This is a great idea! Cutting out platform fees can be a game-changer for long-term travelers. The direct booking search/filter feature is especially interesting—do you have any data on how many users are actively using the extension so far?
Also, how are you handling trust and security for direct bookings? One advantage of Airbnb is their built-in protections (e.g., refunds, reviews, and customer support). Are hosts on OpenBnB verified in any way to prevent scams?
Would love to hear more about how you plan to grow this!
A quarter of people who have installed it use it weekly. So I think there are some digital nomads that are actively using it. I'm also curious about percentage of users who use it annually as most people don't book Airbnbs that often.
As of now, all transactions and support happen on host side. It helps you find available listings that direct prices thats it, similar to how Google helps you find businesses. Currently, guests rely on Airbnb ratings and reviews to pick good hosts. In my direct booking experience, the ratings translate. As in a good host is a good host, and their service don't go down if it was booked directly. Though I do think there is space for reviews and ratings on OpenBnB if it scales.
Hi HN,
I founded plúm.com specializing in web development and 3D web experiences. Recently, we’ve worked on projects leveraging [WebGL/Three.js/React Three Fiber].
Right now we have clients from Azerbaijan mostly!
Some examples:
Also, how are you handling trust and security for direct bookings? One advantage of Airbnb is their built-in protections (e.g., refunds, reviews, and customer support). Are hosts on OpenBnB verified in any way to prevent scams?
Would love to hear more about how you plan to grow this!