MarketMaker
Rate Automation FAQ
Below you can find the most frequently asked questions about our rate automation tool:
What is rate automation?
Rate automation is a tool to help Vrbo® partners manage their rate strategy. Once the tool is activated within MarketMaker®, it suggests automated rate adjustments (either up or down) for the next 90 days. You can adjust any automated rates from the MarketMaker page manually.
What data does rate automation use to calculate rates?
The algorithm includes millions of data points including historical booked rates for the property, market occupancy, market average pricing variations, market seasonality, amenities and more.
Does rate automation cost me anything?
No, our rate automation tool is a complementary service. When our partners perform better, so does Vrbo.
How do I activate rate automation?
Within MarketMaker (found in the main Vrbo navigation menu), under “Your rate” you will find “Rate automation”. Click this link and follow the on-screen instructions.
Once the opt-in process is completed, you will receive a confirmation message that the rate automation tool is active and see a new row below “Your Rates” that shows the suggested automated rates. Rates can take up to 48 hours to populate.
Why do only some of my properties have the option to activate rate automation?
If you have multiple properties, some may not have rate automation yet. We will continue to expand access to additional properties over time.
To check which properties are enabled, navigate to MarkerMaker and see if “Rate automation” is available under “Your rate” for each listing.
How do I adjust a rate suggested by rate automation?
Within MarketMaker, select the date(s) you wish to change and click “customize rates” in the sidebar. Now you will have the option to adjust your rates for those days manually. You will need to click “I want to override automated recommendations” to save your changes.
Please note — once opted in, you can only edit rates through MarketMaker directly and the ability to adjust rates through the Calendar is disabled.
How do I deactivate rate automation?
Return to MarketMaker and click the “Rate automation” link again. Under Settings within the right side panel, select “Turn off rate automation”. Then select a reason for deactivation and click the “Turn off rate automation” button to save. You have now deactivated rate automation. Please note — your rates will not automatically revert to the pre-automation rates; you will need to adjust them manually.
How does it incorporate length of stay restrictions and discounts?
Rate automation calculates rate suggestions for each individual stay date and does not factor in a property’s minimum length of stay requirements. If you offer discounts for longer length of stays, these discounts will be applied as normal to the overall booking amount.
Am I required to set a minimum and maximum rate threshold?
Yes, this is a required step during the opt-in process. Partners must set up a minimum & maximum rate and the suggested automated rate will never go below or above the defined thresholds. Rate thresholds can be reviewed and updated at any time within the tool settings.
Can I set multiple minimum and maximum rate thresholds?
Yes, after opting into rate automation you have the ability to set specific dates where a different minimum and maximum apply. This functionality can be found in the “Settings” of the tool. These dates can be updated at any time while your property is opted in.
Can I exclude dates from rate automation?
Yes, after opting into rate automation, you can set up to 10 date ranges to be excluded from suggested automatic rate changes. This functionality can be found in the “Settings” of the tool. These dates can be updated at any time while your property is opted in.
What is the frequency of rate updates?
The data is refreshed every 2 days. It is possible that rates can be adjusted at this frequency, at maximum.
What range of stay dates do rate updates cover?
Currently, we suggest adjusted rates within the next 90-day booking window.
What happens to my MarketMaker rate strategy when rate automation is enabled?
Rate automation automatically uses "Revenue" as the rate strategy. There is no option to change to "Occupancy" or other settings while the tool is enabled.
Will integrated property managers have access to rate automation?
The rate automation tool works by accessing and suggesting adjusted rates directly in the Vrbo Dashboard. Because of this, partners who are integrated with software will not be eligible.