Are direct bookings actually a negative for your business?

[Scott K.]

Hear me out... people keep talking about how they're making their own website, using direct booking software, etc. But 3 major potential negatives come to mind

1. No protection. If a guest damages something, or trashes your place, your only recourse is legal. I don't know about you, but I'm not going to chase someone down legally for $100-$300 in damages which is probably the average cost when a problem occurs. Airbnb at the very least will 'always' give you the money, as long as you have evidence. I've never had a problem recouping that.

2. Your rankings/listing will suffer on airbnb/vrbo. These platforms use algorithms that when they detect you aren't getting as many bookings/viewings through them (because your calendar is booked by other sites/direct) they will begin to push your ranking down further in the listings. This will also coincide with you getting less reviews from guests, further hurting your listing.

3. Additional work. From vetting customers, to paying taxes, to managing the direct booking software/website, to chasing people down in court.

So, what's the benefit? Not being beholden to their 3% fee? I really don't mind that. Or being beholden to their rules? Well the rules typically help me more than they hurt me. They also take care of taxes each month so I don't have to worry about that. And they do a (albeit minimal) screening of each guest, collecting info etc.

What are everyone's thoughts on this?