Vacation rentals - EVOLVE - opinions?

[Debbie Bone]

Anyone used EVOLVE? I’m leaning towards using them in combo with a good housekeeper for vacation rentals-anyone jump in if you’ve used them for bookings-positive and negative feedback much appreciated. Local companies are charging 40 to 50% fees and aren’t optimizing various platforms ie. VRBO/AirBnb —— need some feedback if you have used EVOLVE only, thanks!

[Michael Baum]

Hi @Debbie Bone! I studied up on Evolve extensively and decided against it. They take 10% off the top. They do all the listings at all the sites. They own those listings and the subsequent reviews. If you decide to leave, you lose all of that and have to start over.

They do all the communication which, from what I have read, can be hit or miss. Mostly hit to be honest. They seem to do a decent job. You don't have to handle things on that end.

Personally, I don't want to lose 10% of my gross. I like talking to guests, making sure they are doing ok and the like. I only have one place. It might get old if I had more.

They say they will boost your revenue but of course that is no guarantee. They do all the variable pricing stuff which can maximize your nightly rate. I don't do that as I hate it myself having to pay a different rate than advertised. I am sure I am giving away some $$$ but I am sticking to it.