Effect of Professionalism on Hosts’ Pricing Strategy in Peer-to-Peer Rental Platforms: Evidence From Airbnb

Abstract

The rapid growth of sharing accommodation improves resource utilization and spurs economic growth, but concerns arise over subjective host pricing. This study examines the relationship between host professionalism and property pricing, and the moderating role of external shocks (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic). Using a longitudinal dataset covering all Airbnb listings in San Francisco between June 2019 and June 2022, we construct panel regression models with fixed effects to answer the research questions. The findings indicate that professional hosts set lower prices than amateurs under equivalent conditions. This negative effect is amplified for listings near popular tourist attractions. Regional COVID-19 severity significantly weakens the negative impact of host professionalism on prices. These results contribute to sharing economy literature and offer practical guidance for hosts, platforms, and regulators to understand and standardize pricing strategies.

Keywords

pricing strategy professionalism sharing economy Airbnb external shock

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