Thank you for posting this. This guy has been a persistent MFer on one of my VRBO properties. Under the name ** (profile created 2023, no reviews, verified email), "My future wife is visiting the region on business. We had some initial reservations, but we are prepared to move there. But I do have a few worries about the property. Reach out to me or leave a voicemail if you can. To provide me your numbr, please do as follows: ** -- to help me figure it out, I'll try yours first or enter yours in this form.
I responded that I would be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns and tried to keep it on the platform.
He responded "I think it looks excellent, barring the service fee. However, I wanted to talk to you first about the service fees (which are absurdly costly). Calling the host provides a personal touch, in my opinion, and most visitors value speaking with the owner. A VRBO booking will be made by me. Sending me your numbr should be done as follows: **is my numbr) or you can try ** If you don't want to give me your numbr, call if I don't answer, leave a message; and I'll call you back.
So he's right, the service fees (taxes) are absurdly high. In my city STR is taxed at 15%, however, my listing is 30 day minimum. So for the month, VRBO is trying to charge $1300 in taxes whereas AirBnB only charges $400 in taxes for the same stay. So he has a valid point, so I continued the conversation. I did reach out to both numbers before I searched and found this write up. I usually try to give benefit of the doubt, but insist they use the platform to book, which the sketchy ones never do. Will see what happens this time.
**[Name & Contact details removed - Community Center Guidelines]
