Determinants of price and revenue for peer-to-peer hosts. The state of the art

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore two research questions. The first focuses on the main methodological characteristics of previous studies in the field of price and revenue research in terms of commercial peer-to-peer accommodation platforms (P2P APs). The second compares the 33 articles and identifies the convergent and divergent findings. The literature review outlines some future research avenues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a literature review that explore the price and revenue determinants in the field of P2P APs (such as Airbnb). The methodology shows how the sample was defined and is based on three steps: selection of papers, sample selection, and coding. The research was carried out in March 2020 and generated an initial sample composed of roughly 3,000 articles. A two-stage inclusion/exclusion process was applied to select the final sample, which includes 33 articles.

Findings

The empirical findings report the main antecedents of price and revenue as well as the methodological domains of the analyzed papers. Focusing on determinants, six blocks of variables were identified. The listing variables (48%), host characteristics (18%), location (12%), guest review (11%), destination characteristics (11%) and external comparison (1%). For each block, convergent and divergent findings are illustrated.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of this study relate to the criteria used in selecting the sample and the manual coding activity. This last decision (manual coding activity) was based on the limited number of papers available and the wide spectrum of variables used.

Practical implications

The practical implications are many, and they include a greater awareness of the variables that influence price and revenue as well as the impact that these variables could have on rates. Furthermore, managers interested in analyzing specific topics or variables can find analytical support in the information reported in the appendices.

Originality/value

The evidence provided is useful both for scholars considering further research in this field and for practitioners seeking to define pricing policies. Some future research avenues have been outlined, including new topics for development and methodological advancements.

Citation

Sainaghi, R. (2021), "Determinants of price and revenue for peer-to-peer hosts. The state of the art", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 33 No. 2, pp. 557-586. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCHM-08-2020-0884