Question re HomeAway or VRBO

[trinchick]

For those who have rented through either of these services: do you pay the stated rate or do you generally make an offer of a lower fee?

I don't mind paying fair market value, but I don't want to be a chump if it's standard practice to haggle a bit.

If it matters, this is for a beach vacation, not Disney where I know there is more inventory. Thanks!

 

[katie111]

I've only asked for a discount if its a 2 week vacation. I almost always have received a discount of some sort. For a 1 week vacation, I always just go with the stated price. However, I've only used these sights during popular beach times, during the off season, I think you could definitely ask for a discount. I don't think people would be offended, all they can really say is no.

 

[ssdeverell]

We usually pay the rate they quote on VRBO.

 

[kellia]

The only time I've gotten (or asked) for a cheaper rate is if for Disney when it is off season. I usually send an email asking what would the price be for these dates. Not really asking, but some will offer a lower rate.

 

[jmac323]

I've used Homeaway once to book a house in Princeville, Kauai. I did offer a lower rate but only because it was longer than a week stay. They accepted! it never hurts to ask as long as you are being fair.

 

[trinchick]

Many thanks for sharing all of your experiences. I like the idea of just asking for their rates for our specific dates and hoping for a small discount.

We're going the last week in August, which technically isn't the shoulder season, but I think there is definitely less demand than the last two weeks of July/first two weeks in August.

Thanks again!

 

[tomi]

We own a townhouse on Amelia Island Florida that we rent out through VRBO
I usually will give a discount if it is for a stay longer than a week or if it is off season . I definitely not offended if someone asks for one although if it is peak season I will generally say no.

 

[Kellydelly]

I contacted a few vrbo owners in Boca Grande and said I was looking for a good deal on a last minute booking (as in just a few wks out). It happened to be over Thanksgiving. I needed 5 nights. I had a lovely owner respond back with a better rate than was listed in her profile . So it doesn't hurt to try and get a better rate. I don't think it is rude to ask . I wasn't specific with numbers because I was just hoping someone might offer a lower rate. I didn't contact people who's units I wouldn't have paid full rate for, though.