Payment by check is standard procedure for all agencies. Although not used them personally, I have not heard anything bad about Carefree on this subject.

We rent our vacation home and, currently, we only take check or cash. Our Property Manager isn't set up for credit cards. Though, we and our property manager are actively reviewing our options to accept credit cards. However, your posting concerns me a little and giving me "food for thought" as we weigh the pros, cons and expense of offering payment by credit card.

When you say, "should there be any problems", help me understand your meaning. If a confirmed rental guest cancels, there is a penalty which is fair and reasonable - the home was unavailable for other potential rentals. Usually, if we have cancellation of confirmed rental, and we are able to rent that block of time to another guest, we compromise. If there are any problems with the home that may result in a compromise or settlement, those problems or issues should be raised with the property manager or home owner and handled on an individual case basis.

I understand the underlying message that you would refute the charge on your credit card in the event you are dissatisfied (?) for some reason. However, that's the part that worries me. I'd like to understand from a guest's perspective the possible reasons to withhold payment.

We rented a villa through vrbo.com and the owner accepted payment via PayPal so we were able to use a credit card. I believe there are fees associated with receiving money from PayPal as well, but I'm not sure if they're as much as credit card processing.

New Englander

This is standard practice... i own a rental villa in st thomas and i usually get half at booking via check and the other half 30 days prior to thier arrival.

I've rented through Carefree several times and never had a problem. Which villa are you renting?

FlBI: I've been taking credit cards for many years now but in your case I wouldn't recommend you go that route. Not that I've had many problems with them at all but by the time you figure the cost of the machine itself (I believe most banks charge round $600 for them) then the percentage the credit card companies take, along with the miscellaneous sneaky bank charges, well...

I wouldn't use them unless I had to but my business is a little different and I'm almost forced to.

In all the years I've been taking credit cards I only had one problem and it was entirely my mistake. The user caught it before I even knew I'd made the error and the credit card company forwarded me the challenge which I immediately rectified. I was mortified and wished the user had come to me first. But I would imagine that even bigger mistakes are quickly caught as the credit card companies do seem to be pretty much on top of complaints.

In your situation I'd heed the old adage - if it ain't broke don't fix it. Cheers!

Have to agree with STT on credit cards. I take them because the nature of my business requires that I do. With those that started out on cc I usually switch to check. Depending on how much money you run will determine how much you pay. Visa and MC are running anywhere from from 2.0 to 2.5 pct. I just had a raise from AMEXCO to 3.5 pct when they changed my catagory of business. I now dissuade the use of AMEXCO.

Quickbooks Pro has a system online so that you don't need the expensive machine. So good for office work.

DON'T TAKE THEM IF YOU DON'T NEED TO.

Appreciate the input from Promoguy & STTRes. I understand the convenience of paying by credit card but we're trying to keep our operating costs down so that we can continue to offer affordable/competitive rates. An extra 2-3.5% adds up in a hurry! Any rental guests have any input? luvstjohn or others?

We have always paid by personal or cashier's check (from my bank) and have nver had a problem. We rented from Carefree Getaways last year and had a positive experience with them. I would book with them again.

Thank you for the recommendation. We are reserving Bongo Bongo. I just wanted to be sure that everything was on the "up and up".

Having the protection of credit card payment only should there be some problem with double-bookings, etc was all that I was referring to. Just looking at it from a renter's perspective.

Thanks for the clarification shannon.

shannon,
The stories we hear about "double-booking" usually occur when owners have their properties listed through multiple booking agents or on multiple rent-by-owner sites. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that Carefree Getaways listings are exclusive...Does anyone know for sure if this is true?
-Ruth

This appears to be normal

Pia

Great! Thanks so much for the input! It's booked. Can't wait.

lets see...paying 6 months in advance to a complete stranger with a personal check.....why WOULDNT that concern someone....this is not standard procedure in any other place i have vacationed.....the concern for me would be is this a legit person I am paying $1000 plus of my money, 6 months in advance. what if they are not legit, they sell the unit or double book? who is going to help me find another place in short notice.

having said that, I have vacationed in STJ, am returning in April, and will once again (this week in fact) mail my 1/2 rental fee in advance to a complete stranger I have never laid eyes on. Of course, I have some concerns. I also will purchase trip insurance. However, again, being a frequent travelor, I have never experienced this type of payment option in any other vacation area and do not believe it is fair to the person renting.

The only time I would go back to a credit card company is if the renter did not uphold their end of the deal---no villa available or last minute cancellation. In the rental agreements I have seen for STJ, there is never a penalty for the owner cancelling. And just refunding my money isnt really enough, they should have a penalty too, as I may not be able to find another similar priced rental during my time frame.

IMO only..

I've spent time in villas not only on STJ, but also at three locations in Mexico. They also have only taken checks. I believe this is not unusual for the rental of private homes and villas.

Totally normal.

The places I've dealt with will not cash my security deposit check. They hold it and return it, uncashed, after the rental.

Blu, yes. This is our property manager's practice. If all checks out after guests vacate (no damage, no LD phone charges, etc.), then she mails the uncashed, deposit check .