FAQ

Who is iTrip Vacations?

iTrip Vacations was started in 2008 by vacation property owners for property owners. Since then, the company has grown from one destination to 100 destinations across North America. Each iTrip Vacations destination is owned and managed by a local property management team that receives corporate support from experts in software, technology, content, marketing, social media, SEO and more. Our franchise property managers utilize proprietary systems and processes, provide boutique-level services, and receive support from a national leader in vacation rental management.

 

Who is iTrip Vacations Charleston beaches?

iTrip Vacations Charleston Beaches is locally owned and operated by Sarah & Steven Goodwin. Find out more about them here.

 

How does iTrip Vacations promote and market my property?

• Each property has their own customized web page on 180+ online listing sites. All inquiries are property specific, ensuring the owner that they receive all intended bookings. In the event that a requested property is already booked, similar properties will be offered using unit specific criteria such as availability, pricing, location and number of bedrooms/bathrooms.
• iTrip Vacations partners with Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, Booking.com, TripAdvisor and dozens more. Utilizing weekly updated statistical analysis of daily visits, we contract with the most searched websites.
• We also use machine learning and artificial intelligence to run our digital marketing campaigns. This allows us to make hundreds of micro adjustments to our marketing campaigns throughout every day. These small adjustments may only increase our rentals by small percentages but added up over weeks and months - we are able to provide smarter marketing that adds up to major results. Our competitors at virtually any level simply cannot compete with this level of sophistication.
• We spend millions a year on advertising. Additionally, advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning processes market and remarket to potential guests. The iTrip brand stays front and center through ads on Google, Facebook and Twitter to name a few.
• Additionally, we employ smart follow-up marketing by continually offering potential travelers a chance to come back and book with iTrip. These smart follow-up campaigns target our marketing at visitors who are already looking to book in your market and continues to keep the iTrip brand and our properties front and center until the customer is ready to book.
• iTrip Vacations also has a strong social media presence on major sites including: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and Linkedin. Through our social media and online marketing efforts, more than 100 million people visit the iTrip Vacations site each year (as of 1Q 2017). We also write blogs and send out a newsletter twice a month to more than 300,000 people that showcases deals, destinations and more.
• Each guest also receives a follow-up email from iTrip property managers with the return of their security deposit and instructions on how to leave an online review. In addition owners are encouraged to email their iTrip property manager with comments and feedback, so we can ensure the best experience possible. iTrip managers have a detailed database of renters so they can reach out periodically and encourage repeat bookings.

 

Can I promote and rent my own property?

Yes. iTrip Vacations encourages owners to promote their rental property to friends, relatives and business associates. With iTrip, you receive a custom Web page and link on iTrip.net in order for you to promote your property.

 

How are rates established?

iTrip Vacations works with property owners to establish rental rates and terms. It is in all parties best interests to maximize your rental income and ensure your property rents for the maximum amount obtainable.

 

iTrip performs a market analysis of current comparable properties to determine competitive rental rates. Due to competitive market conditions, tourist fluctuations and demand, iTrip Vacations reserves the right to alter rates and terms and make special rates and terms at its discretion in order to maximize owner rental income and occupancy percentage. Our dynamic pricing model and data processes allow us to keep pricing competitive and increase bookings.

 

What are some of the normal expenses for the rental program?

iTrip Vacations property managers try to keep expenses to a minimum. As vacation rental owners, we too have seen the nitpicking expenses charged by other rental programs. There are no hidden charges to property owners. To learn more about listing, commission rates and more, contact us here.

 

What about cleaning services and maintenance?

Happy customers equal repeat business. A clean, well-maintained property is one the owner takes pride in, and the rental guests request when they plan their next vacation. Everyday property maintenance also prolongs its life and increases its value.

 

iTrip Vacations property managers work with professional cleaning services and maintenance companies. Our staff inspects each property during the process to ensure the rental is ready for the next guest. Managers also have real-time access to the entire turnover process via our custom FlipStream app. Additional program perks include free light maintenance, owner ability to select cleaning crews and more. Contact us now to find out more.

 

What about maintenance?

We provide light maintenance (e.g. replacing light bulbs, remote batteries, smoke detector batteries) at no charge for labor – only the actual cost of replaced items will be charged.

 

We can also manage all major repairs and bill you for the cost as part of our system. When non-emergency major repairs are required, you will receive an estimate before repairs are made.

 

What about linens, furnishings and house wares?

After an initial property assessment, we will provide a recommended list of what owners should stock in their home. Suggestions vary depending on the type of location and are included in your enrollment package.

 

What type of rental tenant will be allowed in my unit?

While most owners want to maximize their rental property, they do not want to rent to irresponsible guests who may cause damage to your property. iTrip Vacations adheres to owner preferences and also has a policy designed to promote family-oriented rentals with only guests over 25 being allowed to book a home.

 

We know one top concern is property security, and our aggressive pursuance of rentals will not be at the property's expense. The entire iTrip Vacations team is thoroughly trained in screening prospective rental guests to assure they meet the required quality standards. Some of our rental properties have electronic devices installed that monitor the home for noise and occupants.

 

What if there is damage by a rental guest?

iTrip Vacations gives each guest the option to sign a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or leave a security deposit. The waiver informs the guest that they may be responsible for any damages occurred during their stay. Our team will inspect the property, determine if the LDW applies, and act appropriately on behalf of the owner. If it is determined there are damages, the repair cost is charged to the rental guest and either claimed on the waiver or taken from the security deposit.

 

How do we receive our rental proceeds?

We provide each owner a detailed statement of the previous month's rental activity. The statement itemizes all income and expense items. We remit the net proceeds by ACH transfer 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 Vacations allows each owner unlimited use of their property at any time. Owners must, however, reserve their property through iTrip Vacations booking system (iTrip.net) to ensure availability and calendars are kept current at all times. No fees other than departure cleaning services apply.

 

Do iTrip managers accept credit cards and who pays for the fees?

iTrip Vacations accept all major credit cards for reservations, rentals and security deposits. Credit cards have become the No. 1 payment option for vacation rentals. They are not only needed as a courtesy to rental guests, but also provide guaranteed up-front funds for the owner with no worries about collection, particularly with short-notice rentals.

 

We bill guests credit card fees separately as in South Carolina these are taxed differently from rental charges and this approach reduces the overall cost to the guest.