be working so far. (9th year)

 

[Skamokawa]

Back to the topic - is there anything we can do as small business owners?

• Stop paying for a listing
• Stop asking for reviews
• Remove the badges from our websites
• Remove the links in the badges, but leave the badges
• Remove the decals they send us
• Don't post the award certificates they send

Our does that just mean we lose?

I know lots of small innkeepers say they pay zero attention to ta, but is that relative to where they're located?

Little or no competition in the area and you're at the top of the list if someone is searching. And the shorter the list the faster you drop with a bad review.

So what can we do?.

Warning some will be upset at this comment. Don't take it personal. I have the flu and I'm on meds so here we go.
Every time an Innkeepr lists with one of these companies it's just adding fuel to the fire. You asentually are dependent on them to book your rooms. Why because you feel they do a better job at it than you do. They are willing to do the effort you are to lazy to do your selves.
You no longer want to do your own marketing and get your own customers. This big sites are getting bigger and more powerful because you are allowing them to. You no longer are in control of your customers. You are a customer to your own business. The big boys own you. You work for them. Sorry but it's true. You depend on Mommy and Daddy to feed you. (Hotels, TA. Expedia...) They feed your business to you. They are slowly and vastly moving towards their grand prize. Some day, channeling most reservations that are made in the world through them. Ten they distribute those to the properties who are willing to pay the most for them. Why? Because you are allowing them too. Everyone who uploads an available room to them is basically telling them "I can't rent it will you do it for me?" The more you become dependent on them the more they will take from you. So basically your either with them or against them. Either way is fine. How you run your business or decide on how you get customers is your business. Just remember who you work for! You can only decide that!
.

I couldn't agree more! I'm one of the last holdouts. No OTAs here and just a few air reservations at 3% commission. I have a lower occupancy than I used to, probably because I'm not on OTAs but I've more than made up for it by concentrating on increasing revenue rather than occupancy. At least every penny I make I get to keep...along with Uncle Sam.
I know that not everyone is in my position and location can make a big difference, but this is my story and I'm sticking to it

.

 

[Hillbilly]

So there needs to be a national day of OTA drop. If you want to make a change drop them. If you want to put a hurt on them, all of you drop them. Do a campaign and advertise that you all are planning this. Kinda like a walk out. That might make them wake up a little. If your business woke up one morning and you didn't have any guests on the books because of complaints you had against your business you might listen to them.

 

[Morticia]

Back to the topic - is there anything we can do as small business owners?

• Stop paying for a listing
• Stop asking for reviews
• Remove the badges from our websites
• Remove the links in the badges, but leave the badges
• Remove the decals they send us
• Don't post the award certificates they send

Our does that just mean we lose?

I know lots of small innkeepers say they pay zero attention to ta, but is that relative to where they're located?

Little or no competition in the area and you're at the top of the list if someone is searching. And the shorter the list the faster you drop with a bad review.

So what can we do?.

Warning some will be upset at this comment. Don't take it personal. I have the flu and I'm on meds so here we go.
Every time an Innkeepr lists with one of these companies it's just adding fuel to the fire. You asentually are dependent on them to book your rooms. Why because you feel they do a better job at it than you do. They are willing to do the effort you are to lazy to do your selves.
You no longer want to do your own marketing and get your own customers. This big sites are getting bigger and more powerful because you are allowing them to. You no longer are in control of your customers. You are a customer to your own business. The big boys own you. You work for them. Sorry but it's true. You depend on Mommy and Daddy to feed you. (Hotels, TA. Expedia...) They feed your business to you. They are slowly and vastly moving towards their grand prize. Some day, channeling most reservations that are made in the world through them. Ten they distribute those to the properties who are willing to pay the most for them. Why? Because you are allowing them too. Everyone who uploads an available room to them is basically telling them "I can't rent it will you do it for me?" The more you become dependent on them the more they will take from you. So basically your either with them or against them. Either way is fine. How you run your business or decide on how you get customers is your business. Just remember who you work for! You can only decide that!
.

