As a small business owner myself,
I completely understand thinking from a business mindset, especially in these times. But I also know humility, kindness and compassion even if a small act can go a long way, expand word of mouth referrals, and just add kindness into this world.
Unfortunately an emergency with my pet came up 1 week prior to our stay, when we were outside any possible refund. This timing was particularly hard because we had a lot of uncertainty and needing to make hard decisions during this time.
I reached out to Daniel to see if we could come to an agreement/or if there was anything we could figure out (i.e. partial refund, discount towards future stay, push it out to an upcoming week where it was not booked, refund at least the cleaning fee since we didnt stay. Honestly anything even small would have helped ease the sting of missing a vacation and totally non refundable while also paying thousands of dollars in unexpected vet bills, and end of life care….
I was met with “Im sorry but there is nothing we can do” each and every time, and am happy to provide this written exchange which I am happy to have now so I can reference back and will never stay at any of his homes or give money to this business again.
I understand not being able to give a refund.
I even understand not being able to shift to a far in the future stay. I do not and will not ever understand how someone who is running a business based on reviews and word of mouth would have zero compassion TO NOT EVEN REFUND A CLEANING FEE when we never even stepped foot in the place.
This place also sat empty the following week and when I asked if it wasnt booked, his answer has been the same each time.
Im sure this place is nice
But with VRBO policies, if you ever have an emergency, or need someone to problem solve/work together for any type of compromise… THIS ISNT YOUR PLACE.
Ive never experienced such coldness in a time when people could really use any small gesture. Im sure he will claim many different things, but this is why I kept it all in writing, and each time was met with a simple “Im sorry but there is NOTHING we can do”.
