Feature Requests

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VRBO Commission Fee For More Accurate Reporting 23 replies

Ken T
Sep 13, 2022 1:23 PM
OR Team Member Joined Aug, 2019 1704 posts

We've asked, but they don't seem particularly interested.  We've looked into potentially importing them using Channel Bridge or an exported report from Vrbo, but there are issues with that too.  Maybe one of these days...

VRBO Commission Fee For More Accurate Reporting 23 replies

Ozark Stays
Sep 13, 2022 12:13 PM
Joined Aug, 2020 24 posts

Is there no way we could get VRBO to include the commission fees in their API feed? If not I still maintain that an API level feature would be good to set the commission percentage for VRBO. There is no variation in the fee charged. It is exactly 5% (or whatever your commission is) of the total of rent and surcharges.

 

This represents a one time entry at a property or API level as opposed to countless manual entries to make the fee calculation accurate for each individual booking. This process of manually adding the fee turns into a lot of administrative overhead at scale.

Touch Stay sending Guide Book URL back to Owner Rez 10 replies

Shawn H
Sep 13, 2022 11:50 AM
OR Team Member Joined Aug, 2021 289 posts

Good news from our partner Touch Stay! Touch Stay can now push the guidebook links into OwnerRez field codes. This addition has been documented here: https://www.ownerrez.com/support/articles/Touch-Stay#how-to-send-guidebook-links-to-ownerrez-as-field-codes

So this request has been marked released! Enjoy, and thanks Touch Stay!

Allow the ability to set the Content Security Policy headers in widgets 2 replies

Chris Hynes
Sep 12, 2022 5:53 PM
OR Team Member Joined Oct, 2012 1403 posts

Can you create an example of the widget where it's not working with the script and send it to the helpdesk so that we can have a look at that specific scenario?

Add Number of Nights Booked to Reports 1 reply

Alece
Sep 12, 2022 2:02 PM
Joined Jan, 2020 230 posts

YES!!! Also, a way to show occupancy rates (a percentage based on the number of nights booked in period) to Owner Statements would be awesome! 

Automatically follow up on a quote or inquiry 11 replies

Julia
Sep 12, 2022 1:55 PM
Joined Aug, 2021 2 posts

Haven't found a way to do this yet: Triggers only seem to work with bookings. 

Automatically follow up on a quote or inquiry have a trigger that allows for an automatic message template or something to be sent depending on the time etc. after an inquiry or quote has been placed to follow up with the potential guest. 

This would be so good to have as we find we are having to do this manually and has great rate of converting quotes and inquiries to bookings. 

 

 

Would love this functionality as well- any update on this a potential feature?

Thanks!

Wheelhouse 39 replies

BlueMtnCabins
Sep 12, 2022 1:11 PM
Joined Jun, 2016 1159 posts

Yep, I'd drop PL if WH was available

 

Add Number of Nights Booked to Reports 1 reply

Jennifer H
Sep 12, 2022 11:04 AM
Joined Jan, 2022 3 posts

Would like to see the number of nights added to the line item pivot report (and others) since Avalara requires this data for reporting. 

Wheelhouse 39 replies

Arrive and Thriv
Sep 10, 2022 6:49 PM
Joined Aug, 2020 39 posts

Currently using Beyond and not terribly impressed.  Wheelhouse is the best pricing tool we’ve used.  It’s the closest to “set it and forget it” while actually bringing in great dynamic data and doing the work for us.  Beyond and PriceLabs have left us missing Wheelhouse.  ;(

Mobile pay w/ digital wallet -- Apple Pay, Venmo, Zelle, Crypto 3 replies

Ken T
Sep 9, 2022 12:15 PM
OR Team Member Joined Aug, 2019 1704 posts

Each suggested additional payment method is its own rather complex integration process, not just one task, and would need to be prioritized separately.