Ok where is there a LIKE button here?? I agree with all of you. If I were still an innkeeper it would be me all the way just like JB says. No OTAs I would be keeping every penny of my hard earned money!
.

Ok where is there a LIKE button here?? I agree with all of you. If I were still an innkeeper it would be me all the way just like JB says. No OTAs I would be keeping every penny of my hard earned money!

Right here-

.

Agree with 'Nest. A couple of years ago I considered bk_ing but after finding out the commissions and the lack of control over your own listing, well -uh, no.
How do I search for lodging?
Put area and 'lodging', 'Bed and Breakfast', etc.. in the search box and go. I'll use TA to 'check it out', so to speak, with a grain or two of salt, but the best way to search seems still by area rather then the OTAs. OTAs: Ick. worst room guaranteed.
I hope that the more savvy will find us, not the OTA bottom feeders. Fingers crossed it seems to be working so far. (9th year)
.

"Worst room guaranteed"
That's in my confirmation email. But not in those words. ;-)
Because booking shows the guest a random photo, they think they're getting that room. They go on the website and look for that room. Oooo, nice. It has a fireplace. No, you're not getting a room with a fireplace at a reduced rate. You want the fireplace you pay the rate for that room.
Which is why booking doesn't get my updated photos. It's harder now to match the room on booking with the room on my website.

 

[Momma Smurf]

Back to the topic - is there anything we can do as small business owners?

• Stop paying for a listing
• Stop asking for reviews
• Remove the badges from our websites
• Remove the links in the badges, but leave the badges
• Remove the decals they send us
• Don't post the award certificates they send

Our does that just mean we lose?

I know lots of small innkeepers say they pay zero attention to ta, but is that relative to where they're located?

Little or no competition in the area and you're at the top of the list if someone is searching. And the shorter the list the faster you drop with a bad review.

So what can we do?.

Warning some will be upset at this comment. Don't take it personal. I have the flu and I'm on meds so here we go.
Every time an Innkeepr lists with one of these companies it's just adding fuel to the fire. You asentually are dependent on them to book your rooms. Why because you feel they do a better job at it than you do. They are willing to do the effort you are to lazy to do your selves.
You no longer want to do your own marketing and get your own customers. This big sites are getting bigger and more powerful because you are allowing them to. You no longer are in control of your customers. You are a customer to your own business. The big boys own you. You work for them. Sorry but it's true. You depend on Mommy and Daddy to feed you. (Hotels, TA. Expedia...) They feed your business to you. They are slowly and vastly moving towards their grand prize. Some day, channeling most reservations that are made in the world through them. Ten they distribute those to the properties who are willing to pay the most for them. Why? Because you are allowing them too. Everyone who uploads an available room to them is basically telling them "I can't rent it will you do it for me?" The more you become dependent on them the more they will take from you. So basically your either with them or against them. Either way is fine. How you run your business or decide on how you get customers is your business. Just remember who you work for! You can only decide that!
.

Ok where is there a LIKE button here?? I agree with all of you. If I were still an innkeeper it would be me all the way just like JB says. No OTAs I would be keeping every penny of my hard earned money!
.

Ok where is there a LIKE button here?? I agree with all of you. If I were still an innkeeper it would be me all the way just like JB says. No OTAs I would be keeping every penny of my hard earned money!

Right here-

.

Agree with 'Nest. A couple of years ago I considered bk_ing but after finding out the commissions and the lack of control over your own listing, well -uh, no.
How do I search for lodging?
Put area and 'lodging', 'Bed and Breakfast', etc.. in the search box and go. I'll use TA to 'check it out', so to speak, with a grain or two of salt, but the best way to search seems still by area rather then the OTAs. OTAs: Ick. worst room guaranteed.
I hope that the more savvy will find us, not the OTA bottom feeders. Fingers crossed it seems to be working so far. (9th year)
.

And chances are some of those OTAs bottom feeders are the worst guests guaranteed.