I have recently begun my quest for finding the perfect Spring/Summer getaway. And, as many of you that already know me, I am always on the lookout for a good deal. As the search begins for a rental unit, I usually start with VRBO.com. I've always had good luck in finding some really nice places at good rates, and I love the fact that you can see photos of the exact unit your are checking on. Not to mention, you get to deal with the owners directly....well, most of the time. After all, isn't that what VRBO stands for - Vacation Rentals By Owner?
Anyway, I was able to find several units (34 to be exact) that had a great rate, unfortunately by a rental company. I do not like dealing with rental companies since they have so many added on fees, etc. So, I see that this one unit is listed for $495 plus taxes and fees. So I call the company, since they will not return any of my email's requesting a quote. So, I speak to this lady today that tells me that the particular unit I am asking about rents for $1295 a week PLUS taxes and fees. I ask her to look it up on VRBO and explain why the rate has jumped from $495 to almost tripled. She states it says under the rates that "rates are subject to change without notice". I guess that means that even though the page said it had been updated that very day, you can put whatever price you want to get someone to call long distance, only to be mislead. I mean, I could understand if it hadn't been updated for the next year or something, but to list a low price just in the hopes that someone will "bite" is so dishonest. I was furious! I fired off 2 letters, one to the company in particular, and one to VRBO to let them know what kind of company is using their site.
My main argument is....if you are not held responsible for what you post, heck, I could post I have a studio apartment in a secluded, wooded area with wildlife around and great views to rent out for a $1 a week. Then when you call, you find out that it's my son's playhouse in the back yard next to the dog's pen, with a view of my vegetable garden. And, oh, that $1 a week is now $100 a week!
I know, I need to get off my soapbox, take a deep breath and realize that there are some very dishonest people out there. But, when are these people going to be called on it and held responsible for their actions? When a company prints the wrong price on a product, what happens? Can they just decide once you get up to the register that they are going to charge you triple instead of the price printed?
Even though I have had a very bad experience with this one particular company, I will continue to use VRBO. There are some very nice and reasonable people out there. I don't want the bad ones to overshadow the good ones. But, I will definitely put this "lemon of a company" on my naughty list. Someone has to speak up.
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