Non-Refundable Policy FAQ

Welcome to the FAQ on the Non-Refundable Policy. As a Holidu host, you can offer this policy alongside your standard cancellation rules to attract guests with firm travel plans and reduce the risk of last-minute cancellations.

This FAQ provides clear answers on how the policy works and how to set it up.

What Is the Non-Refundable Policy?

The Non-Refundable Policy lets you offer an alternative cancellation option in addition to your standard cancellation policy, aimed at guests with firm travel plans. Guests opting for this policy receive a discount between 5% and 20% on their booking.

Benefits of the Non-Refundable Policy

• Booking appeal: Attract guests who are confident in their travel plans with a discounted rate.
• Cancellation protection: If a guest with this policy cancels, a 100% cancellation fee applies, so the booking value is not lost to a late cancellation.

How Does the Non-Refundable Policy Work?

During the booking process, guests will see your standard cancellation policy along with the Non-Refundable option if it is activated. The Non-Refundable rate applies the discount you have set to the booking price. If a guest cancels, the 100% cancellation fee applies, so the booking is paid out as planned.

Below is an example of how the Non-Refundable Policy appears on the Holidu.com booking page:

How Can I Set Up the Non-Refundable Policy in My Holidu Account?

Follow these steps to enable the Non-Refundable Policy:

Step 1: Log in to Your Holidu Host Account

Access your Holidu host account through the website or app. Navigate to your properties and select the property you wish to update.

Step 2: Navigate to Opportunities or Cancellation Policies

Go to Opportunities on the left-hand menu, or navigate directly to Cancellation Policies in the left-side menu.

Step 3: Click on Configure

Find Secure your earnings with a Non-Refundable policy and select Configure. This will open the configuration panel for the Non-Refundable Policy.

Step 4: Set the Discount

Configure the policy details and choose between 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% discount options. Select the discount percentage that best suits your property and business strategy.

Step 5: Save Your Changes

Click Activate to apply your settings and enable the Non-Refundable Policy for your property.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which distribution channels offer the Non-Refundable Policy?

The Non-Refundable Policy is available on Holidu, all white-labels, the Holidu website, and Airbnb. It will soon be available on Booking.com.

Can the Non-Refundable Policy combine with other discounts?

Yes, the Non-Refundable Policy can be combined with other discounts, except when used with new-listing promotions on Holidu and Airbnb.

Will there be changes in payment schedules?

No, payment schedules remain unchanged. Payouts occur two days before arrival, and up to three days after check-in for last-minute bookings.

What happens if a host needs to cancel a booking?

Standard cancellation procedures apply, including guest relocation and any applicable penalties according to your cancellation policy.

Are Non-Refundable Policy rates always visible to guests on Airbnb?

No, these rates are visible only for checkouts within 60 days on Airbnb.

How does the 100% cancellation fee work?

If a guest books at the Non-Refundable rate and then cancels their reservation, a 100% cancellation fee is applied. This means you retain the full booking value as compensation for the cancelled stay.

Can I change the discount percentage after activation?

Yes, you can modify the discount percentage at any time through your Holidu Host Account. Simply navigate back to the Cancellation Policies section and adjust the discount to your preferred rate.

What discount percentage should I offer?

This depends on your property, market, and business goals. A 5-10% discount may attract price-sensitive guests while maintaining strong revenue, while a 15-20% discount can significantly boost bookings for properties in competitive markets.

Summary

By offering the Non-Refundable Policy, you can attract guests with fixed travel plans and protect your booking value if they cancel. This policy provides a win-win situation: guests receive a discount for their commitment, and you gain protection against last-minute cancellations.

The setup process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes. Once activated, the Non-Refundable option will be displayed to guests during the booking process on all supported channels.