Random rant and advice sought

[Bigrob]

I have done a fair number of rentals now. Most have gone off without a hitch, regardless of the lead source. However, I have had problems multiple times with lately with people who responded to craigslist ads.

The most recent experience was particularly annoying. Perhaps because I knew better, I had that gut feeling that it wasn't going to work out, but I was eager to try to help them get what they wanted so I rolled the dice.

I had pre-booked a President's Day Weekend reservation at a ski resort. The resort is now sold out. I had the 13-16th reserved, but this person wanted the 14-17th. Fortunately, a single night reservation for the 17th was available, but they were not able to use the 13th nor willing to pay for it.

I told them what I'd take for it and asked them to confirm the dates they wanted. They responded with the dates they wanted. So I canceled my reservation, rebooked it to what they asked for, and sent the invoice.

Finally, a day later, they say they didn't agree to my price. I think they're counting on me giving it to them for their much lower price, now that I have created a reservation that fits what they wanted, rather than what almost anyone else would be looking to book.

Grrrr. I guess at some point, we have to exercise some trust... if I wait until I receive some form of payment before I rebook the reservation to what they want, they are at risk (hoping I'm not a scam artist, will return the money if I can't get the reservation, etc.) Quite honestly, I don't want to take any money until I know I have the reservation they want. But taking a good reservation, converting it to a lesser one, and then having them not follow-through makes me think maybe I should have taken a different approach. Anyone else had this type of situation? How did you handle it?

 

[DeniseM]

I won't do it unless I receive a non-refundable $100 deposit upfront, and we agree to the price, upfront.

 

[Sloane S]

I have a Maris Gras reservation for Saturday to Tuesday, which is what most anyone would want. Someone contacted me this week through craigslist asking for the Friday to Monday. I called and it was available, I told them I would change it if they gave me half of the rental price up front, with the balance due upon receiving the confirmation.

 

[Bigrob]

I have a Maris Gras reservation for Saturday to Tuesday, which is what most anyone would want. Someone contacted me this week through craigslist asking for the Friday to Monday. I called and it was available, I told them I would change it if they gave me half of the rental price up front, with the balance due upon receiving the confirmation.

Interesting. Ron would be the expert on this, but I would think most would want Fri-Tues or Fri-Mon. I had reservations for both of those and the requests I had were either Fri-Mon or Fri-Tues. My reservations were gone within 2 days of listing so I suspect I listed them too low. Oh well.

 

[Bigrob]

I won't do it unless I receive a non-refundable $100 deposit upfront, and we agree to the price, upfront.

Yes. I now see that would have been the prudent course. Lesson learned. The thing is, I thought we had an agreement. But you're right, I think I'll have to enforce an initial payment prior to making a reservation change in the future.

 

[DeniseM]

Unfortunately, many people do not honor a verbal agreement, unless they put money on the line. If they won't pay a $100 deposit - that's their loss, and I will move on to someone else.

My experience has been that when people want special treatment, they usually continue to be a PITA as the rental process goes on.

I recently had a repeat renter ask me to make an Easter reservation for him, at a sold-out top resort. I spent most of the day, hitting the refresh button to get a cancellation for him. I didn't ask for a deposit, because I knew I could cancel the reservation with no penalty, and he was a repeat customer. After I let him know I had his reservation, I didn't hear from him for 24 hours. After I sent him two polite emails and another 24 hours went by, he finally told me he didn't want it because airfare was too high. I won't do anything special for him again.

 

[Sloane S]

Interesting. Ron would be the expert on this, but I would think most would want Fri-Tues or Fri-Mon. I had reservations for both of those and the requests I had were either Fri-Mon or Fri-Tues. My reservations were gone within 2 days of listing so I suspect I listed them too low. Oh well.

I split my week and booked a Friday to Tuesday and a Saturday to Tuesday. The Friday is gone, and I'm still working the Saturday checkin.

 

[ronparise]

Mardi Gras day is Tuesday

With Club Wyndham Friday check in is required

with Worldmark the reservation has to be 7 days. you can check in any day of the week, but all 63 Worldmark units were reserved as at least 8 day stays beginning Tuesday (I know, I got the last one this year).

so a saturday check in for 4 nights is not possible

scootr5 must have one of those rare (only 264 out there) Mardi Gras Event weeks at Avenue Plaza. that allow split weeks and any day check in. his is a great reservation because it includes Sunday (Bacchus) Monday (Zeus) and Tuesday (Rex)

I use my event weeks for Sat to Tuesday and Fri to Tuesday but if I need to change it to accommodate a guest I will (if I can).. Check out Tuesday isnt so bad, Rex runs in the morning so people check out, watch the last parade and then go home.. I rent to a lot of locals. some that actually ride in the parades. Some of my guests dont even sleep in the rooms they just need a a place to pee

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77pe0ciezO4

and Eric, Ive learned not to change a reservation to accommodate a guest, Ill add an extra day or two if its available, and offer it at cost, but I dont give up the good stuff. I have an ad running now for 3 nights at $200 a night...add an extra day on either end for $100...The extra days arent for profit, they are used to sell the weekend.

 

[DeniseM]

Ron - Bless you for putting your shirt back on.

 

[Sloane S]

scootr5 must have one of those rare (only 264 out there) Mardi Gras Event weeks at Avenue Plaza. that allow split weeks and any day check in. his is a great reservation because it includes Sunday (Bacchus) Monday (Zeus) and Tuesday (Rex)

I use my event weeks for Sat to Tuesday and Fri to Tuesday but if I need to change it to accommodate a guest I will (if I can).. Check out Tuesday isnt so bad, Rex runs in the morning so people check out, watch the last parade and then go home.. I rent to a lot of locals. some that actually ride in the parades. Some of my guests dont even sleep in the rooms they just need a a place to pee

Exactly correct Ron, and reserved based on your advice. I rented the Friday to Tuesday reservation to a local who is in a Sunday parade.

 

[ronparise]

Ron - Bless you for putting your shirt back on.

The former avatar I think hinted at the kind of timeshare owner I am..just a little counter culture.. Im looking for something else that tells folks who I am without scaring them off. But trust me. its gonna offend some because Im just not very pretty

 

[pedro47]

Thanks to all for all the sound advice and suggestions on this topics.

 

[csxjohn]

The former avatar I think hinted at the kind of timeshare owner I am..just a little counter culture.. Im looking for something else that tells folks who I am without scaring them off. But trust me. its gonna offend some because Im just not very pretty

The former one was so bad I didn't have the nerve to ask you what the heck it was all about. I like the new one, a sign of the times perhaps.

 

[MuranoJo]

The former one was so bad I didn't have the nerve to ask you what the heck it was all about. I like the new one, a sign of the times perhaps.

The former seemed to conjure images of the 70's: Music blasting in the background...a sweet aroma in the air...no cares in the world.