BOOK DIRECT
It’s a debate that’s been raging for years now. Which is better, the book direct model or online travel agencies? While there are similarities between the two models, there are also significant differences. It’s no secret that Find Rental has always been a huge proponent of Book Direct. It’s what we’ve based our business on.
Online Travel Agency or OTA are online companies whose websites allow consumers to book various travel-related services via the Internet. They are 3rd party agents reselling vacation rentals, hotels, cars, flights, and vacation packages.
Book Direct takes you directly to our partners to complete your reservation on their site, so your rate, property, and services are guaranteed. Big Travel brands list the same properties but add % of the cost in hidden fees.
Since rearing its ugly head in the first quarter of 2020, Covid-19 has turned our entire world upside down. The vacation rental industry was hit particularly hard, with an unprecedented rash of cancellations in March and April. We’ve been very fortunate. We’re recovering quickly and bookings are up for the remainder of the year. However, it shed some controversial light on online travel agencies.
In a world gone mad, people are looking for humanity, compassion, and kindness. Even, or especially, from corporate neighbors. We’re particularly looking for a connection.
It’s hard to see the OTAs in that light. While all for-profit businesses exist for that purpose, some seem to appreciate, more than others, that it’s not all about money. Some even believe that it’s better to leave a few dollars on the table if it means creating a good relationship.
Why? Because our model is fair and equitable. Care and concern for fellow entities are built-in. Book Direct values relationships over profit. Here are a few more compelling reasons.
If you read reviews on online travel agent sites, one of the major complaints is overbooking. Guests “confirm” reservations, including payment, only to be informed minutes, and sometimes days, later that the property is not available due to overbooking. When you book directly on a vacation rental management company website, you don’t run that risk. Each management company website booking engine is in real-time and your booking gets first priority.
Find Rentals is a Book Direct aggregator. This means that we don’t accept reservations on behalf of our client partners. We send guests directly to their websites so they can book direct and enjoy the savings and service of doing so.
Our site benefits our client partners in several ways:
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is this: our guests and partner clients matter to us. We would be devastated by a 1-star review. We work hard to actually resolve your issues because they’re important to us. Our small staff ensures that you will find a friendly, familiar voice each time you call.
We pride ourselves on being the opposite of an online travel agency. We invite you to experience the difference in being part of the Find Rentals family.
BOOK DIRECT to SAVE ON FEES and EXPERIENCE BETTER SERVICE!
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