World Cup Frequently Asked Questions

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General

What is iStopOver?

iStopOver is the place on the Internet for short-term, direct rental of space in homes and offices.

iStopOver for World Cup 2010 caters specifically to direct rental of space in people’s homes – rooms, apartments, B&B style accommodation, during the South Africa World Cup being held in June and July, 2010.

iStopOver for Home Rentals caters specifically to direct rental of space in people’s homes – rooms, apartments, B&B style accommodation. iStopOver for Home Rentals is a website that helps travelers save money, by staying in someone’s home or apartment as an alternative to a more expensive or traditional hotel.

iStopOver for Vancouver 2010 rentals caters specifically to direct rental of space in people’s homes – rooms, apartments, B&B style accommodation, during the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games being held in 2010.

iStopOver for Office Rentals caters specifically to direct rental of business space – desk space, offices, meeting rooms, boardrooms, presentation centers, studios – even parking spots.

iStopOver acts as an introductory service where Guests rent directly from Hosts via the iStopOver website.

What do you mean by “Host”?

Host is the term we use for the person renting out space to the Guest.

What do you mean by “Guest”?

Guest is the term we use for the person renting out space from the Host.

What does it cost to use iStopOver?

It is free to post listings, browse listings and register on the website. When a booking is made, a service fee of 15% is payable by Guests. This is subject to the same cancellation fee as the rest of the booking.

How does the iStopOver system work?

This is a straightforward and easy-to-use system. Homeowners (Hosts) create a listing of the space they wish to rent and publish the listing on the iStopOver website. Travelers (Guests) search the website to find a space that suits their needs taking into consideration location, amenities, price and size. The Guest and the Host communicate directly through the website and when the Guest is ready to book, a Booking is requested. The Host approves the booking and then the Guest pays the full fee on the website using a credit card. The Guest is provided with the Host’s address and contact information and makes preparations for the stay. One business day after the Guest has checked in, iStopOver releases the funds and the Host receives payment for the stay.

REGISTRATION

How do I register for iStopOver?

You can register for iStopOver by clicking here

Why can’t I verify my email address?

After you register, we send a confirmation email to your email address. Click on the email to confirm that you have received an email from us. (This is for verification purposes). If you do not receive the confirmation email, check the SPAM setting on your email account. You can request a “resend” by clicking here. Please set your spam filter that all email from iStopOver is acceptable and should be directed to your inbox.

What do I do if I forget my username or password?

Please write down your username and password to ensure that you do not run into this problem. If you forget your login information and have not written it down, please click here.

How do I know if someone is trying to communicate with me about a reservation, inquiry or listing?

Communication between Guests and Hosts occurs within the iStopOver website. If someone is trying to contact you, a number will appear next to “My Account” on the main iStopOver page once you have logged in. This number corresponds to the number of unanswered messages you have waiting for you from other iStopOver users. You will also see this number next to the “Messages” tab on the main Account screen.

You can choose to receive an email notifying you that a message has arrived by checking off “Receive emails when someone is communicating with me” under the “Preferences” tab.

How do you handle different currencies?

iStopOver allows you to charge for a booking in any of our supported currencies (USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, AUD and RAND).

iStopOver also allows you to see all prices on the site in your own currency. Simply select which currency you would like to use from the six options found along the top right of the screen.

Remember, currency conversion is calculated at the time of Guest payment for all currencies, except South African Rand. For example: if a listing is for US$100 and the exchange rate between US and Canadian Dollars is 1.25 at the time of booking, then a Guest in Canada would pay C$125 at the time of booking. We then convert immediately to the listing currency, and pay the Host in the listing currency. Using our example, the Host would be paid US$100.

In South Africa, while you may list your price in South African Rand, Paypal does not support payments in Rand. Therefore, for listings in Rand, Guest payments will be made in US Dollars. Hosts will be paid in Rand at the US Dollar to Rand conversion rate calculated at that time.

How does the Review system work?

Reviews are a way for Guests to rate the homes and apartments in which they have stayed. This is a proven method for a Guest to easily compare the experiences of others who have stayed in the place they wish to book, and provide Hosts with an opportunity to build credibility for their listings. Be sure to check reviews of other Guests before booking, and please add your own reviews after your stay with an iStopOver Host.

