Vacation rental--should I call?

[torinsmom]

I am trying to book a condo for our June trip. I have used the generic forms on the website-- VRBO and HOMEAWAY, but have not heard back in a few days. Both condos have my dates available. Should I call the number on the ad or does that look too desperate?

 

[sjanus]

That is unusual not to hear back in a few days. Are you sure you didn't have a typing error in your e-mail, can you check? Of course, VRBO and Home Away send an e-mail back to you when you make an inquiry.

If all that is in order, and I didn't hear back from somebody in a few days, I personally would re-consider doing business with them. Communication is very important!

But on the other hand it might be interesting to call to make sure they received your e-mail or if they sent one back to you and it may have gone to your junk mail or something. That does happen once in a while.

I don't think you appear desperate, just checking to see if they received it and if they truly have availability. Some folks just don't keep up their calendars, especially if they have a few condos. I know I've had owners respond to me that they didn't have availability in their one condo, but they did have availability in condo B, etc. That could be the game plan.

But even if they didn't have availability, they should get back to you to let you know within a reasonable timeframe IMHO.

Oh well, that's my two cents!

Sandy

 

[torinsmom]

Yeah, the one I thought I would rent, the owner took a few days the initial email. Then I sent a few additional questions and it took her a week to email back. I emailed her this past Sunday saying I wanted to book and still haven't heard back from her. Now I don't think I want to book with her.

The others, I emailed on Tuesday. One I really liked and I am worried it will not be available when he does respond.

Marsha

 

[sjanus]

Hi Marsha,

Probably, I too would forget the first one. What if you have a problem throughout the process, have questions, and during rental, you won't be able to afford to wait this long for a reply. This is a very bad sign.

Number 2, today is 3 days since you e-mailed? Still, not a good sign. But if you want to call just to get a feeling for them, interview them in a sense, just have a little list of questions about the rental, open ended to see what their responses are. Mention to them that you e-mailed them several days ago, etc. Then make a decision if this is someone you want to put trust in for your vacation experience. Trust is very important, both ways, as you are trusting them for your valued vacation experience and they are trusting you with their expensive vacation home.

Keep looking as well. There are lots of nice places out there and owners that will get right back to you no matter what!

Sandy

 

[torinsmom]

I emailed some new ones yesterday and got responses right away. I think I am going to go with one of those. The owners are from the UK, but seem to be very responsive to email.

Marsha

 

[sjanus]

Great Marsha! I'm sure you'll find something very nice with great owners, too!

Sandy

 

[torinsmom]

I booked a 3 bedroom condo at Emerald Island for $490 for the week! The owner is very responsive and I am really excited about staying there.

 

[sjanus]

How exciting--have fun!!!