what are you talking about!?? it is a business, valued at $100 million in 2023, owned by a private equity firm.
3 Likes
I think I see the problem, at least part of it. You and many other members see THS as some sort of extended family, not a money making venture and therefore any fees will be perceived as a personal insult which it’s not.
2 Likes
First of all it’s clear that you are a newbie. But it wasn’t like this before, so you really don’t know what you are talking about.
Second of all no, it’s not an insult, and that’s why until now it was ok to pay a membership. Because it is obvious that it was necessary to contribute to the platform.
it’s insulting to be asked to pay twice, while the service is still the same and yet, it’s getting worse because they don’t do any improvement with that money. Nothing.
5 Likes
It’s confusing when you say you’re not insulted, and then you say you are insulted.
Fact is, THS is a business and has always been a business since the moment it took its first dollar from the first member. It’s clear that lots of members see it as something more which is why they’re so offended by the fee increase and the way the Terms were presented. They’re expecting what they consider to be fair, honest and transparent, as with any “relationship” although ironically many relationships aren’t that way either.
2 Likes
The annual membership fee increase every year and extra expenses are becoming deterrents.
With the 5 applications limit it is more difficult to find a good sit.
It looks like you want to increasingly discourage your members.
Sitters would probably be more selective before accepting a sit. Personally, I encountered many problems at some sits because I didn’t want to be too demanding or to ask too many questions during interviews. Now, with this additional cost, I won’t readily accept sits and I’ll ask more questions.
We also ask for a more qualitative sit if your service become expensive.
It will not going smoothly for both parts.
On the other hand, you encourage members to bypass the platform by entering into private agreements. And we lose all the benefits of the security that your platform provides.
2 Likes
By the way, where are these 1-star reviews to which you so object?
1 Like
They’re to be found on the site whose name is similar to a rusty airplane which has taken the unusual step as to verify a reviewer’s connection to THS before allowing the revie to be posted.
1 Like
This article is a disgusting read. Bragging about how profitable THS is and that 60% of new users come from word-of-mouth (yeah, read the room, good luck with that in the future)
Conveniently, Mayfair Equity Partners has a contact page. Given that THS ‘leadership’ is likely going to ignore us and hope the backlash dies down, that might be a more productive avenue for our collective outrage.
8 Likes
It is. I started my housesitting business this year because I knew things were going downhill with THS. This just solidifies it.
I’m hoping to turn a few hosts I do repeat sits with onto my business – and not to mention the fact I’ll probably get new clients through this mass exodus.
3 Likes
Those who haven’t been on the platform for more than a year or two can’t really understand what it used to be, so debating with them feels pointless. They just don’t have the same perspective many of us long-time members do.
I’ve truly enjoyed being part of THS and have encouraged many others to join over the years. That’s why I feel so disappointed now. What once felt like a mutually beneficial partnership no longer does — especially with the introduction of the new booking fee. It even feels, in a way, like a betrayal.
Having recently retired, I was counting on this platform to help support my travels in the years ahead. It also filled the gap of no longer having pets of my own. But now, I no longer feel I can depend on THS, and I’m left feeling disheartened.
13 Likes
I doubt that services will improve. Today everything is increasing in price, while the quality of goods and services is continually declining 
4 Likes
I don’t understand why THS being successful and profitable and most of the new users coming from word of mouth is disgusting?
1 Like
Having read this article I now feel a right mug for working so hard for free for a multi million corporate organization. I’ve also put up with some bad behaviour from pet owners in order to facilitate this free gig lifestyle so others can get rich. Anyway, I’ve seen the light now. I’m out.
7 Likes
I see that happening probably a year or two down the road. It all depends on the fallout from this initial change.
Many are feeling exploited, below is an excerpt from an article that came across my desk this morning, not to minimize it’s intent or the historical impact, I couldn’t help but draw some parallels which helped me clarify why the way this was rolled out felt like such an icky bait and switch: Traffickers often operate as a legitimate businesses or relationships, making it challenging to recognize their true intentions. They adapt their tactics to exploit modern technology and social media, targeting individuals through online platforms and personal networks. Communities may not always be aware of the signs or the presence of trafficking within their midst, which makes public education and awareness crucial. By staying informed and vigilant, people can better recognize subtle warning signs and support efforts to prevent trafficking before it occurs.
4 Likes
I give up, either my English is not good enough or you have reading comprehension issues 
11 Likes
i mean, it’s pretty disgusting and insulting to any victim of trafficking for a comparison to be made with your consensual relationship with a large established business, and with which you are free to discontinue before your are charge this fee. you have the power of choice.
the system you have an issue here is, in fact, capitalism. businesses are not your friend. it goes for THS, it goes for any other business that you enter into a transactional relationship with on a daily basis.
3 Likes
Sir, I see you being argumentative with so many others here, but I’m going to give the benefit of the doubt that you are not being deliberately obtuse and give a straight response: simply put, this is a press release from the venture capital company that now controls THS, and they are eyeing our community like a predator eyes a milk cow, without any understanding of the community ethos and sense of free exchange that has built this place into a wildly popular platform with 60% word-of-mouth referrals. Like so many other platforms (Google ‘enshittification’) Mayfair Equity will acquire, exploit, profit, move on to the next company.
Just to note, I am currently a premium sitter (upgraded at 50% on Black Friday) therefore this doesn’t affect me till next fall, but my outrage comes from a sense of principle and pride at having been a part of this win-win-win community. Also, I’m a millennial without a house trying to survive in an increasingly desperate world, and you mentioned $150 extra isn’t a big deal for you? It is for me.
And I’m sure many others here. Because it’s not just THS squeezing us—it’s every platform, every subscription model, every landlord, every middleman gig service. This doesn’t end until enough of us say “enough”. And start caring about things that hurt others, even if it doesn’t impact you.
13 Likes
Pet owners will revert to their old habits, instead of using sitters, they will rely on friends, family, and automatic pet food dispensers.
4 Likes
Likewise you have no way of knowing that it is not true.
3 Likes