MY ACCOUNT

What is meant by the tabs “Messages”, “My Bookings”, “Guest Bookings”, “My Listings”, "Profile” and “Preferences” in My Account?

These are where you monitor activity on your account and communicate with other iStopOver members.

Messages show you who is trying to communicate with you and helps you organize your messages with other iStopOver members.

My Bookings shows bookings you have made with Hosts on iStopOver.

Guest Bookings shows bookings that others have made with you (if you are a Host.)

My Listings allows you, the Host, to see all your published and unpublished listings on iStopOver.

Profile shows you all the information pertaining to your account, including your Login Information, Account Profile, Profile Picture, and Host Payment Information. You will also find the option to use Facebook Authentication below.

Preferences allows you to receive email notifications of messages received on iStopOver, marketing material from iStopOver, and set how distances and currencies are displayed on the site.

How do I change my email address?

Go to the “Profile” tab in order to change your email address. You will be required to re-verify your new email address (see above).

Why do I need to fill in the Account Details?

This information is important because it allows prospective Guests/Hosts to learn something about you. The more information you provide in this section, the more comfortable other iStopOver members will be when interacting with you through the website. Providing information such as your occupation, interests & hobbies, and favorite places to travel, will give the website a less anonymous feeling, and it will create an increased sense of community.

What should I enter in the “About You” section?

Provide details and information that will tell other iStopOver users something about who you are. The more detail you use in this section, the better. Examples include your age, marital status, profession, hobbies & interests, reason for travel, favorite travel location, etc.

Why should I include a Profile Photo?

A profile photo is one of the most important aspects of your profile, because it gives other users a sense of who you are that cannot be achieved with only a written description. We recommend that you post your picture so that potential Hosts can see who you are and immediately identify with you.

What is Facebook Authentication and how does it work?

Facebook Authentication is an integrated authentication tool that allows you to see information from a Guest’s or Host’s Facebook profile. This allows you to get a better sense of who may be coming to stay with you and gain additional information about them that may not be included in their profile description. They select which data will be pulled off their Facebook Profile and made available to you for 24 hours (as per Facebook policies).

If you would like to allow Guests and Hosts to request to view your Facebook data (recommended), simply check off the box under “Facebook Authentication” under the “Profile” tab of your My Account section. iStopOver will not save your Facebook data or share it with anyone.

How do I unsubscribe from iStopOver marketing campaigns?

In the “Preferences” tab of your My Account section, uncheck “Receive email marketing material from iStopOver.”

How do I get help?

The best way to get hold of us is to email us at support@istopover.com

We have phone support available as well.
Toll-free telephone (North America): 1-888-634-8647
Telephone (Worldwide): +1-647-476-8303
Johannesburg, South Africa: 087 751 5594

Guests

Why should I rent a room in someone’s home?

Many Guests rent out space in private homes as an alternative to staying in expensive hotels. Since prices on the site are generally well below the average cost of a hotel room, renting a room on iStopOver offers real value. You won’t find impersonal check-ins, loud noise from other guests, or extra charges at every step. iStopOver is a new and unique approach to traveling, and in many cases it gives you the opportunity to “live like a local”.

What is iStopOver’s role in the process?

iStopOver is the best place on the Internet for you to find space to rent when you next travel, and helps make the process simple and direct. By providing you with advice and tools to find listings that match your criteria – be it location, privacy or price – iStopOver makes it easy to find space in the cities you will visit. You are able to communicate directly with your Host, via the website, in order to ask as many questions as you wish about a listing before you book. Then, once a booking is confirmed between you and a Host, iStopOver makes the financial transaction safe and simple. You pay iStopOver directly using our secure website, and your money is then released directly to the Host one business day after check-in. That’s it!

What does it cost to use iStopOver?

It is free to post listings, browse listings and register. When a booking is made, a service fee of 15% is payable by Guests. It is subject to the same cancellation fee as the rest of the booking.

How do I search for a listing?

In the top left of the main iStopOver screen, or on any listing page along the top, you can search for listings by location, accommodation type, dates required, and amenities (for example, private bathroom, parking, etc.)

