FloridaSunVacation wants final payment by cheque?

[busyshrew]

Hello fellow off-site DISers;
We've booked Windsor Hills, a 2 bedroom condo through Florida Sun Vacation Homes (the exact unit is "Stars and Stripes Mickey").

Although they took our deposit on VISA, they are requesting the final balance payment by cheque. We are finding this a little bit odd, should we be worried? I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has stayed in that particular unit, and / or has dealt with Florida Sun Vacation Homes.

Does everyone booking through them HAVE to make final payment by cheque? I would prefer to pay by VISA or PayPal.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[MCourtney]

Go with your gut - longtime established businesses are closing here every day because of the economy. I would only use a credit card, not even Pay Pal (although Pay Pal did me right in a situation where they were not required to).

Did they provide you with any documentation when you gave your deposit (ie when final payment due, etc). If they did, and it doesn't state anywhere that it has to be by check, then something is up.

If they give you a hard time, tell them you are going to call the Florida Attorney General's office and file a complaint.

 

[horseshowmom]

Personally, I won't rent from anyone (company or individual) who doesn't accept a credit card. That's my insurance in case I have a problem.

 

[PulsarIII]

I have used Florida Sun Vacation Homes and will be using them again this year. My contracts have given me the option of check (preferred) or “…If you'd like to pay your balance by credit card, there is a 3% convenience fee on top of the balance…” This gives you the option to keep the cost down or pay for the peace of mind / insurance a credit card provides.

OBTW - I've used both

I I I

 

[KellyWasHere]

Subbing. We also booked a 2 bedroom through Florida Sun Vacations (Owl's Tower). I've read nothing but good things about them here on the disboards, but I would like to read everyone's input on this.

 

[horseshowmom]

I have used Florida Sun Vacation Homes and will be using them again this year. My contracts have given me the option of check (preferred) or “…If you'd like to pay your balance by credit card, there is a 3% convenience fee on top of the balance…” This gives you the option to keep the cost down or pay for the peace of mind / insurance a credit card provides.

OBTW - I've used both

I I I

While I've never booked through Florida Sun, I've had owners give me that option, and I paid the extra 3%. I just factored that in when I compared prices.

 

[dsnymom2003]

I just have to say: I would check your credit card issuer web site whether it be MasterCard, Visa etc. Visa and Mastercard both have policies in place that prevent merchants from charging such fees. This is from the visa.com web site
A checkout fee, or payment card surcharge, is an unfair surprise fee that a retailer tacks onto a consumer's bill when he or she uses a credit or debit card. Visa rules do not allow retailers to charge cardholders a checkout fee for using their cards, mirroring laws in 10 U.S. States. Read on to learn more. Mastercard has form on the web site that details this as a merchant violation. Just FYI.

 

[dis-happy]

I just have to say: I would check your credit card issuer web site whether it be MasterCard, Visa etc. Visa and Mastercard both have policies in place that prevent merchants from charging such fees. This is from the visa.com web site
A checkout fee, or payment card surcharge, is an unfair surprise fee that a retailer tacks onto a consumer's bill when he or she uses a credit or debit card. Visa rules do not allow retailers to charge cardholders a checkout fee for using their cards, mirroring laws in 10 U.S. States. Read on to learn more. Mastercard has form on the web site that details this as a merchant violation. Just FYI.

Many places legally charge a convenience fee. If I want to pay my state property taxes via credit card there's a convenience fee. Same with my dd's college tuition. There are cases where it's legit.


As a side note, while I haven't done business with the OP's rental agency, I did rent a few months ago from StoryTime and they have a similar policy: deposit by paypal, remainder of the balance by check. Had no problems there.

 

[Friendly Frog]

Did you see this? http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2531938

 

[busyshrew]

Thank you for all the responses. Florida Sun Vacation homes seems to have an excellent reputation (here on the DIS boards too). So I was a bit puzzled about the request for final payment by cheque.

I will contact them and request to pay the remainder by Visa or PayPal - even if it means an additional 5%, it's worth it for my own peace of mind.