New VRBO cancellation rules....I mean penalties

[Michael Baum]

Well, VRBO is getting harder to work with.

https://help.vrbo.com/articles/What-if-I-need-to-cancel-a-re...

"Our shared ambition is simple: deliver better traveler experiences
across the entire traveler journey and maintain trust in the Vrbo
marketplace.

To meet travelers’ expectations and help you deliver more value, we are modifying how we manage partner-initiated cancellations.
Starting May 23, 2024, every avoidable cancellation will incur a 7-day temporary listing level suspension in addition to the cancellation fee.
Temporary suspension will begin 10 days after the cancellation occurs if it is not waived by Vrbo.

We know some cancellations are unavoidable.
As a reminder, please submit a waiver request so you aren’t penalized
for things out of your control, like when a pipe bursts, the power goes
out, or someone can’t agree to your house rules.
For more information about the waiver process, click here.
Thank you for limiting your cancellations and taking care of travelers."

This is getting annoying.

[JD Martin]

Quote from @Michael Baum:

Yeah, they are going the way of AirBNB. It would be a good time for a new OTA to popup. It would be tough though.

 It's coming, I guarantee it. If not Houfy then someone else. Eventually there's going to be a site that's good for owners, probably a flat fee model, free for users and the savings will destroy VRBO and Airbnb.