Why can’t I find a listing in my city?

iStopOver is a member-driven marketplace for renting space. Sometimes you may find that a location you wish to go to does not yet have any listings. Unfortunately, this means that there are currently no Hosts in that area who wish to rent out space. Check back often if you run into this problem – we are acquiring new Hosts and new locations on the site all the time!

How do I book a stay?

To book a stay you will need to register as an iStopOver user by clicking here. Then, simply find a place that interests you and click on “Book This Listing” at the top right of the listing.

How do I pay for a stay?

Once you and your Host confirm a booking, you will be prompted to pay the final booking amount directly to iStopOver via Paypal or credit card. You will receive a Reservation Code immediately. Upon check-in, provide your Host with the Reservation Code, and they will use it to receive payment from iStopOver.

What provisions do you have to prevent scams?

Hosts do not receive the reservation amount until one business day after check-in. This means that they do not receive payment (after cancellation fees) until they have followed through on their commitment to provide your accommodations.

Under certain extraordinary circumstances, if a listing turns out to be fraudulent or is misstated, Guests may receive a refund in excess of the refund policy.

If there is a complaint from either party, notice must be given to iStopOver within 24 hours of check-in. iStopOver will mediate when necessary, and has the final say in all disputes.

What do I do if I want to stay for longer or shorter, or a Host and I adjust the price?

iStopOver caters to all these changes. If you adjust the price or change the duration of the stay, simply make these changes on the iStopOver system before you leave and iStopOver will help facilitate any payment adjustments.

How do I communicate with Hosts?

iStopOver lets you communicate with Hosts directly through the website. This simple communication method between you and a potential Host allows you to get answers to the important questions you have regarding your stay. It also facilitates messaging and discussion between you and other iStopOver Guests. Your email and phone numbers are shielded; however, notifications of communication can be sent to your email if you wish.

Am I charged a deposit?

iStopOver lets a Host charge a cancellation fee, which is like a deposit. Hosts have complete control over the parameters of their cancellation policy when they create a listing. Some Hosts choose to have a cancellation policy, while others do not.

You should communicate with your Host before confirming your reservation to clearly understand the Host’s refund policy. Remember, the rental agreement is between you and your Host. Check the listing to see if a cancellation fee is charged. If you do not show up at a confirmed reservation that you have paid for, you may be charged a cancellation fee that can range anywhere from 5-100% of the total booking cost.

How do I cancel a booking?

Log in to your account on iStopOver, go to the “My Bookings” tab, and hit the “Cancel Booking” button at the bottom of the booking should you wish to cancel. Once you confirm your choice, your booking will be cancelled immediately!

How does the Reviewing system work?

Reviews are a way for Guests to rate the homes and apartments in which they have stayed. They are a proven method for you to easily compare the experiences of others who have stayed in the place that you wish to book. Be sure to check reviews of other Guests before booking, and please add your own reviews after your stay with an iStopOver Host.

How complicated is the process?

iStopOver makes the process simple and direct. If you want to rent directly from an iStopOver Host, simply communicate with them through our easy-to-use website and when you’re ready, request to stop over! Once you and your Host have confirmed the booking, you make your payment directly to iStopOver and receive your itinerary and reservation code. That’s it! Our Guests always tell us how much they enjoy the ease with which they have been able to have the experience of living like a local.

Hosts

Why should I rent a room in my home?

Most people rent out space in their home for extra money or to meet new people. It is similar to turning your home into a Bed and Breakfast, without all the hassles.

What is iStopOver’s role in the process?

iStopOver is the home for your listing, and makes the process of renting out your space simple and direct. We do this by providing you with the advice and tools needed to easily create a listing and think through all aspects of renting out space.Then, iStopOver brings potential Guests to the website to find your listing and facilitates communication with you. Once a Guest confirms a booking with you, iStopOver makes the financial transaction safe and simple by facilitating the payment process through its secure website. iStopOver is the facilitator – you rent directly to the Guest. Please read the Host Agreement. Click here.