We do have a standalone request (actually several, that have now been merged) for adding Venmo as a payment method:

https://www.ownerrez.com/forums/requests/pick-list-on-payment-type

You can vote on that individually.

Venmo option on payment type 4 replies

Ken T
Sep 9, 2022 12:13 PM
OR Team Member Joined Aug, 2019 1704 posts

[Another topic was closed as a duplicate of this topic (https://www.ownerrez.com/forums/requests/venmo-and-photo-id)]

Venmo option on payment type 4 replies

Ken T
Sep 9, 2022 12:13 PM
OR Team Member Joined Aug, 2019 1704 posts

[Another topic was closed as a duplicate of this topic (https://www.ownerrez.com/forums/requests/venmo-as-method-of-payment)]

Enhance or Expand the listing info for EV Chargers 3 replies

Ken T
Sep 8, 2022 10:34 PM
OR Team Member Joined Aug, 2019 1704 posts

There's already a checkbox for the EV charger, under Accommodations.

There isn't a text field though, because none of the channels support it, so it wouldn't appear anywhere it can be readily searched for by most guests.  If they do offer that option we'll add it.  Otherwise, you'd do best to spell out details in your Description or some other similar field.

User Access authorities 11 replies

Kismet Prop
Sep 8, 2022 2:35 PM
Joined Sep, 2018 30 posts

any update on being able to have mulitple users?

Enhance or Expand the listing info for EV Chargers 3 replies

LVER
Sep 7, 2022 6:03 PM
Joined Feb, 2022 1 post

Now that OwnerRez is integrated with Ok2Charge, I’m wondering whether EV Charger could be added to Amenities with a handy-dandy box to provide additional information. This information could provide the type of EV charger and its location. Or a similar box could be added under Accommodations/Vehicles. Btw, just installed two Enel Juice Boxes.

Reviews with Channel Logos 0 replies

Tara and Nolan C
Sep 7, 2022 11:05 AM
Joined May, 2022 1 post

I have a couple of recommendations to make the Reviews widget more appealing to prospective guests.

  1. Include channel logo with each review
  2. Include a non obtrusive pop up that takes you to the most recent review and shows the average of all the reviews.

This is similar to the paid services provided by Revyoos and Repuso. This would make the reviews appear more legitimate because prospective guests can see where the reviews originated from.

Guest ID - View Only instead of Download 0 replies

Debbie and Jared K
Sep 7, 2022 7:55 AM
Joined Feb, 2018 2 posts

I was wondering if there is a way to just view the guest ID and not have it download to my computer to view it - I am trying to not have it on my computer for liability reasons but do need to view it to make sure it is who it is supposed to be

Google Vacation Rentals Connectivity Partner 326 replies

Colin B
Sep 7, 2022 2:54 AM
Joined Mar, 2022 16 posts

Curious if you were able to find another way to list on Google Vacation Rentals while maintaining OR as your PM system.  We are in the same boat as we have multiple properties and we are being searched and found on Google now.  

by Kelly K – Aug 19, 2022 8:18 PM (UTC)

 

Currently looking at this too. Need to find one of the integrated CM's that has a reasonable price and find a way of syncing the calendar and pricing between the them and OR. that last bit is the biggest headache. 

Considering an alternative CM, plus Pricelabs to sync across OR and the other CM and do an ical sync. Seems overly complicated and overly expensive to acheive something that is available in other CM's. Frustrating!

It is either that or go direct and try to get listed myself, this is a revenue stream i do not wish to miss out on.

Collect Photo ID Option in Rental Agreement 198 replies

Our Maui Condos
Sep 6, 2022 9:52 PM
Joined Dec, 2018 3 posts

I am happy to say that I just booked my first reservation using the new option to Collect ID. Worked like a charm. Thank you so much for this addition!!

