Renting without Verified and Protected on Redweek?

[billymach4]

So I want to go back to basics and rent on Redweek without their Verified and Protected service.
With Verified and Protected it appears that Redweek is adding on a fee to renter as has been discussed here on some previous threads.

Back in the old days I have put up an Advert on Redweek and took care of the contract myself.

I figure I can ask a fair competitive price and just handle the paperwork again. Additionally I will get a Google Voice number to add a channel of communication and verification so that the renter may feel a sense of security making the transaction.

Of Course I will also list this on Tug Marketplace.

I may also list on Koala as well. I do understand Koala takes 8%? Do they also charge any fee to the renter on the other end like redweek?

May also mention that I am a long upstanding member / citizen of TUG for 18 years. Will be willing for any prospective renter to post here so that anyone here can confirm my integrity.

So what do you all think about my proposal?

Should I give it a try? Or just do the Redweek Verified and Protected and move on?

BTW this is an Aruba Surf Club week(s) in July 2025.

 

[dioxide45]

So I want to go back to basics and rent on Redweek without their Verified and Protected service.
With Verified and Protected it appears that Redweek is adding on a fee to renter as has been discussed here on some previous threads.

Back in the old days I have put up an Advert on Redweek and took care of the contract myself.

I figure I can ask a fair competitive price and just handle the paperwork again. Additionally I will get a Google Voice number to add a channel of communication and verification so that the renter may feel a sense of security making the transaction.

Of Course I will also list this on Tug Marketplace.

I may also list on Koala as well. I do understand Koala takes 8%? Do they also charge any fee to the renter on the other end like redweek?

May also mention that I am a long upstanding member / citizen of TUG for 18 years. Will be willing for any prospective renter to post here so that anyone here can confirm my integrity.

So what do you all think about my proposal?

Should I give it a try? Or just do the Redweek Verified and Protected and move on?

BTW this is an Aruba Surf Club week(s) in July 2025.

Koala does charge the renter a booking fee just like Redweek Verified and Protected. This is in addition to the commission you pay. The difference with Koala is no upfront fee like Redweek.

I would list it in all three places. Try Redweek DIY, list on TUG Marketplace for free and also list on Koala. You can even boost the price on Koala to cover the 8% commission. You really have nothing to lose. Just make sure to take down listings when it rents somewhere.

 

[ambere]

For Redweek, I personally like the protections given by "Redweek Verified and Protected," and I think renters often also appreciate the protection and are willing to pay extra fees for it. But I'm sure you could forgo it and have good results; totally depends on the integrity of the renter.

 

[DeniseM]

Redweeks services are often considered slow and indifferent - I would not even consider using the full-service option.

 

[TheTimeTraveler]

With all the scams out there, "Verified and Protected" are two words that the potential lessee feels comfortable in hearing and may be willing to pay a premium rental price in order to have it (like it or not).

I also think that what happened during the Covid pandemic may have potential renters being a bit hesitant to rent if the rental is not labeled as "Verified and Protected".










.

 

[billymach4]

Redweeks services are often considered slow and indifferent - I would not even consider using the full-service option.

@DeniseM So if you list on RW you list DIY?

 

[DeniseM]

Yes - DIY only. IMNSHO, the Redweek service is too slow and indifferent, and I'm certainly not going to let them hold my money and then make a determination if I should get it or not, if the renter complains about something.

 

[vail]

What does it verify?
I rented a week, paid for it, and a few days later am told by redweek that unit is no longer available and I will receive a refund
Redweek doesn't do much in that case....

 

[rickandcindy23]

I am getting less interest in my listings, whether it's verify/ protect or DIY.

 

[chapjim]

Redweeks services are often considered slow and indifferent - I would not even consider using the full-service option.

I know one experience won't change opinions but I just completed a full-service rental in South Florida (Home Week at HGVC McAlpin) that was as quick and smooth as it could be.

I used full-service with online booking because RedWeek.com files and pays Florida's onerous Sales and Use Tax on short-term rentals. Or so said a RW rep.

Am I the only one who pays attention to that tax? It's enough of a pain in the whatever that I would think there would be more of a buzz about it.

 

[chapjim]

What does it verify?
I rented a week, paid for it, and a few days later am told by redweek that unit is no longer available and I will receive a refund
Redweek doesn't do much in that case....

Sounds more like an owner problem. Owner didn't take down the RedWeek listing when he completed a rental.

 

[vail]

ok

 

[dioxide45]

Possibly redweek needs to have an exclusive and any property posted is always available, and they know to take it down once it is
rented?
Otherwise issues will continue because redweek does very little for the fees charged.

But how common is your issue? Probably not all that common. It happens. That is why it is called verified. They verified it and refunded when it wasn't available.

 

[vacationtime1]

Possibly redweek needs to have an exclusive and any property posted is always available, and they know to take it down once it is
rented?
Otherwise issues will continue because redweek does very little for the fees charged.

And give Redweek an exclusive right to rent the property and the right to hold funds until the renter is satisfied?

I think not.

 

[5finny]

I just listed a week for rent on Redweek
I was looking to have Redweek verify the week but not to do the full verify and protect
Has Redweek eliminated that option (or maybe it never existed) ?
I wound up just doing the basic

 

[dioxide45]

I just listed a week for rent on Redweek
I was looking to have Redweek verify the week but not to do the full verify and protect
Has Redweek eliminated that option (or maybe it never existed) ?
I wound up just doing the basic

The DIY+Verified option is no longer available. It is either DIY or V&P.

 

[tschwa2]

What does it verify?
I rented a week, paid for it, and a few days later am told by redweek that unit is no longer available and I will receive a refund
Redweek doesn't do much in that case....

When you click on "Booking request" it tells you on the next page:

Book Online With RedWeek Protection
This rental includes RedWeek's custom agreement and booking protection.
This is not an instant booking — the owner will need to accept and add your name to the reservation before it's finalized — typically within 2 - 5 days.

 

[billymach4]

OK I posted DIY on RW. Here is what I added to the description.


There is an occupancy tax of $13.78 per night.

Rent direct from me and save the Service Fee(s).

Feel confident and secure with my rental. Call or text ‪(203) 628-2504‬ for info.

I am a trusted member of the Timeshare User Group. Feel free to post on the Timeshare User Group and ask for my character reference to verify my authenticity, character and trust. Will provide my user name on the Timeshare User Group on request. https://tug2.net/ there is no fee to join and ask questions.

This rental is guaranteed to be available upon a small deposit and subsequent full payment. Will send the reservation upon small deposit.

There is a firm no refund policy. For any trip interruption or cancellation you should get travel insurance.



Let's see if RW get's annoyed at my statement? Rent direct from me and save the Service Fee(s).

No need to worry about the phone number either. It's a temporary Google Voice number

 

[billymach4]

If I have any haters of me here... Please hold your keystrokes

 

[billymach4]

Going to take out the occupancy tax out. RW already listed.