@idocsteve will be interesting to see if there is a drop off in membership or plans to circumvent the fee by going off platform once agreed. Most of the homeowners we’ve sat for and kept in touch with are doing one or the other. ALL are fuming. Im guessing we won’t know until next years stats in the ‘Trusted Times.’ Although I dont put much faith in their stated figures, especially if they reflect badly.
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By spreading the fee implementation across individual renewal dates rather than a single “launch day,” the platform effectively avoids a “mass exodus” .
A (surprisingly) smart move. Not only does it de-weaponize a massive drop-off, but it also gives members a ‘chance’ to reconsider, and keeps the member statistics in check … at least for one extra year
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@august yes. And in the meantime, people can get on the beta launch of the newest inyernatiknal competitor and if they launch well, can just opt out at their next renewal. Thats what all the homeowners I’ve spoken to are doing. Cancelling auto renewal to send a message and signing up to the beta launch of the new guys. ALL are fuming.
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What is this newest international competitor you mention? You might have to message me with the details
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Me too moment. Send me details.
This. The booking fee effect was clearly given a lot of thought and implemented in such a way as to minimize collateral damage. I suspect when the dust settles not much will change except the company will be in better financial shape then it is now and the booking fees will be the new normal.
As a host, I’ve looked into the alternative sites mainly out of curiosity and also as a “just in case so many sitters actually leave that there aren’t good applicants” scenario. On one site (29$ one time fee) I listed a tentative set of dates to test the waters on another (free FB group) I simply asked if the sitting was free or paid as it wasn’t clear, and got several messages from qualified sitters offering to sit even though I hadn’t published a sit.
So despite me not having an issue with the fees, I figure I might not need to pay for pet sitting at all and may not renew. Why spend a couple of hundred euro for something that can be obtained for free?
Our sit being on the side of a mountain with sweeping ocean views in Greece is understandable popular, but if other hosts with desirable listings and no problems getting applicants decide to migrate to other free or low platforms that could make a difference in the booking fee effect.
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If only HO paid, then they are paying for you to provide a service. Then it is not an equal exchange.
If you’d rather sit as a business, go ahead but that is really a different model than THS which combines travel with sitting. I personally wouldn’t book a paid sitter who had to travel to me and would be sightseeing while staying at my home; if I paid a sitter I would hire someone local in my community, and then it would be providing a service not staying as a tourist as part of an exchange.
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I’ve been doing paid sits for a while now via another platform and am fully booked virtually for the year. I keep this really for holidays and favourite old sits. I think it’s disgusting charging sitters a fee - we already give so much. So, I think I’ll be joining you Maggie8K and voting with my feet.
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My hubby and I have been members since 2018. We have Premium membership so not affected by the booking fee. THS has been very good to us (so far), and we plan to renew our membership.
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I feel the same even though I’m considering alternate platforms for reasons not directly related to the booking fee.
My bet is that you and me represent the overwhelming silent majority who will quietly continue with their memberships without making a fuss, and be content with the value they receive for their membership and booking costs.
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@Smiley @Highfive Worldsitters dot com is taking people for their beta launch and you get 6 months free. Plus you get a say in the development. A no risk proposition, if you ask me.
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I checked it out, I’m impressed by the interface and the dialogue which clearly indicates they are looking to meet the needs of prospective members.
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I’d be interested in hearing more about your project, if you’d like to add me to your list & stay in touch. Not a programmer, but web-dev adjacent, and a (retired) technology & publishing professional. Can send you my LinkedIn & THS profile link if you dm me. 
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Many thanks 
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In business since html 1.0 (and in related business earlier than that), previous member of WWW, semi retired
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@Smiley you’re welcome. The more the merrier, I reckon.
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@Brightlight I’ve just signed up too. Thank you! We’ve got nothing to lose.
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@temba that’s what I thought. Which makes me think they’ve got a more than average chance of making it work.
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Missed this info … where was it written?
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