Community: Message List

Re: Reservation manager - software bug

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 15:33:25 GMT

To be honest, I have found the RM process frequently frustrating, and the payment process annoying.

I love VRBO for receiving inquires and managing my calendar, but handle virtually all payments "out of the system" as I was tired of renters receiving random payment requests and not being able to mark anything as paid, when it had been paid long since. So, as most of our renters prefer to pay by check or PayPal anyway (and use PayPal for credit card payments, if they choose) that's the route we take.

Re: No "Mark as Paid" Option for Overdue Payments

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:45:15 GMT

I have the same problem. I can't go to payments, click on the name and "mark as paid", as that option doesn't show up. I believe it used to, but no more!!! Very frustrating, as I have had to apologize to renters who had paid, but received an overdue email.

Re: What to think of this inquiry?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 23:45:32 GMT

I think you responded in just the right way...this clearly wasn't a good fit.

My default setting for rental inquiries these days is "cynical", and I've learned those renters who want to lowball or ask for special treatment in any way are simply not worth bothering with, as you can just about take it to the bank that they will be trouble. (The fact that your guy couldn't even spell "properties" correctly also made me suspicious...travel agency owner, my Aunt Fanny.)

Payment schedule for long-term "snowbird" rental

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:03:19 GMT

We've rented to winter "snowbirds" for several years, with excellent results. I have just had a serious inquiry from new folks looking to lock up a six-month rental for next winter (2012-2013), which would be wonderful for us.

This is the longest rental we've ever contemplated. I have gladly taken "installment" rental payments from snowbirds before, as many are on a fixed income, and am wondering what would be a fair schedule for a six-month rental such as this. I am thinking about 25% up front, another 25% and the security deposit 60 days out (cancellation cutoff) and then two more evenly spaced 25% payments - one prior to check-in and the other 60 days later (4 months prior to the end of the rental.)

Does this sound fair to us and them? Thanks.

Refunding security deposit

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:48:51 GMT

I would certainly put a stop payment on that check and be darn sure it was in place before I re-issued a check, minus all bank fees. The renter was, at the very least, quite careless and you shouldn't have to pay for that!

My default setting for anything out of the ordinary like this is to be very wary; you have to protect yourself, and the mistake, if there was one, was totally the renter's fault.

New Dashboard is great.... but inconsistant for damage deposit collection

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:52:23 GMT

I know what you mean! I also love the ease of the new payment system (though find the time from when the renter initiates the payment to the $ arriving in my account a little long) but also require a check for the security deposit.

I require a security deposit check with the final payment (30 days out) as I regard the initial, 50% rental deposit as the amount that holds the reservation and that will be forfeited if there is a cancellation after the cutoff. I do not cash the security deposit check up front, but hold it in the event of loss or damage. Most of my renters are families or couples who must be careful with their money and who really appreciate having that $200 to use on their vacation, rather than inaccessible because I have cashed the check. I have never had to cash one, because we've been very fortunate with renters.

The one time I accepted the security deposit through the "system" and then refunded after checkout, there was a $5 fee taken out of the $200 deposit, which I made up by sending a separate check back to the renter. That annoyed me, so I went back to requiring a check, which I simply shred if all is in order.

I think a lot depends upon your renters and market; ours is a comfy, well-equipped but not luxury condo, with very reasonable prices, and it appeals to middle-class folks who are thrilled to be able to afford 5 days or a week at the beach, and who generally take care of things.

Minor glitch-payment notification

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 23:10:10 GMT

I've noticed that the last several Reservation Manager payment notifications I have received are addressed to "Dear (name of guest)", rather than to my name. The notice then proceeds to inform (guest) that the reservation has been automatically added to their calendar, etc.

I have no idea if the renters are also receiving this notice; I imagine it would be pretty confusing. Seems like a minor glitch in the process that I wanted to point out so it can be tweaked.

three month rental

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:59:49 GMT

We own a 2 bedroom condo in an area that gets lots of "snowbirds", who are generally the best renters, ever. We get winter bookings of from 2-4 months annually. I have always charged 50% of the first month's rent as a deposit, with the rest of that month's rent due 30 days in advance; each succeeding month's rent is due on the first of the preceding month.

I have never had a problem renting this way. I always encourage vacation insurance. There was only one time that a renter had to leave early...and he, himself found a replacement renter!!!

It never occurred to me to charge all the rent up front for a multiple-month booking, as these are generally retired folks who find it much easier to pay monthly. I could likely also re-book fairly easily in the event of sudden illness, etc., that required a couple to leave early.

All very interesting to consider.

Payment Program

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 19:12:09 GMT

Well, I've taken my first booking and received my first deposit through Reservations Manager. As we don't require a refundable security deposit, but rather a separate security deposit check that we don't cash upfront but hold in case of damage, I've had to modify things a bit, but, so far, so good!

I'll be interested to see how long it takes for the rental money to actually arrive in my account.

I haven't noticed anything on my listing indicating that one can pay online now, but perhaps that gitch will be worked out.

Payment Program

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 16:08:58 GMT

Hi,

I guess you're referring to the "Reservations Manager" function? I am on VRBO, but I imagine it's the same. I haven't yet used it, but did sign up, as it seemed an easy way to allow renters to pay via credit card and e-check (we have, up to now, only accepted checks or PayPal; lots of folks using PayPal this year.)

I have been wondering if the "accepts credit card" icon will now show up by my listing, as it seems it certainly should, but I haven't seen it yet. I emailed customer service and inquired, so we'll see.

Will be eager to see how this all works; seems simple enough.