Questions (FAQ's)
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Q: What is Plumbob Publishing?
A:
A plumbob is an old fashioned tool used by carpenters to determine straight up and down. It is a string and a weight which, when allowed to dangle free always reflects a straight line downward. Our company has chosen the word Plumbob to represent our quest to produce straight forward and accurate publications. Some of these are conventional print and other media. And some are websites in a variety of specialty industries and narrow interests. This website is just one.
Q: What Is The Owners Mutual Program?
A:
As an option. Property owners can choose to participate in the Mutual program which allows them to receive a 10% rental discount when staying in other properties who are members of the same lodging network. In return, Owners must also allow other property Owners to receive the same discount in their properties. Due to seasonality, not all rentals are available at all time - especially during high seasons. But the Mutual program benefits all Owners.
Q: What is the reservation fee?
A:
Most guests now pay for booking by credit card, which subjects the manager to a three percent fee on every dollar. Guests are charged an additional reservation fee to offset that cost.
Q: When I book for a week, do I have to arrive on a certain day?
A:
To make sure we can thoroughly clean and prepare a property for arrival, we do ask that weekly bookings arrive on a certain day of the week. Usually it’s a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Q: Where does your company operate?
A:
Although we started small, our company is growing. We currently have network offices in Washington State, Idaho, Hawaii and Mexico. Coming on line are British Columbia, Oregon and other great destinations. Local Partners provide hands-on services to Owners and Guests making sure every home is exactly what it should be. Our central office does the marketing, advertising and administration to keep the lodging services first rate.
Q: Who are you folks?
A:
Our network is unlike any other. Most lodging companies are either some big corporation a long way from their properties or very small operators without many resources. Our firm, on the other hand, is a network of individually owned local Managers who use our Network to handle the 101 Marketing, Advertising and Administrative details so necessary to quality lodging.
Each Management Member is required to attain some pretty stiff requirements on cleaning, maintenance and Guest services. Everyone in the group has your best interests at heart.
Q: Who takes care of snow plowing driveways?
A:
In most cases Owners will want to contract a snow plowing company to plow their driveway and any incoming roads not cleared by the home owner association or local government. The snow power should be required to coordinate with the Manager so that snow is not cleared when Guests are not expected. This saves moneys.
Q: Why are bookings usually non-cancelable.
A:
Unlike hotels, vacation homes are valuable assets held by private parties. To allow Guests to hold dates in advance only to cancel them later, means the owner would miss out on other prospective customers in the meantime. In addition, because most homes are booked in advance last-minute replacements are not always possible. We can, however, offer to re-sell dates for a Guest who made a prior purchase. In that case, some or all of the Guest's funds may be refunded if a replacement Guest is found.
Q: Why is there a cleaning fee for Vacation Rentals?
A:
Vacation rentals are bigger than hotel rooms and require more effort to clean. Rather than increase the price of every day's rent there is usually an out-cleaning fee. It is also your way of knowing the place will be clean when you arrange.
Q: Why must I book a full week at some times of the year?
A:
During the busy seasons, it can become disruptive to have lots of guests coming and going every few days, so we do require you to book long stays at some times of the year. Plus Guests seem to enjoy staying longer and settling in.
Q: Why should I Rent from You?
A:
There are a bunch of good reasons. We've been around a long time, have quality properties and work diligently to make Guests happy. But the best reason is that we are a unique network where each onsite Manager has a piece of the action. They work overtime to insures you'll have a good experience.
Q: Will a Vacation Rental Insurance plan refund my booking fees?
A:
Yes. You can insure any service fees charged up front and invoiced by your reservation company. The costs will be reimbursed if your trip is canceled for a covered reason.
Other questions
Q: Can Owners leave food in the refrigerator or pantry?
A:
Guests expect to find an empty refrigerator and shelves. Leaving out salt, pepper and sugar packets is fine, but even condiments like ketchup and mustard will cause guests to complain of lack of hygiene. Please do not leave food in the refrigerator, freezer or on accessible shelves. We know it is inconvenient but failure to remove personal food risks unhappy guests.
Q: Tell me about window cleaning.
A:
Beautiful homes with beautiful views deserve crystal clear windows. Usually interior window cleaning is done as part of Deep Cleaning once or twice a year. And touched up as need be. Exterior windows are done on an as needed basis which can vary based on location. Homes in beach, city or ski areas may need more frequent window cleaning.
Q: What is Goldener Inns & Resorts?
A:
Goldener is a network of unique Inns, Resorts and Vacation Rental complexes such as condominium buildings and housing developments. The properties band together for quality, efficiency and marketing. Services are provide by the Vortex Organization. Each company is individually operated and strives to offer industry best practices for Guests and Property Owners.
Q: When do I get paid for rentals?
A:
Rentals are audited and accounted for each month. The growth of online travel agencies slows down accounting but increases owner profit. We start firs of the month and get payments out about mid-month.
