Service Fees, Resort Fees, Booking Fees. UGH!!

In an attempt to maximize their profits, Expedia has decided that the users of their companies, like VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) and HomeAway, will pay a service fee. This is to follow the model that AirBnB has always used. This fee, they say is to pay for the website, customer service and advertising.

They also have made it difficult for owners and renters to deal directly with each other. Contact information is kept from both renters and owners, and owners can be penalized for trying to take inquiries from the site, off platform, or to allow customers to book direct. The companies want their money. But is it really a deal? Before you inquire on one of these booking sites, know what you are paying for and decide if it is worth it.

Advertising. Security. Convenience. That is what the service fee is supposed to pay for. Many choose a privately owned vacation home because they want to deal with the owner instead of a customer service agent that has never been to the house and most of the time are n a call center in India.. But that is what you are paying for. Do you really want to pay for advertising to help them make more money? The current websites are notoriously difficult and confusing to use for both owners and renters. Is this what you are paying for? The website was maintained and functioned even better, according to owners, before they charged renters a service fee.

The truth is there is very little value they provide, except the use of their website. Owners pay the credit card fees and subscription fees, while renters pay to use the website. They are rated 1 star by Consumer Affairs for service and quality. So why pay it? So what about this Service Fee?

The service fee varies, and goes as high as 17% of the base rent, depending on the cost of the rental and demand for the house. Renters find the service fee can fluctuate from one view to the next. Booking Direct eliminates booking fees, resort fees, service fees!!!