USVI-On-Line

When you guys rent a villa, do you pay the asking price or do you negotiate the price?

Kenny

We have always paid the price. I don't think they negotiate (at least the management companies). The owners direct may negotiate????

Sometimes I’ll ask if there are any discounts available, but most of the time there are not, and we always go in the off-season (June, July, or August).

I once got a reduced price on a condo, but I was dealing with the owner and it was only a few months in advance.

I also once got 5 or 10% off for renting for more than 7 days at one place.

I think it really depends on who you’re dealing with, what time of the year it is, and how far in advance you’re looking.

I wish more places would offer discounts for repeat renters, but I've only heard of one place that does that and I've never rented from them (I can't remember which company it is, but someone else here will likely know). A discount like that would really build loyalty, just like I'm loyal to one airline and one car rental company.

I an all of my years as a rental manager I never had anyone try and bargain on the price. I think I would have been offended. People would sometimes ask if there were any discounts, but if I was "offered" a lesser price, I would have offered them a lesser property.

Maybe it happens, but not in my eperience.

My wife called one year and begged and they actually came off $900.00.I would never have done that but I was amazed it happened and proud of her.I won't tell you the agency but I guess they're just like us trying to scratch out a living.I'm in sales and believe me,I get asked countless times to come off the price.

MIke wrote:My wife called one year and begged and they actually came off $900.00.I would never have done that but I was amazed it happened and proud of her.I won't tell you the agency but I guess they're just like us trying to scratch out a living.I'm in sales and believe me,I get asked countless times to come off the price.

I will say that I am very surprised, as that is a huge amount. As a property manager, you charge the price that the owner sets. I am not sure how that conversation would go. " Hi, I just wanted to tell you that we rented your house a lot this month, but we reduced the rate. So, after commissions, monthly management fees, cleaning charges, and pool and maintenance charges, you owe us money."

My philosophy is it can't hurt to ask. The worst thing that can happen is they might say no, but the great thing is many times they will discount.

I have gotten off-season price during season. Some management companies will discount repeat customers. I have also received a discount when renting 2 weeks. I have gotten a deal by renting directly from the owner, and last-minute rentals (less than 30 days out, some fudge a bit on the length)

But alas, sometimes, I have had to suck it up and fork over the going rate.
But I always try to weasel a better deail!

Teresa_Rae makes a very good point. I'm now discussing next year's plans with my wife and I would be positively influenced by a repeat customer discount if it was offered.
In my business, I always try to offer something to repeat customers who I wish to keep coming back. It's a proven sales tchnique in my industry because it works well in retention of the good ones. IMHO

(and I don't offer it to the bad ones.)

No discount but we were able to get a 7 day rental over Christmas/New Years this year by contacting the owner directly. Most places wanted 10 or 14 day minimums.

We've always paid the going price but Cloud Nine Villas offered us a discount for being repeat renters.

I never thought that you could negotiate prices. I have gotten discounts before, but they were offered by the agency--like Catered To has a 20% discount for last-minute bookings, and Gallows Point offers 10% off to repeat renters.

VIVA! offers 10% off for repeat renters across all of the properties they manage. You must pay by check. We got that discount on Eaglesnest in November. It adds up.

Cheers, RickG

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