The best sites to post your listing in 2018

2018 has only just begun, but here at Welkeys, your Airbnb concierge service, we’ve decided to recap the best booking platforms for you. While they all give you the ability to post your short-term rental listing, their fee structures and operating methods can differ. Let’s dive in for a quick overview!

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Airbnb: The Queen

Credit where credit is due: we had to talk about Airbnb. Founded in 2008, this American platform managed the feat of democratizing peer-to-peer travel in the world's largest cities. There are over 350,000 listings available in France, with 65,000 in Paris alone.

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How it works

The process for posting your first listing is very simple. You need to create an Owner account and then enter all the information about your property. An important point: be sure to indicate your calendar availability, as this will be useful if you decide to enable "Instant Book."

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Fees

Airbnb operates on a commission basis (3% for you and 9% for travelers). You have the option to add extra cleaning fees. Billing only occurs once the booking is actually confirmed, and you will be paid 24 hours after the stay begins.

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Booking: The definition of reliability

Even though this platform, created in 1996, has less visibility than its American counterpart (for better or worse), it remains a safe bet, with over 500,000 listings available in 2017.

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How it works

The platform has made using listings much easier. Now, you only need to fill out a simple form. Just provide the specific details about your property, and you're all set.

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Fees

Booking charges a commission of 15% to 20% for owners.

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HomeAway: The omnipresent

In terms of volume, HomeAway is the leader in the French market. Through a series of acquisitions (such as Abritel or HomeHolidays), the group holds a level of visibility that is hard to match. Today, there are over 1,100,000 listings available in more than 192 countries. The group's strong growth means that today, the number of unique visitors is in the tens of millions.

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How it works

As with Airbnb, you need to create an account and provide detailed information about your property. Don't forget to block out your calendar and set your rates.

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Fees

The group offers two different payment methods depending on your profile as an owner. If you rent out year-round, consider taking out a subscription for €250/year (a flat fee). If you rent sporadically, choose the commission option instead. You will be charged 8% for each completed booking.

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Welkeys Club: The alternative

Launched at the end of 2017, Welkeys Club is a booking platform for travelers seeking quality. The selection is more curated than on other platforms (though all major French cities are covered), but you are guaranteed high-quality service with a dedicated account manager available at all times.

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How it works

To be featured in Welkeys Club listings, you must subscribe to a full management package, Welkeys Premium. You don't have to do anything else, as this is part of the service offering. Whether it's rates, the calendar, or the listing itself, everything is handled by Welkeys.

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Fees

For property owners, you are guaranteed more visibility at a lower cost (the Welkeys Club is available to all Premium owners). For travelers, it’s a double win, as a dedicated account manager is available 24/7 and there are no platform fees! Other platforms (especially local ones) exist, and being present on as many as possible can only benefit your occupancy rate.