Our channel integration connection with Vrbo is particularly powerful! As a result, there can sometimes be confusion as to what it does and does not do, and how your booking process changes when you become channel-integrated. This table helps clarify how things work with Vrbo for non-channel integrated bookings versus when the channel integration is active.
| Vrbo Channel Integrated | Vrbo Non-channel Integrated | |
|---|---|---|
| Bookings |
Bookings are immediately brought over using the channel integration connection. Important Note: Any Pre-channel integration Vrbo bookings that are updated will need to be changed manually (or use Channel Bridge) if those updates occur after Vrbo channel integration. |
Must rely on iCal links that can take 30 minutes to a couple of hours to sync. Channel Bridge must be used to pull in guest information such as full name, email address, and all financial information. |
| Reviews |
Reviews are brought over using the channel integration connection. But, optionally, direct-booking reviews collected by OwnerRez can be pushed up to Vrbo for display on your listing there. |
Reviews must be manually imported individually. |
| Rates | Automatically sync over from OwnerRez to Vrbo. |
Rates cannot be synced to Vrbo. Rates must be configured on Vrbo. (can also setup a dynamic pricing provider to connect directly to Vrbo) |
| Surcharges/Discounts | These will be set inside OwnerRez. They will apply automatically based on the criteria configured. Learn more here. | These will need to be setup inside Vrbo. |
| Property Content | Content will be pushed over automatically when changes are made inside OwnerRez. | Content cannot be synced to Vrbo. Any changes to the property will need to be made inside Vrbo. |
| Messaging | Communicate with Vrbo (not Expedia) guests directly within OwnerRez via the OwnerRez Unified Inbox. If preferred, users can use email or the Vrbo app. | Communication will be made thru email or using the Vrbo app as you are currently doing today. Recommended for Expedia guests. |
| Payment Processing | You will be required to use your own payment processor. This is beneficial so you can get paid a couple of days after the guest pays. You can also place a damage deposit hold on their credit card. And, you're in complete control of all refunds or charges if anything changes. | All payments will be handled by Vrbo and you will be paid on their schedule. |
| Taxes | Taxes will be collected using your payment processor through OwnerRez. You are responsible for remitting those taxes. Therefore, having your taxes configured in your OwnerRez account and applicable to Vrbo is important. | Vrbo may handle collecting and remitting taxes on your behalf. |
| Inquiries |
Custom quoting is not possible, and pre-approvals are no longer required. Guests need to book at the posted Vrbo rates. Their booking will automatically appear in OwnerRez and can be edited there as needed. When in Request-to-Book mode, the booking will still automatically appear in OwnerRez, but as a Pending booking waiting for acceptance by the host. Users can communicate with Vrbo guests directly within the OwnerRez Unified Inbox or via OwnerRez Inquiries and conversation view. |
Guests can request and receive a pre-approval and communicate with hosts using Vrbo's internal messaging. If a guest requests a quote, hosts can prepare a custom quote for the guest to accept. |