VRBO- Forcing your hand to online bookings.

[Steve Dove]

It's been a while since I have posted, as like you, I have been busy. I wanted to get some of your thoughts on the recent changes that VRBO / Homeaway have made, which forces property owners to use their online booking system. My listings have recently renewed, so my experience with this process has been somewhat expedited. I knew it was coming, but chose to resist and ignore it for as long as possible. Here are a few of the reasons why:

1. They now charge my guests an exorbitant fee for using "their" system, per booking. I find this to be completely unethical, as they are also charging me, and possibly you, an annual listing fee.

2. The contact information of the potential guest is no longer exposed to me, unless I accept their reservation.

3. I like to screen my guests first. This process limits my ability to do so. If I should chose not to book someone who has requested a reservation, it also impacts me negatively within their rankings.

4. By not processing my requests through their booking system, to include the processing of payments, it also negatively impacts my rankings.

5. I have 50+ postive reviews on one property alone, far more than anyone in my geographic area, yet I am at the bottom of the search rankings.

On the up-side, I'm now receiving $1mm in liability coverage, per booking. That's great! However, I already have insurance to cover mishaps that may occur.

Maybe, I'm just not one who is quick to adopt change, but in some ways, they've really changed how I do business, and I feel that these additional fees may be a deterrent for some of our new guests.

Thoughts?

Steve

[John Underwood]

@Steve Dove, I switched to instant bookings as soon as it came out and I love it. I have a $300 security deposit and require a copy of their drivers license. I have never had an issue and I don't decline anyone. I don't sweat it. I also have a security camera outside so I know who is there and when they arrive and leave. I love VRBO as they are making me money that other listing sites can't match. To my surprise I did not see any downturn in bookings or complaints after they started with the service fee. I don't need to call people during an inquiry, I'd prefer it to be an email. I am all about automating processes as I have a good many long term rentals and don't want to spend a bunch of needless time do things that can be handled easier and quicker.

Homeaway has made this much more automated and they are keeping my Lake House full with quality renters. They back it up with the million dollar insurance. 

I also have over 50 five star reviews, I respond to people in minutes or always less than an hour (unless the inquiry comes in in the middle of the night)  and keep my calendar updated. So I show up in search results in the top 3 to 5.