AirBnb uses a lot of dark patterns. The price you see on the UI can be 50% lower, because cleaning fees and other taxes add up very fast. You can't even compare two listing and get an Apple to Apple comparison.
Their customer support is hopeless, I've lost money on two stays where I wouldn't get a refund because the listing was inaccurate (smelly and bad hygeine).
They have to learn from Amazon. I know Amazon has terrible practices for it's workers but as a customer, I can't think of any online company that comes as close to their customer obsession. I can buy anything with prime label, its delivered quickly and I can return it if I am not happy for any reason.
This is what I want from AirBnB. A very generous refund policy, and transparency in its listing + pricing.
> AirBnb uses a lot of dark patterns. The price you see on the UI can be 50% lower, because cleaning fees and other taxes add up very fast. You can't even compare two listing and get an Apple to Apple comparison.
That's kinda normal even for the various hotel booking sites/chains. They almost universally display the average pre-tax/fees price per night. The issue is that taxes and resort fees (which are in of themself very, very bullshitty) frequently make up a meaningful portion of the total cost (double digit percentages) so you still get sticker shock when you click through and get to the checkout screen.
This is probably country-dependant. I’m from Australia and the prices shown are the final price, with everything included, because businesses here are legally required to do so.
Their customer support is hopeless, I've lost money on two stays where I wouldn't get a refund because the listing was inaccurate (smelly and bad hygeine).
They have to learn from Amazon. I know Amazon has terrible practices for it's workers but as a customer, I can't think of any online company that comes as close to their customer obsession. I can buy anything with prime label, its delivered quickly and I can return it if I am not happy for any reason.
This is what I want from AirBnB. A very generous refund policy, and transparency in its listing + pricing.