Frequently Asked Questions
How do iTrip Members promote and market your property?
Can I promote and rent my own property?
How are rates established?
What are some of the normal expenses for the rental program?
What about cleaning services and maintenance?
What about maintenance?
What about linens?
What type of rental tenant will be allowed in my unit?
What if there is damage by a rental guest?
How do we receive our rental proceeds?
What about owner and owner's free guest use?
Do iTrip Members accept credit cards and who pays for the fees?
How do iTrip Members promote and market your property?
Each property has their own customized website on 5 Internet
Rental sites. All inquiries are property specific ensuring the
owner that they receive all intended bookings. In the event
that a requested property is booked, alternate similar properties
will be offered using unit specific criteria such as availability,
pricing, location and number of bedrooms/bathrooms. iTrip Members
utilize the most searched Internet Vacation Rental sites available.
Utilizing weekly updated statistical analysis of daily visits we
contract with the most searched websites. Experience has shown that
3 or 4 web sites consistently have the most inquiries. Each guest
also receives a follow up letter from iTrip Members with the return
of their security deposit with instructions on how to leave a comment
in the property's website guest book. In addition owner's are
encouraged to email iTrip Members with comments written in your
property guest book so that iTrip Members can add these to your
website guest book. iTrip Members keeps a detailed database on
renters so that they can be contacted periodically to encourage
repeat bookings.
Can I promote and rent my own property?
iTrip Members encourage owners to promote their rental property
to friends, relatives and business associates. iTrip Members
provide you with a custom web page in the iTripUSA.com web site
(in addition to the 5 Internet Rental sites) in order for you
to promote your property to friends, neighbors etc. without
exposing them to competing properties. In addition this page
will be hyperlinked whenever possible to the Internet Rental
Sites so that interested renters can view additional photos
of your property at no additional expense to you. iTrip Members
work with you to honor discounts you may wish to offer to friends
and family members. iTrip Members offer a 50% commission discount
on bookings that you refer.
How are rates established?
iTrip Members work with property owners to establish all rental
rates and terms. It is in the best of interest of the property
owner and iTrip Members to maximize your rental income and
insure that your property rents for the maximum amount obtainable.
A market analysis is performed using current comparable properties
to determine competitive rental rates. Due to competitive market
conditions, tourist fluctuations and demand iTrip Members reserve
the right to alter rates and terms and make special rates and
terms at its discretion in order to maximize the OWNERS rental
income and occupancy percentage.
What are some of the normal expenses for the rental program?
iTrip Members try to keep expenses to a minimum. We too have
seen the nitpicking expenses charged by some other rental
programs. There are no hidden charges to property owners. The
only fees charged are: Initial Enrollment Fee, The ageed
Commission Fee, credit card fees (generally 3.5%) Annual Renewal Fee and actual
maintenance fees.
What about cleaning services and maintenance?
Repeat business is based on happy customers. Everyday
maintenance of your property prolongs its life and increases
its value. iTrip Members employ exceptional cleaning services
that are second to none. Our cleaning staffs inspect each
property as they clean (a great way to notice damage or
substandard maintenance) as well as inspecting the complete
unit after cleaning. Our cleaning services pride themselves
on preparing each unit to our strict standards for the next
arrival. A clean, well-maintained property is one the owner
is proud of and the rental guests request when they plan their
next vacation. This cleaning service is charged to the rental
guest as an additional charge.
What about maintenance?
iTrip Members provide Light Maintenance i.e. replacing light
bulbs, remote batteries, smoke detector batteries, and furnace
filters at no charge for labor (only the actual cost of
replaced items will be charged). We also manage all major
repairs and bill you for the actual cost as part of our complete
system. When non-emergency major repairs are required, you will
be provided with an estimate before repairs are made.
What about linens?
iTrip Members will provide a recommended list of linens that
property owners should have on hand. This recommended list is
included with your enrollment package along with recommendations
on furnishings and house wares.
What type of rental tenant will be allowed in my unit?
While most owners want to maximize rental of their property
they of course do not want to rent to someone who may cause
damage to your property. iTrip Members have a strict policy
designed to promote family-oriented rentals only. NO UN-CHAPERONED
VACATIONING STUDENTS OR SINGLE GROUPS UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY-FIVE
ARE ALLOWED TO RENT iTrip Member PROPERTIES. Our maximum concern
is for the protection of the property and our aggressive pursuance
of rentals will not be at the property's expense. The iTrip Member
staff is thoroughly trained in screening prospective rental guests
to assure that they meet the quality standards required. This is
spelled out in the rental contract signed by the guest.
What if there is damage by a rental guest?
iTrip Members require damage deposits from each property
reservation. The amount of this deposit is based on the
property and is usually $250.00 to $500.00. This damage
deposit is required thirty days in advance of rental and
therefore is completely in the hands of the iTrip Member
by the time of rental. At each departure cleaning staff
inspect each property for damages. If it is determined that
there are damages the repair cost is charged and deducted from
the rental guest's deposit. Upon approval of the cleaning staff,
iTrip Members will return the damage deposit to the rental
tenant generally 7 to 10 days following check out.
How do we receive our rental proceeds?
Each month iTrip Members supply each property owner a detailed
statement of the previous month's rental activity. The statement
itemizes all income and expense items. A net proceeds check is
rendered and sent with this monthly statement. This statement
should serve as verification of your income and expenses for
tax purposes.
What about owner and owner's free guest use?
iTrip Members allow each owner unlimited use of their property
AT ANY TIME. Owners must, however, reserve their property
through the iTrip Member rental services to ensure that
availability calendars are kept current at all times. No fees
other than departure cleaning services apply.
Do iTrip Members accept credit cards and who pays for the fees?
iTrip Members accept all major credit cards for reservation,
rental and security deposits. Credit cards have become a way
of life and are not only needed as a courtesy to rental guests
but also provide for guaranteed up-front funds for the owner
with no worries about collection particularly with short notice
rentals. The fees associated with credit card use are an expense
to the owner. iTrip Members only charge the rate that is paid to
the credit card provider.