Is it safe to rent out a room in my home?

iStopOver helps you make it as safe as possible by collecting the payment for the stay from a Guest prior to their arrival. This ensures that you do not incur bad debts and that no cash transaction takes place between you and your Guests. No Guest will receive your address until they have paid us in full, so you can be assured that you are guaranteed your money if a Guest is standing at your front door. The actual rental agreement is between you and your Guest. iStopOver recommends that you communicate directly with potential Guests before they arrive and that you become comfortable with a specific Guest before allowing them to rent with you. Using the power of social media on the Internet, iStopOver makes the process transparent so that you can view ratings of Guests, and they can view ratings of you.

What does it cost to list on iStopOver?

It is free to post listings, browse listings and register on iStopOver. When a booking is made, a service fee of 15% is payable by Guests. It is subject to the same cancellation fee as the rest of the booking.

How do I post a listing?

First, register as an iStopOver member by clicking here. Then, simply click on the orange “Post a Listing” button in the top right of the screen, and you will be guided through the simple listing process. Once you are satisfied with your listing,you can publish it to the site and it will become available for potential Guests to view. You may edit your listing at anytime, even after it has been published.

Can I post multiple listings?

Yes, you can post multiple listings as long as they are for different offerings. For instance, different rooms in your home or apartment should be connoted as separate listings if you plan to rent them out separately.

How do I get paid for a Guest’s stay?

Once you and your Guest confirm a reservation, iStopOver interacts with the Guest. The Guest pays iStopOver for the stay in full and receives a Reservation Code along with your address. When the Guest arrives, they provide you with the Reservation Code for you to enter into the website. One business day after check-in, iStopOver releases the listing fee payment to you.

How do I communicate with Guests?

iStopOver lets you communicate with Guests directly through the website. This simple communication method between you and a potential Guest allows you to interact with them before making a decision as to have them stop over with you. Furthermore,it facilitates messaging and discussion between you and other iStopOver Guests and Hosts. Your email and phone numbers are shielded; however, notifications of communication can be sent to your email if you wish.

Can I charge a deposit?

It is acceptable for Hosts to charge a cancellation fee. A cancellation fee acts like a deposit, and iStopOver has ensured that you have complete control over the parameters of your cancellation policy when you create a listing. Some Hosts chooseto have a cancellation policy, while others do not. However, it is important that you clearly communicate your policy to your Guests. You may choose to charge a cancellation fee if a Guest cancels any time after a reservation has been confirmed and payment has been made, or only after a specified time prior to arrival (for example, less than one week prior to arrival). You may also choose the amount you will receive for a cancellation (calculated as a percentage of the cost of the total booking) if a Guest cancels after your specified timeframe. Percentages can range from 5-100%. It is up to you to decide whether you want to apply a policy or not. A cancellation policy may protect you from being left empty-handed if a Guest fails to arrive, but it may also discourage some Guests from considering your rental. A cancellation fee is useful if you are concerned that a Guest may not show up or to ensure that you will still receive a portion (if not all) of the funds if a Guest cancels too late for you to re-book your place to another Guest.

What legal, insurance and tax issues do I need to consider before listing on iStopOver?

You may be taxed on your income or other taxes may be applied, depending on where you are located, how many days a year you rent, etc. If you reside in the USA, iStopOver has an arrangement with Hotspot Tax Services to offer you a cost effective means of managing your taxes.


Click here to go to Hotspot Tax Services for details

You should consider other aspects of renting space in your home, such as, does your insurance cover Guests, and are there any legal issues regarding renting.

How does the Reviewing system work?

Reviews are a way for Guests to rate your home or apartment. They are a proven method for Guests to easily compare the experiences of others who have stayed with you before they decide to book. Reviews are a very important aspect of developing your reputation on iStopOver, and having many positive reviews attached to your listing will help you attract future Guests and earn more money. On the other hand, negative reviews can seriously hurt your chances of attracting new Guests, so ensure that you provide them with excellent service when they stop over with you. You should also make sure to remind your Guests that they should review your place once they have stayed with you to help facilitate this process.

What happens if I don’t feel comfortable confirming a Guest?

You should only confirm booking requests from Guests that you feel comfortable with. If at any time you do not want to host a Guest, you can simply reject their booking request. It is important to reject a booking rather than leave it in limbo – when a Guest has an open booking request with you, the dates on your availability calendar will appear as “Tentatively Booked” until you either accept or reject the booking. Remember, you have no obligation to host a Guest you do not feel comfortable with.

