Do people ever give discount on rates?

[ckralich]

Hi. First post on the site.

We have decided to come to SoWal for spring break (family of 4). I have spent a lot of time looking around the site and all the other rental sites. (nice job here by the way) Here's my question: Do people ever discount rates in advance? I've seen old posts for last minute deals, but what about now? It seems like there is plenty of availability for spring break and I'm not sure if I'm just early or if economic conditions are impacting occupancy rates.

We're expecting to spend about $350 per night for beachfront and have zeroed in on Watersound a couple of others. I understand owners have plenty of costs to cover, but I wanted to get some opinions. If so, what kind of discounts?

Thanks

 

[SHELLY]

Hi. First post on the site.

We're expecting to spend about $350 per night for beachfront and have zeroed in on Watersound a couple of others. I understand owners have plenty of costs to cover, but I wanted to get some opinions. If so, what kind of discounts?

Thanks

What are the full-price nightly rates for those you've "zeroed in on?"

.

 

[Beach Runner]

It's way too early for discounts. The only discounts I offer at this point in time are for return guests. We will be booked up, so I don't need to discount.

 

[Matt J]

BR is right, it's still too early for discounts. Once early March hits you'll see discounts and bargains. People are still reeling from the bills coming in from Christmas. You've got to give them time to book. If this is your first time enjoy and , but next year you should be eligible for a return discount. If they (the owner or the rental company) don't offer you one move on to someone who will.

 

[dgsevier]

I will discount 10% if you'll agree to repaint my downstairs interior. I'll furnish the paint.

But seriously, we reserve discounts for friends, and repeaters. We'd love to offer you a discount in 2010 if you'll stay with us this year. www.vrbo.com/38467

 

[ckralich]

What are the full-price nightly rates for those you've "zeroed in on?"

.

Watersound Crossings = $2k for the week. 3br two floor unit.

 

[Matt J]

Watersound Crossings = $2k for the week. 3br two floor unit.

For WaterSound and spring break that's not a bad deal at all.

 

[dgsevier]

For WaterSound and spring break that's not a bad deal at all.

I agree completely

 

[SHELLY]

Watersound Crossings = $2k for the week. 3br two floor unit.

The way I figure it, that's well below your $350 budget--if you like that unit and location, you may want to just book it now. If, however, you want to roll the dice, you'll have to wait a bit closer to Spring Break when the owners are starting to sweat bullets and put an offer on the table 2-3 weeks out (give them no more than 24 hours to accept or counter-offer).

I guarantee this economy isn't going to Spring back by Spring, and I think there will be plenty of inventory available for the choosing. But since you're satisfied with the location and it is within your price-range, you'll just have to weigh if there is value in getting it done now versus the possibility of saving a few bucks and ending up in a different location down the line.

Additionally, keep in mind that there might be a chance (slim as that might be) that the property you select way in advance of your visit might go into foreclosure--so think of a contingency plan should that happen.

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[Matt J]

After spring break is over get ready to see some summer discounting. ;-)