05/31/2024
AVOIDING UNNECESSARY "SERVICE/BOOKING FEES" CHARGED BY
VRBO, HOMEAWAY, AND AIRBNB
VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner a/k/a HomeAway) was one of the first sites on the web to allow renters to book directly with owners, giving renters direct access to owners while saving the renter money and giving them options of high quality properties. However, a few years ago, VRBO was bought out by Expedia, the same company that books flights and hotels. Soon after this acquisition, they started leveraging a hefty Service/Booking Fee (the “Fee”) to travelers who booked their vacations online. They force owners to use online booking and force renters to pay online, so there is no way to use their site and avoid the Fee. The owners have no control over the Fee and do not see one cent of it. If an owner is caught mentioning the Fee to a guest, VRBO will remove their listing. VRBO withholds contact information from both parties until after you book and pay to try and prevent the renter and owner from finding one another directly. This protects their fee.
The fee that you pay is not minimal. It is up to 20% of your rental cost, usually between $200-$500 per booking! VRBO provides a listing site only and the owners pay to list there. The owner provides your service. Renters will get the exact same condominium and the same great service with the owner whether or not they pay The Fee by booking through the VRBO site. You can purchase trip insurance for less!
I never used AirBnB to list my properties because their policies were not a fit for me as an owner. However, you, the renter pay the same astronomical fees on AirBnB as well. These fees are completely avoidable by doing a bit of research.
Use Google to find the properties on other listing sites that do not charge a service/booking fee. If you were to search Google for one of my units, Cabana Club 305 or Cabana Club 306, you will find the unit(s) on other sites with no service/booking fees. No matter what property you are looking for, always try to include the unit number and/or the owner’s name as it is important to include as much information as you can for specific search results.
For properties along the Emerald Coast of Alabama and Florida, Emerald Coast By Owner (www.ECBYO.com) is the best alternative thus far to avoid unnecessary fees.
Be an informed renter and do not overpay for your vacation!