Owner statement payments 6 replies

BlueSky Getwaway
Sep 6, 2022 7:07 PM
Joined Mar, 2022 40 posts

The owner and I operate a little differently than most it seems,  Airbnb allows for split payouts, we have it set up that I automatically get paid my 25% commission, on Airbnb that means that also means the owner pays 75% and I pay 25% of the host fees and the owner gets a 25% portion of the cleaning fee that I get. So at the end of the month, I create an excel report and bill him for the balance he owes. He does online bill pay, and sends me a check which takes a week or more. That's why we do the split payout at least I'm getting a partial payment.

With VRBO the owner gets paid in full then I bill him for the commission and Cleaning fees.

I am just setting up my own LLC and business accounts so that I can handle the direct bookings, then I do a report to show what I owe him, then deduct it from what he owes me.

So for me, It would be awesome if we could have a way for the Owners to pay the statement online :)

Remove minimum gap restrictions on approaching vacancies 6 replies

Haydar B
Sep 6, 2022 2:50 PM
Joined Jan, 2018 9 posts

Chris, I also use Pricelabs, and I checked with them also. They define gap days differently than ownerrez, and currently they do not support this feature that I am requesting. 

Currently there's no solution for this feature from either Ownerrez or Pricelabs.

2 Factor Authentication For OR Account Login. 11 replies

Shawn H
Sep 6, 2022 2:49 PM
OR Team Member Joined Aug, 2021 289 posts

Hello! We're actually looking into implementing the newer Airbnb transactions API which can hopefully stem how much OR users have to use Channel Bridge after being API connected. We have to do a few other things first but we hope to get to it later this calendar year.

Remove minimum gap restrictions on approaching vacancies 6 replies

Chris L
Sep 6, 2022 2:35 PM
Joined May, 2017 208 posts

FWIW, while I'm all for OR adding more customizable flexibility on things like this, I did want to note that if you use PriceLabs (or possibly other automated pricing systems), you can set far more granular/customized minimum stay settings than OR allows. That's how I do it.

For API integrated ownerrez accounts, ask VRBO to handle Florida Sales Tax just like airbnb does 2 replies

Chris L
Sep 6, 2022 2:33 PM
Joined May, 2017 208 posts

Actually, it's not possible, because of the way Vrbo integration works (which is very different than Airbnb integration).

When you integrate with Vrbo, you effectively turn into a hotel that runs its own front-desk software, and Vrbo becomes just another OTA booking channel (just like someone booking a hotel room at a Hampton Inn via Expedia). Expedia takes and confirms the booking but the hotel's front desk software charges the card, manages the transaction, handles check-in/check-out, etc. The hotel is 100% in charge of the booking once it comes in.

This is amazing for vacation rental owners, because once the booking comes in, we are 100% in charge of it. We can change it, cancel it, evict someone, charge them for damages, etc. without Vrbo's permission. Vrbo can't even force hosts to cancel a booking, unlike Airbnb. Think of March 2020 when Covid hit: all my Airbnb bookings canceled instantly without any input from me, whereas all my Vrbo bookings remained intact. Now, of course Vrbo tried to incentivize me to allow my guests to cancel by dangling carrots (higher placement in future search results if I allowed cancellations, etc.), but I was still fully in control and could have chosen not to allow cancellations/refunds (and in a number of cases, I negotiated with guests to move their stays to future dates, preserving that income).

With Airbnb, Airbnb still controls the booking in full and can cancel (or not cancel) at any time. If you have bad guests in your house and can't get Airbnb to approve the cancellation, good luck evicting them: at least in my jurisdiction, the police will not enforce an eviction if the reservation is still active and the guest has a legal right to remain in the home. I once had trashy hoarders with two pit bulls in violation of my rental agreement, and the cops would not back me up to get them out until Airbnb approved the cancellation, which took 10 hours from the time I initially reached out to Airbnb.