How complicated is the process?

iStopOver makes the process simple and direct. If you have excess space in your home or apartment, simply list that space on iStopOver and we’ll help you market it and attract Guests. Once you’ve created a listing and published it to the site, you will not need to re-post it like some of the other listing services. Simply set up your availability calendar to display the available dates, sit back, and let the guests come to you! iStopOver is a great way for you to earn extra income from your excess space and meet people from all over the world!

PROFILE DETAILS

What is “Payment Method”? What payment methods are supported?

Your Payment Method is how you, as a Host, will be paid after a Guest’s stay with you is over. Currently, we support Paypal, checks (cheques) and direct bank deposit where viable as payment methods. (Please note that Paypal payments are not available in South Africa).

To select your payment method, login to your account and make changes at www.istopover.com/worldcup2010/profile .

What details do I need to enter for Payment Method?

There are two methods of payment that can be selected from the drop-down menu. If you wish to be paid by check (cheque), please provide your name and mailing address and iStopOver will mail you a check one business day after a Guest checks in – there is no billing cycle, checks are mailed immediately. If you would rather be paid via direct deposit, please provide applicable bank information and you will be paid one business day after a Guest checks in. It’s that simple!

MY LISTING

How do I add a listing?

First, register as an iStopOver user by clicking here. Then, simply click on the orange “Post a Listing” button in the top right of the screen, and you will be guided through the simple listing process. Once you are satisfied with your listing, you can publish it to the site and it will become available for potential Guests to view. You may edit your listing at anytime, even after it has been published.

What title should I give my listing?

Choose a title that is catchy, and describes the essence of your listing. Be creative and think about how your listing title differentiates you from other Hosts.
Here are some examples to get your creative juices flowing: “Wonderful views of the park”, “Incredible privacy”, “Large room with high ceilings”, “Modern private bathroom”, “Close to the city’s finest”, “Delicious breakfast included”, “Perfect for business travelers.”

My address can’t be verified! What should I do?

Sometimes, Google is unable find a given address, even though the correct address has been provided. If this occurs, please let us know at support@istopover.com and we will help you fix the issue.

Will everyone be able to see my address?

No. They will only see your street name and approximate location. ONLY confirmed guests will be able to access your street number and (if applicable) suite number.

How much information should I list in “Description”?

You should enter as many details as possible that will describe what you are renting out. Think of yourself as a Guest and try to imagine what you would want to know about a place in which you were considering a stay. Useful information to provide in your listing description includes: a brief description of the location, a description of the Guest’s room, which rooms will the Guest share with household members or other Guests and which will be private, what restaurants and points of interestcan be found close by, how easy is it to get around and a information about public transportation in the area. Feel free to add information pertaining to any rules or requirements you may have for your home or apartment.

For more information, please consult the “Listing Tips” on the right hand side of the “Post a Listing” screen or read the question below (“What information should I be sure to include?”)

What information should I be sure to include?

Be sure to add anything that you want the Guest to know. The more detail you provide the better.

Examples: privacy requirements; whether or not you have a pet; special features of your home, such as great view; large rooms; comfortable bed; use of swimming pool; big TV; sunny deck; close to public transport; coffee shop close by; pub close by; quiet; noisy; lots of stairs.

Use your imagination and be creative – explain what is unique or interesting about your place and you will find yourself attracting more quests.

What file types do you support for photos?

In general, we support most types of photos. JPGs tend to work best.

How many photos should I upload to my listing?

Photos are perhaps the most important part of a listing, and the more featured photos the better. iStopOver currently allows you to upload a maximum of 10 photos to each listing. Ensure that your photos look professional, crisp, and showcase your home or apartment. Consider having your photos professionally taken or try borrowing a high-end digital camera in order to get the best photos you can.

Be sure to show the space that a Guest will be renting, but don’t stop there. Other useful photos are ones that show common areas in your home or apartment such as the kitchen, bathroom, living room and dining room. Exterior shots or photos of your patio or balcony can also help sell potential Guests on your property. Again, be creative and try to imagine what kind of pictures would impress you if you were a Guest viewing your listing.

What are “Places of interest”?

