Avoiding AirBNB & VRBO Fees

[Anonymous]

I don’t use AirBnB or VRBO to book houses to rent. Use those platforms to search properties and then book directly with owner to avoid the ridiculous fees. You’ll have to get around the algorithms on these platforms that try very hard to prevent this but most homes are listed on multiple sites and savvy owners know how to list their phone number cryptically or have their own website as well if they know the game. It takes a little sleuthing but well worth it. And I’ve found owners are very receptive as they save money as well. I’ve been doing this for years and have saved thousands in fees. Is anyone else doing this?

[Anonymous]

No, because there are plenty of bad hosts out there. We’ve switched back to hotels, booking two rooms if we need to. Cost is similar to the quality of Airbnb we would be booking, but many more amenities and far better service.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, because there are plenty of bad hosts out there. We’ve switched back to hotels, booking two rooms if we need to. Cost is similar to the quality of Airbnb we would be booking, but many more amenities and far better service.

I can get a lovely two bedroom place on airbnb practically anywhere for $200-$250 per night. Pretty sure two good hotel rooms will be more than that.

[Anonymous]

I’m an active Airbnb/Vrbo host and I am receptive to it to a degree.

[Anonymous]

No protection from scams/shit hosts that way. High risk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t use AirBnB or VRBO to book houses to rent. Use those platforms to search properties and then book directly with owner to avoid the ridiculous fees. You’ll have to get around the algorithms on these platforms that try very hard to prevent this but most homes are listed on multiple sites and savvy owners know how to list their phone number cryptically or have their own website as well if they know the game. It takes a little sleuthing but well worth it. And I’ve found owners are very receptive as they save money as well. I’ve been doing this for years and have saved thousands in fees. Is anyone else doing this?

Yes, of course.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m an active Airbnb/Vrbo host and I am receptive to it to a degree.

How do you deal with a potential renter that doesn't have any reviews? Do you have a basic form rental agreement you make them sign?

I did once rent a place directly from the owner, but that was after I had stayed at another home the same person owned through Airbnb.

[Anonymous]

If you go on vacation enough to have saved thousands in fees, you're probably not poor enough to worry about saving on the fees. And time is money. How much time investment was it to save thousands?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m an active Airbnb/Vrbo host and I am receptive to it to a degree.

How do you deal with a potential renter that doesn't have any reviews? Do you have a basic form rental agreement you make them sign?

I did once rent a place directly from the owner, but that was after I had stayed at another home the same person owned through Airbnb.

I would not rent off-platform for someone without reviews.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t use AirBnB or VRBO to book houses to rent. Use those platforms to search properties and then book directly with owner to avoid the ridiculous fees. You’ll have to get around the algorithms on these platforms that try very hard to prevent this but most homes are listed on multiple sites and savvy owners know how to list their phone number cryptically or have their own website as well if they know the game. It takes a little sleuthing but well worth it. And I’ve found owners are very receptive as they save money as well. I’ve been doing this for years and have saved thousands in fees. Is anyone else doing this?

I have noticed in places with a lot of rental homes (like Canaan Valley say), there are a few local brokerages that manage the houses, and they utilize Airbnb/VRBO to expand their marketing reach, but yes if you go directly through the brokerage to rent, you can save a few hundred dollars.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m an active Airbnb/Vrbo host and I am receptive to it to a degree.

How do you deal with a potential renter that doesn't have any reviews? Do you have a basic form rental agreement you make them sign?

I did once rent a place directly from the owner, but that was after I had stayed at another home the same person owned through Airbnb.

I would not rent off-platform for someone without reviews.

So they reach out through Airbnb platform, you confirm their reviews, and then take things to email/text to transact? Honestly just wondering the mechanics.

[Anonymous]

I've considered it, but I've heard so many horror stories about scams and whatnot, youd be giving money to a ghost and hoping it works out.

[Anonymous]

We book hotels if traveling alone or as couple but use Airbnb for family trips. Only book properties by Super hosts with enough reviews to paint a clear picture of what to expect.

[Anonymous]

Even on Airbnb, you can spot fake and honest reviews.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No protection from scams/shit hosts that way. High risk.

Except I've heard so many horror stories where AB&B and Vrbo don't do much of anything to help or protect aggrieved customers.