Expedia is a leading online travel agency (OTA) that connects hotels with potential guests, offering a convenient platform for travellers to book accommodations. As a hotel owner, it’s essential to understand the commission rates Expedia charges and how they impact your business’s revenue and profitability. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of Expedia’s commission scheme, its pros and cons, and what you need to know as a hotelier.

How Expedia’s Commission Scheme Works

Expedia operates on a commission-based model, wherein hotels pay a percentage of the total booking value for each reservation made through the platform. This commission covers Expedia’s marketing efforts, customer service, and the technology infrastructure that supports the booking process.

Commission rates vary depending on factors such as your property’s location, the agreement you have with Expedia, and your participation in any special programs or promotions. Generally, commission rates range from 15% to 30%, with the average being around 20%.

Types of Commissions

There are several types of commissions that hotels might be charged by Expedia:

1. Standard Commission: This is the base commission rate agreed upon between the hotel and Expedia, typically ranging from 15% to 30%.
2. Preferred Partner Commission: Hotels that participate in Expedia’s Preferred Partner Program receive increased visibility and priority placement in search results but may be required to pay a higher commission rate.
3. Promotional Commission: Hotels can choose to offer special promotions or discounted rates through Expedia, which may involve an additional commission fee.

Impact on Hotel Revenue and Profitability

Expedia’s commission rates can have a significant impact on your hotel’s revenue and profitability. While the platform helps increase your property’s visibility and attracts bookings, the commission fees can cut into your profit margins.

Pros of Using Expedia

• Increased Visibility: Expedia’s extensive reach and marketing efforts help your property gain exposure to a vast global audience.
• Higher Occupancy Rates: Listing your hotel on Expedia can boost occupancy rates, especially during low seasons or when targeting last-minute travellers.
• Streamlined Booking Process: Expedia’s user-friendly interface and seamless booking process make it easy for guests to book accommodations, reducing friction in the reservation process.

Cons of Using Expedia

• Reduced Profit Margins: High commission rates can reduce your profit margins, as a portion of each booking’s revenue goes to Expedia.
• Potential Over-dependence: Relying too heavily on OTA bookings may make your hotel vulnerable to fluctuations in commission rates or changes in platform policies.
• Less Control Over Guest Experience: As guests book through Expedia, you may have limited opportunities to engage with them before their stay and upsell additional services or amenities.

What Hotel Owners Should Know About Commission Rates

Before partnering with Expedia, it’s crucial to carefully consider the impact of commission rates on your business. Keep the following points in mind:

• Negotiate Rates: When signing up with Expedia, negotiate the commission rate to find a balance between increased visibility and profitability.
• Monitor Performance: Regularly review your hotel’s performance on Expedia, including occupancy rates, revenue, and customer feedback, to determine if the partnership is beneficial for your business.
• Diversify Marketing Strategies: Avoid over-dependence on OTAs by implementing a diverse marketing strategy that includes direct bookings, social media, and other channels.

How To Diversify Your Selling Channels

As a hotelier, it’s always a good idea to diversifying your selling channels. By relying only on OTAs, such as Expedia, you may be unwittingly leaving money on the table and limiting your potential customer base. That’s why, you should always have a Booking Engine which collects booking straight from your website. This allows you to save on commission costs and puts you in control of your customer experience.

If you’re looking for a Booking Engine that will integrate seamlessly with your website, we suggest trying Preno. Preno is a user-friendly, cloud-based platform that will help you capture bookings directly from your website and manage them in one place. Preno’s pricing plans are designed to suit small and mid-sized businesses, so you can keep costs down while increasing direct bookings.

In conclusion, understanding Expedia’s commission rates and how they affect your hotel’s revenue and profitability is essential for making informed decisions about your marketing strategies. By evaluating the pros and cons of using the Expedia booking platform and carefully managing commission rates, you can optimize your hotel’s performance and achieve long-term success.