Villa booking - payments question...

[Northerndave]

Hello all,

Been looking at Villas on Home Away and found one that takes our fancy for August of this year.

Owner has sent a request for payment, using their Credit Card payment system. I know I am protected but...

The request is for full payment, including Deposit. I've booked many in the past, last time about 2 years ago and normally you pay a deposit and then the remaining balance 8-12 weeks before arrival.

I've spoken to the owner and performed a couple of checks to validate who I'm dealing with really exists as best I can...

Have things changed now? Is this the norm to request full payment for online Vila bookings now.

Thanks in advance

[Susan Coleman]

Does seem a bit early for the full amount
have you queried that?
I guess on that site it is in the villaowners hands to make the request
maybe he is American and they often book so late that it is time for money due when they book, so maybe he ahs set up for that
Query with the owner

[PerksP]

I agree with Susan that it does seem early to ask for full payment - I would expect to be asked for a deposit at this point and remaining balance 8 weeks prior to arrival.

Perhaps you could ask that question of the owner and, if you are comfortable with the reply, you can go ahead and book. As Susan says, US guests book early so a deposit may just not be something they have considered.

[Gryff]

As Susan and Polly have said may be American owners but it's a bit early for the full amount

Helen

[steve@mac155.f]

Definitely not the norm but it depends on how they have set up the HA payment system, just ask them if you can pay a deposit now with the balance 8 weeks before the stay and see what they say.

Steve

[Tetrarch]

I also think its a bit odd asking for full payment now for an August rental. All owners operate slightly differently so you will need to ask the owner themselves and take it from there. If that is how they want to do it and they won't budge, then its up to you whether you go ahead and book or look elsewhere.

Debra

[pawwavingpuppy]

I've booked quite a few villas on H&A, I have one booked for the 2nd week of our holiday this year down on the Gulf coast. I have never been asked for full payment this early, only a deposit, payment is usually due around 6-8 weeks before arrival.

If they're asking for the lot now, I'd steer clear. IMHO.

[owens5558]

I also think it is too early to be paying the full amount. We ask for the balance 8 weeks before arrival date and I think most villa owners are the same. It might be quite innocent but I would ask the owner. Does it say on his web page that he asks for the balance this early?

Penny

[reemur]

I agree its a bit early for full payment
Look into it a bit more before making a decision
Carol

[Pixiebelle]

It does seem a bit early to be asking for full payment. I use the HA payment system (initial deposit and final balance due 8 weeks before arrival) to request payments from guests but it sounds like they may not have set it up properly. Speak to the owner and see if you can work something out.