Activating Sympl Rentals on VRBO


Once you have completed the steps in the Vrbo API connection wizard, you are ready to move to the next phase—activating your listings.

Listing Requirements

While you may be able to skip some specifics during setup, any missing requirements will delay activation. Ensure your Sympl rentals meet the following criteria before proceeding:

✅ Payment Processor: Your merchant name for payment processor (e.g. Stripe) must be added under Account Info in Sympl.
✅ Payment Gateway Connected
✅ Registration Number: Must be added under Basic Information for each rental (as per regional regulations).
✅ Rental Description: Minimum 400 characters per rental.
✅ Rental Details: Ensure all fields are complete, including bathroom and bedroom count.
✅ Amenities Listed
✅ Images: At least 6 high-resolution images (1920 x 1080 HD or higher).
✅ Rental Headline: Minimum 20 characters, maximum 80 characters.
✅ Rental Location & GPS Coordinates

Vrbo’s Onboarding Process 

Your onboarding will be guided by a Vrbo implementation specialist, who will schedule an appointment with you. You will be sent a link to a mapping tool that you can use to map your Vrbo listings within Sympl.

To complete this, you will need to have your Sympl rental IDs on hand. 

How to Prepare for Mapping Your Listings

You will receive a mapping tool link to sync your Vrbo listings with Sympl.

Retrieve your Sympl rental IDs:

  1. Go to Rentals in Sympl.

  2. Click the Actions button.

  3. Select Download to export a CSV file.

  4. Send this file to your Vrbo specialist for onboarding.

Limitations and Important Notes

No Messaging API Available:

  • Inquiries do not include guest email addresses.

  • Inquiry IDs differ from confirmed booking IDs.

Messaging Guests:

  • Messages for confirmed bookings can be sent via Sympl to the guest's provided email.

  • Inquiries and bookings are not linked—a guest who inquires may book later, but the two interactions will not be associated.

Vrbo Does Not Support Mixed Inventory:

  • If you connect some Vrbo listings via iCal and others via API, you must convert all iCal-connected listings to API.

Final Activation:
Once your onboarding specialist confirms that your rentals meet all requirements, they will activate the connection on their end.

Note: Registration numbers must be added manually in the Vrbo dashboard by the property manager.
As always, please contact us with questions any time.  We're happy to help.
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