Who is iTrip?
iTrip was started in 2008 by short term rental owners for property owners. Since then, the
company has grown from one destination to 60 across North America. Each iTrip destination
is owned and managed by a local property management team that receives corporate support from
experts in software, technology, content, marketing, social media, SEO and more. Our franchise
property managers utilize proprietary systems and processes, provide boutique-level services, and
receive support from a national leader in short-term rental management.
How does iTrip promote and market my property?
- Each property has their own customized web page on 80-plus
online listing sites. All inquiries are property specific, ensuring
the owner that they receive all intended bookings. In the event that
a requested property is booked, similar properties will be offered
using unit specific criteria such as availability, pricing, location
and number of bedrooms/bathrooms.
- iTrip partners with
Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, Booking.com, TripAdvisor and dozens more.
Utilizing weekly updated statistical analysis of daily visits, we
contract with the most searched websites.
- We also use machine
learning and artificial intelligence to run our digital marketing
campaigns. This allows us to make hundreds of micro adjustments to
our marketing campaigns throughout every day. These small
adjustments may only increase our rentals by small percentages but
added up over weeks and months- we are able to provide smarter
marketing that adds up to major results. Our competitors at
virtually any level simply cannot compete with this level of
sophistication.
- We spend millions a year on advertising.
Additionally, advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning
processes market and remarket to potential guests. The iTrip brand
stays front and center through ads on Google, Facebook and Twitter
to name a few.
- Additionally, we employ smart follow-up marketing
by continually offering potential travelers a chance to come back
and book with iTrip. These smart follow-up campaigns target our
marketing at visitors who are already looking to book in your market
and continues to keep the iTrip brand and our properties front and
center until the customer is ready to book.
- iTrip also
has a strong social media presence on major sites including:
Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube and Linkedin.
Through our social media and online marketing efforts, more than 100
million people visit iTrip sites each year (as of 1Q
2023). We also write blogs and send out a newsletter twice a month
to more than 300,000 people that showcases deals, destinations and
more.
- Each guest also receives a follow-up letter from iTrip
property managers with the return of their security deposit and
instructions on how to leave an online review. In addition
owners are encouraged to email their iTrip property manager
with comments and feedback, so we can ensure the best experience
possible. iTrip managers have a detailed database of renters so
they can reach out periodically and encourage repeat bookings.
Can I promote and rent my own property?
Yes. iTrip encourages owners to
promote their rental property to friends, relatives and business
associates. With iTrip, you receive a custom Web page and link on
iTrip.net in order for you to promote your property. For information
on special discounts and commission discounts on properties you refer,
contact an iTrip manager in your area.
Look for my iTrip market.
How are rates established?
iTrip works with property owners to
establish rental rates and terms. It is in all parties best
interests to maximize your rental income and ensure your property
rents for the maximum amount obtainable.
iTrip performs a market
analysis of current comparable properties to determine competitive
rental rates. Due to competitive market conditions, tourist
fluctuations and demand, iTrip reserves the right to alter
rates and terms and make special rates and terms at its discretion in
order to maximize owner rental income and occupancy percentage. Our
dynamic pricing model and data processes allow us to keep pricing
competitive and increase bookings.
What are some of the normal expenses for the rental program?
iTrip property managers try to keep expenses to a minimum.
As short-term rental owners, we too have seen the nitpicking expenses
charged by other rental programs. There are no hidden charges to
property owners. To learn more about listing, agreed commission fees
and more,
contact your local manager as best practices
vary per state.
What about cleaning services and maintenance?
Happy customers equal repeat business. A
clean, well-maintained property is one the owner prides, and the
rental guests request when they plan their next vacation or work trip. Everyday
property maintenance also prolongs its life and increases its value.
iTrip property managers work with local cleaning services
and maintenance companies. Our staff inspects each property during the
process to ensure the rental is ready for the next guest. Managers
also have real-time access to the
entire turnover process via our custom FlipStream app. Additional program perks include light
maintenance, owner ability to select cleaning crews and more.
Connect to an iTrip manager to see the services available in your area.
What about maintenance?
Most iTrip managers provide light
maintenance (e.g. replacing light bulbs, remote batteries, smoke
detector batteries and furnace filters) at no charge for labor – only
the actual cost of replaced items will be charged. We also manage all
major repairs and bill you for the actual cost as part of our complete
system. When non-emergency major repairs are required, you will
receive an estimate before repairs are made.
What about linens, furnishings and house wares?
After a property assessment, iTrip property managers will provide a recommended list of what owners
should stock in their home. Suggestions vary per location and are included in your enrollment package.
What type of rental tenant will be allowed in my unit?
While most owners want to maximize their
rental property, they do not want to rent to irresponsible guests who
may cause damage to your property. iTrip adheres to owner
preferences and also has a policy designed to promote family-oriented
rentals.
We know one top concern is property security, and our
aggressive pursuance of rentals will not be at the property's
expense. The entire iTrip team is thoroughly trained in
screening prospective rental guests to assure they meet the required
quality standards. Many rental properties also have
PartySquasher
devices installed that monitor Wi-Fi enabled devices to prevent
parties.
Please note: In some markets (e.g. Panama City Beach, Alabama
Beaches) no unchaperoned vacationing students or single groups under
the age of 25 are allowed to rent iTrip properties. Age
restriction usage is set by the local property manager and owner.
These details are finalized in the rental management contract signed
by the guest.
Meet your local property manager for more information.
What if there is damage by a rental guest?
iTrip ensures each guest signs a
Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). The waiver informs the guest that they may
be responsible for any damages occurred during their stay. Our team
will inspect the property, determine if the LDW applies, and act
appropriately on behalf of the owner. If it is determined there are
damages, the repair cost is charged to the rental guest.
Some properties do require damage deposits from each guest reservation.
This damage deposit is required in advance of rental, and is in the
hands of the iTrip property manager by the time of check-in. At each
departure, iTrip staff inspects each property for damages. If it is
determined there are damages, the repair cost is charged and deducted
from the rental guest's deposit. In this case, iTrip will return
the damage deposit to the rental tenant generally 7 to 10 days,
following check-out and upon approval of the inspection staff.
How do we receive our rental proceeds?
Each month, iTrip property managers
supply each owner a detailed statement of the previous month's
rental activity. The statement itemizes all income and expense items.
We also send a net proceeds check with this monthly statement. This
statement should serve as verification of your income and expenses for
tax purposes.
What about owner and owner's free guest use?
iTrip allows each owner
unlimited use of their
property at any time. Owners must, however, reserve their
property through the
iTrip booking system (on iTrip.net) to ensure
availability and calendars are kept current at all times. No fees
other than departure cleaning services apply.
Do iTrip members accept credit cards and who pays for the fees?
iTrip accepts all major credit cards
for reservations, rentals and security deposits. Credit cards have
become the No. 1 payment option. They are not only needed as a
courtesy to rental guests, but also provide guaranteed up-front funds
for the owner with no worries about collection, particularly with
short-notice rentals.
Credit card fees are determined by the local
iTrip property manager. If charged, the fees associated with credit
card use are an expense to the owner. In many cases, iTrip
only charges the rate that is paid to the credit card provider.