VRBO is one of the largest Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), making it an essential channel for expanding your booking revenue and market reach.
📌 Quick Note:
If your listings are set to Instant Book, they will be automatically indexed on Expedia. You will manage both VRBO and Expedia bookings directly through the VRBO Channel Connection.
📢 Important Things to Know Before Going Live on VRBO
1. Payment Method Required
You are your own merchant of record on VRBO.
This means you will process payments through your own online payment provider and manage payment schedules as needed, increasing cash flow.
2. Rental Agreement Needed
VRBO requires a Rental Agreement to be set up for your properties.
3. No Existing VRBO Account? No Problem!
If you don’t have a VRBO account, you can create one directly during the onboarding phase in RentalWise.
✅ How to Connect VRBO with RentalWise
Follow these 5 simple steps to list your properties on VRBO via RentalWise.
Step 1: Enable VRBO in RentalWise
1. Log in to your RentalWise account.
2. Navigate to Integrations > Add Channel.
3. Select VRBO from the list of available channels.
Step 2: Configure Basic Settings
1. Name the channel (for internal use only).
2. Select your currency – ⚠ This must match the currency in your VRBO account!
If you create a new VRBO account through RentalWise or if you already have a VRBO account, the selected currency cannot be changed later (unless you contact VRBO support).
Step 3: Complete the VRBO Onboarding Process
Follow the Onboarding Phase instructions presented in the setup menu.
💡 Tip: If you accidentally skip this, you can access it anytime from the VRBO Channel View.
Step 4: Answer VRBO’s Onboarding Questions
1. Do you have an account with VRBO or its affiliated partners?
Yes (if you already have an account)
No (if you need to create a new one)
2. Do you currently use property management software?
Yes (since you are using RentalWise)
3. Which vacation rental software do you use?
This field will be automatically filled with RentalWise.
🚨 Do NOT change this field!
4. Which credit card would you like to use to pay for commissions?
Enter your payment details for VRBO commission payments.
💡 Tip: You can adjust your pricing using Channel Mark-up to cover the commission costs.
Step 5: Finalize & Connect Your Properties
1. After completing the onboarding phase, you will receive a confirmation screen.
2. Go to the VRBO Channel View in RentalWise.
3. Click CONNECT for each property you want to list on VRBO.
🎉 Success! You Are Now Connected to VRBO!
⚠ Important:
Unlike Airbnb or Booking.com, the connection to VRBO is NOT instant.
VRBO will manually review your account and contact you to finalize the process.
The approval timeframe depends on VRBO and is out of RentalWise’s control.
By following these steps, you’ll successfully list and sync your properties on VRBO, ensuring maximum exposure and revenue potential! 🚀