Vrbo's API connection setup differs from other channel APIs, including how rates and fees are managed. This article outlines what to expect when setting rates or fees for your Vrbo listings in Sympl.
Setting Rates
Unlike other channel APIs, Vrbo automatically pulls rates from Sympl, meaning you don’t need to manually push them.
You can create rates directly from the Bookings calendar or from within the Rental.
To set rates:
From the Bookings calendar:
Click on Calendars in the top navigation menu and on the bookings calendar option if this isn't your default calendar.
Create a new standard rate by clicking on the dropdown arrow next to the Add Booking button then Add Standard Rate or by dragging over the dates for the rental and then choosing the Add Standard Rate option.
From the Rental:
Navigate to the rental you want to add rates to by clicking on it in the calendar, or from More > Rentals in the top navigation bar.
Navigate to the "Rates" tab of the rental, select the Rates Table tab. You can view existing rates here and edit them or create new rates.
Click on the Add Rates button.
Choose the "Add Standard Rate" option.
Fill out the fields for your standard rate then click Create.
Only rates categorized as "default" in Sympl will sync with Vrbo.
To set rates exclusively for Vrbo listings, use the Channel Adjustment option. See our Channel Adjustment article for details on setting adjusted rates for Vrbo.
Settings Fees
Unlike other channel APIs, Vrbo requires you to set listing fees directly in Sympl and they must be set using the guidelines below. For a step-by-step guide on how to add fees to your rentals, refer to our article: How Do I Set Fees for My Rental?.
Key Guidelines for Fees:
Guest Threshold: Only applicable to the additional guest fee. Applying it to other fees (e.g., cleaning fees) will cause a rate error. Remove the threshold count for all fees except the additional guest fee.
Booking Fees: When adding fees use the Per night modality - other modalities will cause issues.
Dynamic Pricing: Sympl dynamic rates are not compatible with Vrbo. Use standard rates in Sympl or Rategenie's dynamic pricing instead.
Damage Deposit:
Must be set as a flat fee, per stay, refundable, and named "Damage Deposit" for Vrbo to accept it.
For more on what to expect when connecting VRBO, you can check out the VRBO FAQ article here.