VRBO problems?

Was just reading a discussion thread about how several Channel managers are having problems with VRBO at the moment. Also a comment saying that you can’t go api without a VAT number.

Can anyone shed any light on this  and is OwnerRez all systems go with VRBO?

I see you are in the UK.  Yes, we have had issues with UK tax law, that we have no direct insight into or understanding of.  Some of our UK clients have been successful in establishing an API connection, and others not - the lack of a VAT number has indeed been given as a reason why the API connection was not possible.  Our current recommendation is to give it a try, it might or might not be allowed but doesn't hurt anything if it's rejected.

Even if you are unable to establish am API connection to Vrbo, it is still perfectly possible to use OwnerRez and Vrbo together, just a little bit more manual, by using iCal feeds and Channel Bridge.

We are working with Vrbo to make the international API connections smoother and more reliable, and significant improvements are expected later this year.

Otherwise, we're not aware of any particular open issues with our Vrbo API connection that aren't documented and longstanding (e.g. specific amenities that their UI offers but their API does not support).  Did you have any details of the concern that we can address specifically?

Thanks Ken

Nothing more specific than above. I listed mine (without a vat number) a few years back but don't bother with them much in the UK. I had a client ask me about connecting to them and I said I'd take a closer look. That's when I found the thread.

So basically no guarantees because they don't take into account UK tax law.

FYI the law is that small businesses don't have to register for VAT until their turnover exceeds £85,000 a year. Most people actively try and stay under this as the price you charge will go up by 20% if you exceed it.

Yep, that aligns with what I've heard, and that Vrbo legal, as you say, doesn't recognize or work with that.  :-/  However, hopefully later this year they'll have this sorted effectively.