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Elevating the Vacation Rental Industry: An Exclusive Interview with Vacation Finder

At Call Center Solutions, we’re passionate about partnering with businesses that drive innovation and set new standards of excellence in their industries. As the vacation rental industry evolves, companies that prioritize transparency, local expertise, and guest satisfaction are leading the way. Vacation Finder was founded with a mission to create a more sustainable and fair marketplace for both travelers and property managers, redefining how vacation rentals operate. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Josh Throneburg, CEO of Vacation Finder, about the company’s vision, its unique business model, and how its partnership with Call Center Solutions is enhancing service and support in the short-term rental (STR) industry.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about Vacation Finder and the inspiration behind starting the company?

A: Vacation Finder was founded with a mission to elevate the vacation rental experience for both travelers and property managers by a veteran property manager, Rick Elliott. The idea stemmed from observing the growing challenges in the short-term rental (STR) market by other Online Travel Agency Site (OTAs), such as increased fees, limited control of booking, inconsistent experiences negatively impacting local communities, lack of accountability, and the impact of the increasing fees that drive up the total price for guests. We wanted to create a platform that prioritizes professionally managed properties with boots on the ground, ensuring travelers have high-quality, reliable accommodations while empowering property managers with a fair and transparent system. Vacation Finder focuses on trust, quality, and local expertise, which inspired us to develop a platform where every listing is managed by vetted professionals committed to their communities. We believe this is crucial to preserving the unique appeal that make each destination worth experiencing.  

Q: How does Vacation Finder stand out from other online travel agencies (OTAs) in the vacation rental industry?

A: Unlike other OTAs, Vacation Finder exclusively lists properties managed by vetted, professional property managers who meet high standards for quality and service. We eliminate listing and booking fees for property managers, ensuring they can maintain competitive pricing without hidden costs for travelers. Additionally, our platform guarantees that property managers are the merchants of record, preserving their control over bookings and their terms and conditions. Meaning, the property manager has their money for the booing from the moment of booking, allowing them to control their overall revenue strategy and communicate directly with the guest in an unfiltered manner. By focusing on seamless integrations with industry-leading software and prioritizing community-driven values, we offer a unique alternative to the impersonal, high-fee models dominating the market.

Q: Your business model eliminates listing and booking fees for property managers. What motivated this approach, and how has it impacted your partners so far?

A: We recognized that traditional OTAs often burden property managers with high fees and commissions, which they are forced to pass on to travelers. This also eats away at their direct booking ratio and ultimately has a long-lasting impact on their ability to provide jobs vital to the local community and for a better guest experience with a local touch. This creates an environment where neither party feels valued. By eliminating these fees, we allow property managers to keep more revenue and provide more affordable stays for guests. So far, our partners have expressed overwhelming support for this approach, as it not only reduces their operational costs but also aligns with their goals of maintaining direct relationships with their guests. It’s a win-win for both professional property managers and consumers.

Q: Why did you decide to partner with Call Center Solutions, and how does our collaboration align with your mission?

A: Our partnership with Call Center Solutions stems from a shared commitment to exceptional service and preservation of our industry. Call Center Solutions provides a professional, reliable extension of our property managers’ teams, ensuring that guest inquiries are handled promptly and effectively. This partnership helps us fulfill our mission of delivering high-quality guest experiences while supporting property managers with scalable, efficient solutions. Together, we’re nurturing an ecosystem where guest satisfaction and operational efficiency coexist seamlessly.

Q: Vacation Finder places a strong emphasis on adhering to destination-specific regulations. Why is this a priority for your platform, and how does it set you apart?

A: Adhering to destination-specific regulations is essential to fostering trust and accountability in the vacation rental industry. Although we are a global vacation rental platform, we believe each community is unique and requires local representation and management to maintain harmony. Many communities face challenges with unmanaged properties that disrupt neighborhoods or fail to meet safety standards. Guests struggle with trusting the validity of property information and have concerns related to consumer protection. By partnering only with professional property managers, VacationFinder.com ensures that our listings comply with local rules, protecting communities and guests alike. This focus sets us apart as a responsible platform that supports sustainable growth in the STR market.

Q: What challenges have you observed in the vacation rental industry when it comes to regulations, and how is Vacation Finder addressing them?

A: One of the biggest challenges in the vacation rental industry is the lack of relevant and consistent legislation to maintain a fair marketplace and the enforcement of such regulations, leading to a mix of professionally managed properties and remotely self-managed ones that can harm community trust. Vacation Finder addresses this by verifying all property managers operate as professionals in their community and requiring adherence to all laws and local standards. Additionally, we invest in advocacy efforts to promote fair, balanced regulations that protect consumers and foster a healthy marketplace. Our goal is to lead by example, demonstrating how responsible practices can benefit all stakeholders.

Q: As the vacation rental industry continues to grow, what are Vacation Finder’s goals for the next few years?

A: As we continue in our ramping phase, our primary goals are to expand our inventory by partnering with more professional property managers, deepen our integrations with industry-leading software, and build a trusted brand known for quality and accountability. We also aim to grow our destination-specific micro-sites, providing travelers with tailored content and easier access to vetted accommodations. Additionally, we plan to continue advocating for fair regulations and educating property managers on best practices, ensuring the vacation rental industry grows sustainably and responsibly.

Q: What advice would you give to property managers looking to grow their business in today’s market, especially with partners like Vacation Finder and Call Center Solutions?

A: To grow successfully in today’s competitive market, property managers should focus on delivering consistent, high-quality guest experiences. Partnering with platforms like VacationFinder.com allows you to showcase your properties without the burden of extra fees, keeping your pricing competitive for targeted high-quality guests. Additionally, leveraging resources like Call Center Solutions ensures seamless communication with guests, which is vital for building trust and earning repeat business. Finally, staying compliant with local regulations and actively participating in advocacy efforts helps protect your business and the communities you serve. VacationFinder.com core mission is to build an alliance of professionals who care about our guests and the reputation of our industry. We are better together!

Let’s Partner for Success

At Call Center Solutions, we’re proud to support industry leaders like Vacation Finder in their mission to create a better vacation rental experience for all. Our expertise in customer support and operational efficiency helps businesses deliver exceptional service while optimizing their operations.

If you’re looking for a trusted partner to enhance your customer experience, streamline communication, and drive growth, Call Center Solutions is here to help. We serve a wide range of industries with tailored solutions designed to meet your unique needs. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services and how our partnership can benefit your business.

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