So this is all related to why Vrbo cannot collect the taxes for you (while Airbnb can): with Vrbo, Vrbo doesn't even collect anything from the guest (except for their service fee), and YOU charge the guest's card and manage all of the charges completely. You can charge more or refund or cancel or extend or do anything you want without Vrbo's input (just like a hotel front desk can), so Vrbo actually doesn't even know what to charge the guest for taxes. Airbnb can collect and remit taxes, because they control the charges and finances and everything and don't even pay out on the booking until after the guest has checked in.

The Vrbo model is way better. Why? With Airbnb, you have no control over the taxes. Have a tax-exempt stay? You can't just delete the taxes; you have to charge the guest the tax and then reimburse them their taxes using the Resolution Center. Have a state/county/city collector after you claiming you didn't remit tax? Good luck getting anyone at Airbnb to provide any kind of help or proof that they did remit the taxes. And that doesn't even cover the cashflow/interest benefits of being able to collect the booking charges up front and then only pay the taxes when they're due (in some cases, many months later). Plus, in my case, my state offers a discount of 5% for timely tax payments--that goes into my pocket if I pay my own taxes instead of Airbnb's or Vrbo's pockets.

Admittedly, signing up for all the taxes and licenses and things yourself can be cumbersome, as is reporting and remitting taxes, but at least in my jurisdiction, it's all pretty straightforward. I previously recommended Avalara MyLodgeTax's services for handling all of this, but they recently raised their set-up fee from $50 per property to $300, which I think is highway robbery, so I no longer recommend them. But unless you have a crazy amount of bureaucratic red tape in your jurisdiction, it's just a bit of paperwork and waiting for them to send you stuff back and well worth the ultimate flexibility that API integration with Vrbo offers.

SMS/Quote - how to trigger? 12 replies

House of Games
Sep 6, 2022 11:03 AM
Joined May, 2022 3 posts

Has an SMS Trigger been released so we can send sms to guests who have inquired, but not opened their quote email? Likely due to it going to spam folder.

I use gsuite and have a verified email domain

Google Vacation Rentals Connectivity Partner 326 replies

Competa Escapes
Sep 6, 2022 8:55 AM
Joined Jan, 2021 4 posts

As, we have previously raised - we would really like to see this feature.  Google organic searches are the biggest traffic source to our website.  In a FB group of 8,000 members many are reporting success with being a GVR connectivity partner.  Our previous channel manager who we consider inferior has had it for some time now.  We really want to stay with OR, but this remains a consideration for us. I hope OR will be able to bring good news this Autumn, thanks for all your work on the subject.

2 Factor Authentication For OR Account Login. 11 replies

Le Touquet Holid
Sep 6, 2022 7:30 AM
Joined Nov, 2018 113 posts

Hi Chris whilst your in the 2fa headspace can you think about a work around for the 2fa required for the channel bridge into air bnb. Its very frustrating having to enter a code and pin into air bnb before channel bridge will work.

2 Factor Authentication For OR Account Login. 11 replies

Chris Hynes
Sep 6, 2022 6:58 AM
OR Team Member Joined Oct, 2012 1403 posts

This is actually now under development -- thanks for the nudge, I've updated the status on this feature request.

2 Factor Authentication For OR Account Login. 11 replies

Yavuz
Sep 5, 2022 2:41 PM
Joined May, 2019 15 posts

It is really frustrating that this important feature for security is still pending in back burner for several years; and still not planned. It is anytime someone can login and refund all our money. 

For API integrated ownerrez accounts, ask VRBO to handle Florida Sales Tax just like airbnb does 2 replies

Haydar B
Sep 5, 2022 2:22 PM
Joined Jan, 2018 9 posts

After API integration with VRBO, we need to submit Florida sales tax ourselves.

It's a huge inconvenience, and requires a lot of extra work on host side, also it's prone to human mistakes. airbnb handles that even after api integration, so it must be technically possible. Please request VRBO to handle that. It is a win-win for everyone, state will not miss unreported taxes, hosts will not have to worry about that, and it will be an incentive for more hosts to enable api integration.

Thanks