Places of interest are features or places in your area that Guests might find interesting or that show off your location or city. When you add a Place of Interest, it will be added to your map so Guests can see all of the great attractions and things to do in your area. Examples of Places of Interest are coffee shops, favorite restaurants, drug stores, public transportation, landmarks, and attractions.

How many Places of Interest should I add?

Typically, the more you have the better; however, it is always better to have a few appropriate, interesting, and captivating places than a list of non-relevant places that clutter up your listing and don’t offer any additional value to prospective Guests.

How do I find addresses for my Places of Interest?

The easiest way is to simply “Google” the places of interest that you have mentioned and you should be able to find their addresses. If you cannot find this information on the Internet, you can try looking up their telephone numbers and call them to get this information.

What does Published and Unpublished mean?

Once you have a listing, you can keep it “unpublished” until you are ready to show it to others. “Unpublished” means that only you can see it. Keep your listing unpublished until you are comfortable that it is complete and ready for viewing by prospective Guests. It is also useful to “unpublish” your listing if you want to take it “off the market” for a while, or if you want to create an improved listing. “Published” simply means that your listing is viewable by visitors to iStopOver.

Remember, you can have multiple listings as long as they apply to different offerings, such as different rooms in your home or apartment.

Is there a direct URL to my listing or do I have to navigate there every time?

Yes, a direct URL to your listing exists. Once you have published a listing, the address shown in the top bar of your browser will always be the URL where you can access your listing. You can bookmark this link in order to navigate to it easily in the future, or use it to promote your place by linking others directly to your listing on iStopOver.

PRICING AND DEPOSIT

Can I set different rates for different dates?

Yes. In creating a new listing, or by selecting “Edit Rates & Availability” from existing Listings on the “My Listings” Tab in “My Account”. Select the “Edit From” Date and the “Edit To” dates, type in a specific rate for those dates and click on “Update Calendar”. This will create specific rates for those dates. Please note that in a search of your listing, the price shown will be the average price for the dates being searched.

What is meant by “Minimum stay [ 1 ] nights”?

This refers to the minimum number of nights that a Guest can rent your space. Some of our Hosts only rent their places for multiple nights or for a full week. Select “one” if you cater to all possibilities.

What is meant by “Maximum Occupancy”?

This refers to the maximum number of Guests you permit to stay at your place at any given time.

What is meant by “Number of Guests Included in Rate” and “Extra Person Charge”?

The “Number of Guests Included in Rate” is the maximum number of Guests included in the Nightly Rate. You can specify an additional charge for extra Guests by putting in a number in “Extra Person Charge”. For example, if your Nightly Rate is $50, with Maximum Occupancy set to 4, number of Guests included in Rate set to 3, and Extra Person Charge is $15, it means that the maximum number of people who can stay at your place is 4 people, the Rate is $50 for up to 3 people and if a 4th person books in, there is an additional cost of $15, making the nightly total $65.

How much should I charge for a daily rate?

This is a difficult question and one that is ultimately up to you–you set the price. We suggest that you research how much other Hosts in your area are charging, as well as the cost of hotels in your city or area. Put yourself in the shoes of a Guest, and think about how much you would be willing to pay, keeping in mind other options, such as hotels. It may be helpful to ask your friends for their opinions to get a better perspective. The nicer your photos look, and the more attractive and detailed your description is, the more you will be able to charge for your listing; however, don’t make the mistake of setting your price too high to begin with. Start slowly and work your way up – remember that you can change your price at any time if you are receiving a lot of bookings and wish to try charging a little more.

How do you handle different currencies?

iStopOver lets you charge for a place in any of our supported currencies (USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, AUD and RAND).

iStopOver also allows you to see all prices on the site in your own currency. Simply select which currency you use from the six options along the top right of the website screen.

Remember, currency conversion is calculated at the time of Guest payment for all currencies, except South African Rand. For example: if a listing is US$100 and the exchange rate between US and Canadian Dollars is 1.25 at the time of booking, then a Guest in Canada would pay C$125 at the time of booking. We then convert immediately to the listing currency, and the Host is paid in the listing currency (in our example US$100).

