Do your clients opt for using credit cards when booking their vacation homes? Then chances are high they can opt for issuing a so-called ‘guest chargeback’ in the long run. A chargeback takes place when a customer decides to dispute a charge on their card. As a result, the recently deposited money vanishes into thin air from your account. 

According to statistics, vacation rental owners don’t even win half of the filed chargeback disputes. Sounds sad and unfair. Don’t panic, though. In this post, you will find some handy tips on how to effectively prevent guest chargebacks. Read on or opt for the VMPI solution to prevent chargebacks altogether.

1. Put an Emphasis on Your Policies 

During the final stages of the checkout process, ask your clients to sign a doc explaining your refund policies. This step ensures that they are fully aware of your policies and have studied your (completely transparent) approach. Add a date and time stamp to this signed document and keep it in a safe place for future reference.  

2. Keep Your Vacation Rental Descriptions Accurate

Avoid any misleading information when writing your vacation rental listing descriptions. Aim at maximum accuracy, clarity, honesty, and transparency. Be specific: specify the property size, talk about the views, describe basic amenities, mention parking space details, don’t forget about pet-friendliness. Attach professional photos to solidify what your rental has to offer.

3. Keep Your Property Essentials in Great Condition

Make sure that all the devices and utilities specified in your vacation rental descriptions are in superb condition. A squeaky bed may seem a minor irritant to you. To your customers, however, it may be a deal-breaker. Needless to say, such issues as inconsistent Internet connection, faulty air conditioning, a swimming pool that takes a very long time to heat up, and the like may lead to your guests wanting their money back…

4. Keep Your Policies Organized & Available

Always let your clients know where they can read your rental policies, as well as your most up-to-date terms and conditions. Have them sign the rental agreement after reading it carefully and (preferably) discussing important details with you, such as smoking or the possibility to bring pets along.

5. Address Your Guests’ Needs Fast 

Communication is vital. But it’s not enough when it comes to reacting to your clients’ issues. Invest in top-notch, super polite, extremely quick-to-respond, and incredibly effective customer support service. Communicate with your clients with pleasure and solve any minor issues as soon as they arise, for it will help you prevent these minor issues from transforming into bigger problems.

Last But Not Least

Remember that documenting all things guest-related is always a good idea. Keep records of everything that proves that your clients have studied, signed, and got to grips with all your refund rules and guidelines. All this information may come in handy for a fair resolution of the chargeback to take place (read as for matters to resolve in your favor).