Was just reading a discussion thread about how several Channel managers are having problems with VRBO at the moment. Also a comment saying that you can’t go api without a VAT number.
Can anyone shed any light on this and is OwnerRez all systems go with VRBO?
I see you are in the UK. Yes, we have had issues with UK tax law, that we have no direct insight into or understanding of. Some of our UK clients have been successful in establishing an API connection, and others not - the lack of a VAT number has indeed been given as a reason why the API connection was not possible. Our current recommendation is to give it a try, it might or might not be allowed but doesn't hurt anything if it's rejected.
Even if you are unable to establish am API connection to Vrbo, it is still perfectly possible to use OwnerRez and Vrbo together, just a little bit more manual, by using iCal feeds and Channel Bridge.
We are working with Vrbo to make the international API connections smoother and more reliable, and significant improvements are expected later this year.
Otherwise, we're not aware of any particular open issues with our Vrbo API connection that aren't documented and longstanding (e.g. specific amenities that their UI offers but their API does not support). Did you have any details of the concern that we can address specifically?
Thanks Ken
Nothing more specific than above. I listed mine (without a vat number) a few years back but don't bother with them much in the UK. I had a client ask me about connecting to them and I said I'd take a closer look. That's when I found the thread.
So basically no guarantees because they don't take into account UK tax law.
FYI the law is that small businesses don't have to register for VAT until their turnover exceeds £85,000 a year. Most people actively try and stay under this as the price you charge will go up by 20% if you exceed it.
Yep, that aligns with what I've heard, and that Vrbo legal, as you say, doesn't recognize or work with that. :-/ However, hopefully later this year they'll have this sorted effectively.
I'm afraid that it's still a problem. Have just spent time trying to get full integration between OwnerRez and VRBO having been assured by their customer support earlier this week that VAT number or company registration number were not necessary (we own a single property with turnover well under the VAT threshold, and are not operating as a company). Anyway, it turns out that either a VAT number or company registration number ARE necessary according to their integration team, and there is no room for negotiation about it.
Obviously iCal integration is possible, but automatic messaging from VRBO looks weak compared with OwnerRez.
TL;DR: OwnerRez (and probably all channel managers) can't fully integrate with VRBO for those in the UK without a VAT or company registration number.
Hi Alison,
I gave up with mine and I've pulled my property and my clients off of VRBO. It's just not worth the hassle for the small numbers of bookings they provide. It's a shame but they don't seem to want the UK business.
Hi Alison,
Just last month we did confirm with some of our Vrbo contacts that a registration number is required, however by our understanding any company can register for a CRN/BN even if they are not required to collect and submit VAT. All Vrbo requires is having that BN, even if you don't have a VAT ID.
However, collection requirements may vary by locality, they may not be the same across the whole of the EU or other countries that require a registration.
Note:
OwnerRez DOES NOT remit taxes on your behalf, open accounts with tax agencies, or make tax filings for you. You are responsible for configuring the tax settings correctly to match the requirements in your area and for making all remittances and filings that are due.
OwnerRez employees are not tax professionals or accountants and hold no responsibility for uncollected taxes while settings are being adjusted due to tax law changes or any other alterations.
Unfortunately not exactly accurate for the UK.
Who Does Get a CRN?
You’ll be issued a CRN automatically when you register with Companies House as one of the following:
• Private Limited Company (Ltd)
• Public Limited Company (PLC)
• Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
• Limited Partnership (LP)
• Community Interest Company (CIC)
• Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)
---
Who Doesn’t Get a CRN?
These business types are not incorporated, so they don’t receive a CRN:
• Sole traders
• General partnerships
• Freelancers operating under personal names
They may have other identifiers like a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) or VAT number, but not a CRN.
VRBO doesn’t accept UTRs effectively blocking a chunk of the UK market from listing with anything more than an iCal.
Of course people could incorporate but extra administrative costs of £2000-£3000 pa and legal costs of similar then come into play.