In South Africa, while you can create your listing in South African Rand, Paypal does not support payments in Rand. Consequently, for listings in Rand, Guest payments will be in US Dollars. Hosts will be paid in Rand at the then-current US Dollar to Rand conversion rate.

Explain what “Cancellation Policy” means?

Your Cancellation Policy acts as a deposit, but depends on timing. iStopOver has ensured that you have complete control over the parameters of your cancellation policy when you create a listing. Some Hosts choose to have a cancellation policy, while others do not. However, it is important that you clearly communicate your policy to your Guests. You may choose to charge a cancellation fee if a Guest cancels any time after a reservation has been confirmed and payment has been made, or only after a specified time prior to arrival (for example, less than 1 week prior to arrival). You may also choose the amount you will receive for a cancellation (calculated as a percentage of the total booking cost) if your Guest cancels after your specified timeframe. Percentages can range from 5-100%. It is up to you to decide whether you want to apply a policy or not. A cancellation policy may protect you from being left empty-handed if a Guest fails to arrive, but it can also discourage potential Guests from booking your rental. A cancellation fee is useful if you are concerned that a Guest may not show up or ensure that you will still receive a portion (or all) of the funds if a Guest cancels too late for you to re-book your place.

Can the price be negotiated with a Guest?

This is up to you. Many of our Hosts have fixed prices that are nonnegotiable under any circumstances. However, iStopOver gives full control to you when deciding the final booking price for your place. Some of our Hosts are willing to accept lower offers from prospective Guests, particularly for longer stays.

Can iStopOver take a security deposit and then return it to the Guest after their stay?

iStopOver does not facilitate security deposits. We recommend that you discuss this directly with your Guest before you confirm the booking.

INQUIRIES

I responded to an inquiry from a renter and it bounced. Can you help me?

If you are having trouble contacting someone on iStopOver, or they are not responding to you, please inform us at support@istopover.com and we will do our best to help you out.

Do I have to respond to a request by a prospective Guest?

No, you do not. If at any time you do not want to host a Guest, you can simply reject their booking request. It is important to reject a booking rather than leave it in limbo – when a Guest has an open booking request with you, the dates on your availability calendar will appear as “Tentatively Booked” until you either accept or reject the booking. Remember, you have no obligation to host a Guest you do not feel comfortable with.

At what point is a reservation definitive?

Once a Guest has submitted payment for a booking via the website, the reservation is definitive. Any cancellation of a booking after this point may result in cancellation fees based on a Host’s cancellation policy (see “Am I charged a deposit?”).

PAYMENT

What are your prices?

iStopOver receives an additional 15% service fee from Guests for facilitating the visit.

How do I get paid?

iStopOver sends you payment one business day after check-in. Please ensure that you have filled out your payment information under the “Profile” tab so that we can send your payment to the correct location. If a Guest stays longer or shorter than intended, or there are any adjustments to payment, it is important that we hear from you so that we can confirm with the Guest as soon as possible.

When do I get paid?

You get paid one business day after your Guest checks-in.

World Cup 2010 Hosts Specific iStopOver Features

What is a “Certified Host”?

The “Certified Host” program is currently only available for Hosts on the iStopOver WorldCup 2010 site.

Certified Hosts are able to receive payment from iStopOver as soon as it is due according to your “Cancellation policy”.

By becoming a Certified Host, it means that you are verified to be a trustworthy Host. You can become a Certified Host in one of two ways: 1) Complete two successful Guest bookings for your listing and successfully apply on the iStopOver website, or 2) Have your home verified by iStopOver and successfully apply on the iStopOver website. If you are a professional in the rental business, you can also qualify to be a Certified Host.

As a Certified Host, you are eligible to receive up to 80% of your payment before the Guest arrives. So, for example, if you have a listing for $1,000 with a 30% cancellation policy 40 days before check in, then you will receive $300 one business day after the 40 day deadline passes. Please note, you are only eligible to receive up to 80% of the total listing price.

This policy ensures that Hosts that require payment in advance can receive their payment, and gives Guests the comfort that iStopOver or previous Guests have verified the home.

Please note: Acceptance to the Certified Host program is not automatic or guaranteed. Our representatives all over South Africa will endeavor to verify your listing and application, but we cannot promise this will be available in all locations. Our Guests are travelling from all over the world, and we are sure that you understand why we need to be very careful paying any funds up front without appropriate verification.

