The other day I saw a news story about the vacation rental industry. While initially my thoughts were “Awesome—the first thing the lottery winner did was rent a vacation home! How great is that for the industry?" But as I read on, I was a bit dismayed about the methods that the owner used to book the property. And then thinking further— I wondered, “what about the other family that got beat out of booking the home?”

I am not sure if any of you who read my blogs would actually send two contracts and tell the renters the first to get the check to them is the one who gets the booking…but I feel the need to stand on my soap box on this one because it just give the whole industry a bad rap.

I really don';t think it';s fair to the renters to send out two contracts for the same week and tell them which ever one gets there first will get the rental. What happens if they both overnight it? Does the renter';s vacation fate fall into the hands of FedEx or UPS';s exact delivery times?

Instead, I think a better approach is to accept credit cards or PayPal—this way you get confirmation of the booking immediately. Not to say anything about how much more convenient it is for your renters.

If you will only accept checks then you should take the reservation from the first person who wants to book, email them the contract and give them a time frame (overnight to 4 days) to get the check to you in order to keep the booking. In the meantime continue to take names and numbers for any subsequent interested renters. If the fist booking falls through, then you can contact any other people who are looking to book.

Remember when you have substandard “rental practices” it';s not just a reflection on you but on the entire vacation rental industry. While you might be tempted to take two contracts, please don';t do it.

Happy Renting by Owner!

Christine