VRBO fee to book

[katallo]

We just learned that VRBO and Homeaway will now charge the renter a fee. We've used them for years but now need to explore other avenues. Does anyone know of alternatives? I read where many of the condo owners will create website their own websites for bookings, so I suppose googling the area or resort would be a choice.

 

[katallo]

Hopefully our moderator will move to Orlando board. Sorry!

 

[powellrj]

We have started using Skyauction and have used flipkey, but not sure if they charge now or not.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

We've used vacationcentralflorida.com for several years for rentals at Windsor Hills. They do not charge any fees (except cleaning) and that's clearly spelled out when you get a quote from them.

 

[Ametista]

Most of the resort communities have their own site for owners. If you can't find it by googling then call the resort. Of course it helps if you know where you want to stay. Emerald Island, Windsor palms and Terra Verde also have their own rental sites.

I was also really put off by VRBO and Homeaway when they added that fee, and I think Flipkey has charged one for years.

 

[katallo]

We usually book 2 week stay and with the additional fee it gets quite expensive. It was a nice resource but it's good to know there are other options.

 

[Megsmachine]

We usually book 2 week stay and with the additional fee it gets quite expensive. It was a nice resource but it's good to know there are other options.

How much are they charging?

 

[MalkaR]

How much are they charging?

I looked a few listings and the fee was 70-90 dollars a trip.

 

[katallo]

This was on VRBO Homeaway site:

Paying the fee
Travelers pay the service fee by credit card when paying through the secure HomeAway checkout process. The service fee is only charged to the card once the booking has been accepted. The service fee is calculated on a sliding scale of 4% to 9% of the rental amount, excluding the deposit or taxes. The service fee only applies to the cost of the rental and will not exceed $499.

 

[cedricandsophie]

I just booked a house for a girlfriend trip in October. Not in Florida. On the web site there was a note to call or email directky to avoid fees. So I did. Not sure how much I saved but It was easy.

 

[Ametista]

I just booked a house for a girlfriend trip in October. Not in Florida. On the web site there was a note to call or email directky to avoid fees. So I did. Not sure how much I saved but It was easy.

The lady I just rented from in Kissimmee did the same thing. It worked out great.

 

[cargo13]

Air BNB has charged the service fee since its start. We have always bought renter's insurance (for HomeAway, VRBO, AirBNB) in the case we damage accidentally the property and of course we get the trip insurance (flight delay, missed connections, emergency assistance) too. The most affordable we have found is www.vacationrentalinsurance.com