The online accommodation giant has become synonymous with holiday rentals - with the term “let’s get an Airbnb” becoming a popular phrase. But have you ever noticed that you often end up booking a more expensive property than you originally intended?

That’s not by chance, says Terry Fisher. It’s the use of their subtle marketing tactics that influence your spending habits.

Here’s how they do it:

The ‘scarcity effect’

“When Airbnb shows messages like ‘only 1 left at this price’ or ‘20 people viewed this property in the last hour’, it triggers what we call FOMO (fear of missing out),” says Terry.

“This psychological pressure makes you more likely to book quickly and, often, select a pricier option to avoid losing out! It’s a clever tactic that you’ll see used on a lot of online shops including places like ASOS or Argos.”

Strategic price anchoring

Airbnb will often display higher-priced listings first, which makes the more affordable options seem like “lesser” choices. 

“This technique, known as price anchoring, makes mid-range and premium options feel like better value,” says Terry. 

“Try not to become a victim to this by remembering to always keep your budget in mind!”

The ‘cleaning fee illusion’

Airbnb will often “hide” additional costs like cleaning fees and service charges until the final checkout stage.

“By the time you see the full price, you’ve already mentally committed to the stay,” says Terry. “This will make you less likely to back out, even if the cost is higher than expected.”

The ‘guest review bias’

Marketing guru Terry said: “Airbnb’s algorithm prioritises listings with higher reviews. These tend to be the more premium stays with added features like swimming pools and parking.

“Positive reviews create what we call ‘social proof’, which subconsciously convinces you that spending more guarantees a better experience.”

How to beat the Airbnb pricing trap

“If you have fallen victim to some of these, don’t beat yourself up - they are tried and tested for a reason,” says Terry.

“If you’re ready to try to beat the marketing traps, though, you should start by searching in incognito mode on your web browser. This will help to avoid price inflation based on browsing history.

“You can also filter by total price, not per night - this will mean you can see the real cost upfront.”

He adds: “Book early to avoid surge pricing and remember to always keep your original budget in mind. Don’t get excited by those reviews and subliminal messages!”