So what exactly does that mean?

In essence, Vrbo's dynamic service fee was determined by the amount Vrbo's algorithm thought the traveler was willing to pay. The percent could change (typically the percent decreased as the total rental amount increased). However, the total amount of the traveler service fee was capped at $499 (sometimes $599). But it appears this is no longer the case.

In comparison, Airbnb's traveler service fee has no such cap. Travelers who book on Airbnb pay around a 14.2% service fee commission straight across the board. It doesn't matter if the total rental cost is $200 or $30,000.

Let's look at an example:

There is a $706 Vrbo traveler service fee charge on this 7 night reservation. In the past, Vrbo's service fee would have been capped at $499 (once in a while it went up to $599).

On the other hand, if a traveler were to book this same property on Airbnb the service fee would be around 14.2%.

How much would a traveler save if booking the property on Houfy?

At least $706 or $1,253.00.

That's a lot of money one could spend on vacation activities instead. Nice dinners all week, plus daily massages! It's also enough money to book and pay for a second mini getaway.

Your credit card and bank provide consumer protections. Why are you paying a middleman $706 or $1,253?

Read the fine print of Vrbo's book with confidence guarantee. The traveler is required to first seek fraud reimbursement through their own bank. Isn't that why you use a credit card...for the protection that your own bank provides?

Stop paying hundreds and thousands in middleman service fees and book direct instead! Join Houfy's free book direct market network and never pay traveler service fees again.

The next time you're on a site that charges traveler service fees, google the name of the property, images, listing description text, etc. Check to see if the property has their own website. Search for their facebook business page, instagram, or pinterest account.

See if the owner already listed their property on Houfy.com's free book direct market network. Owners never pay commissions. And travelers never pay service fees.