4 night minimum. Allowing 1 night this this time. No option to pre-approve on VRBO or OwnerRez. So is it even possible?
Title. No option to pre-approve on VRBO or OR.
I can convert it to a booking but then I need guests info to send it to them.
I could do that but it would be a helluva lot easier to just be able to pre-approve them somehow, which it is not allowing me to do.
When you connect to Vrbo through their API, Vrbo treats you like a professional partner: they show your listing, but all booking details are handled on your side. However, Vrbo works hard to keep guest communication inside their system to prevent off-platform bookings.
Because of this:
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Vrbo inquiries cannot be turned into bookings. Guests can only book after the inquiry stage is finished.
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The Quote and Pre-Approve buttons in your Vrbo dashboard do not work.
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When an inquiry imports into OwnerRez, it may look like you can send a quote or change charges, but guests cannot accept that quote. Vrbo blocks links that would allow it to turn into a booking.
Ways to adjust pricing for a Vrbo guest
Important: Vrbo’s ~15% guest fee does not go down even if you lower the price later in OwnerRez.
1. Discuss and Refund
You and the guest agree on a price through the Vrbo inbox.
They book at the normal price, and you refund the difference afterward.
Downsides: Guests may hesitate, and you might pay refund processing fees depending on your payment processor.
2. Adjust Rates and Min Nights
You and the guest agree on a price.
You temporarily change your rates/min nights for those dates, wait for Vrbo to sync (10–15 minutes), and the guest books right away.
Risks:
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Anyone could book at that lowered rate.
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Dynamic pricing tools may overwrite your manual changes on the next sync.
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Requires both you and the guest to act fast.
3. Instant Book Trick
If you use Instant Book, you can temporarily change your rules so bookings go into a “pending” status.
This gives you a moment to adjust the price before confirming.
Then switch your rules back to normal.