To apply to the Certified Host program, please email us at info@istopver.com

What is an “iStopOver WorldCup 2010 Ambassador”?

Our South African Hosts keep telling us how they really want to show off the “Best of South Africa”. There is a huge amount of goodwill being shown by our Hosts to international visitors that will be arriving for the World Cup.

Now, by becoming an Ambassador, you can offer your Guests the extra services that you wish to offer, AND make additional money in the process.

For example, you can offer to pick your Guest up from the airport and transport them to your home AND charge for it. Other suggested services that you can offer include laundry services, meals and rides to matches.

Remember, some of your Guests will be arriving in South Africa without being aware of all the security issues they need to consider. By offering Ambassador services, you are helping to ensure that a) your guests see the best of South Africa in a safe and convenient way; b) you are playing a part in solving the housing, security and infrastructure shortage during the soccer and c) you can make extra money in the process!

To set your Ambassador offerings, go to www.istopover.com/worldcup2010 and login to your account. Then, select the “My account” section at the top of the screen, select the “My Listings” Tab and edit your listing with the amenities you wish to offer. If you are already logged in, you can go directly to http://www.istopover.com/home/mylistings

FRAUD AND ABUSE

Am I protected against Fraud?

You are protected against payment fraud. iStopOver ensures that payment is cleared before a Guest is provided with a Reservation Code and your address. So, if a Guest arrives at your door, you can be assured that full payment has been made. However, remember that you are renting space in your home and YOU are responsible for any other issues including Guest fraud. Be sure to immediately enter the Guest Code into our system to confirm that you have been provided with a legitimate code. Furthermore, it is YOUR responsibility to ensure that you are comfortable with your Guest. You are entitled to ask for identification. You are completely responsible for any other fraud. Be sure to read the user agreement to review your rights.

What can I do to protect myself from Abuse?

Be sure you are comfortable with your Guest by communicating with them through the website before you accept their booking request. Feel free to ask a Guest for information before they arrive, and request that they upload any relevant information you would like to see, including a photo of themselves, to their profile. You may also wish to ask for identification when your Guest arrives – Please ensure that you make these requirements clear in your listing description. While most Guests are responsible, it is up to you to ensure that Guests are acceptable to you.

How do I report Abuse?

Immediately contact iStopOver at support@istopover.com. If there is anything that may be criminal (stealing, etc.) be sure to contact the police as well. Remember, you are entitled to ask a Guest to leave your home.

How do I check up on a Guest?

You should try and find out a little bit about the prospective Guest. Ask if they have rented at iStopOver before and feel free to contact other Hosts. If you wish, you can inquire about employment, references, etc. You may also want to use Social Networking, such as: Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. to find out more about prospective Guests. If their profile seems incomplete to you or they have not included a photo of themselves, you should request that they do so.

What preparations should I make to my home to prevent Abuse?

You may want to remove valuables, heirlooms, breakables or other items that you are concerned about. If you go out, you should lock away money or valuables. You should remind Guests which rooms are “out of bounds”, and remind them about telephone policies, TV policies, etc.

AVAILABILITY SCHEDULE

What is the Availability Schedule?

This is where you indicate which dates your place is available for Guests to rent. Be sure to keep this up-to-date so that prospective Guests can immediately see when you have availability.

Setting Goals and Objectives for your iStopOver Rental

It is important to determine clear goals for renting space in your home. When entering into any business endeavor it is important to have a clear idea of where you stand and where you wish to go. While you may not have initially viewed renting excess space in your home as a business, you should change your thought process and start viewing it as such. The best way to accomplish clear goals is to create a business plan. Create a Mission. The most obvious question you need to answer is: What would you like to accomplish by renting out space? The answer might seem simple—the money; however, you should look more deeply into the details and create objectives, as well as a plan for achieving those objectives. Set Objectives. Decide how often you want Guests to stay with you, and how many you would like at a time. Next, you need to decide your financial goals and objectives. Are you looking to have your rental revenues pay for some of your expenses associated with owning your home, or are you looking for extra cash? Basically, you should be able to answer the question, how much rental revenue you want or need to generate annually?