Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.  Is it important to my business to be on the Internet?

A recent survey of US Travel Market showed that 67% of travel consumers research online, with 37% proceeding to book their travel over the Internet.  In Australia, 50% of homes have internet access, growing at a staggering 30% per year. Many more people have access to the web at work. Research has shown that the majority of web users are from middle class demographics, with higher than average disposable income.  Analysts expect an explosion of web usage and content provision when broadband becomes a reality for your average consumer.

2.   Why should I list my website on HolidayRentals?

Basically - to attract customers to your website.  Thousands of individual customers click onto HolidayRentals every week.  These people are serious about looking for accommodation, and by being part of the HolidayRentals network, your site will be easily available to them.

We market HolidayRentals at a national level, and have invested a lot of time, energy and money into getting good search engine placements. Your business benefits.

We get excellent feedback from holidaymakers, who like the site because of the range of accommodation it offers, it is easy to use, and is fast to use.  We have found that people bookmark our site and use it repeatedly.

3.  But why do I need to be listed in a large directory like HolidayRentals?

It is increasingly difficult for small businesses to gain high rankings in search engines, as the major engines are moving swiftly to a pay-for-listing, or a pay-per-click basis.  HolidayRentals absorbs these costs, and passes the hits onto our listings.  Your business will have the competitive edge.

It is also useful to market your business on the web in a number of different ways.  You probably advertise in a number of different print publications, and the web is no different. 

And because HolidayRentals has a national focus, we attract a lot of international traffic - overseas visitors who may never have heard of your town will be able to find it because of our regional structure and maps.  Our clients receive bookings from all around the world.

4.  I’m still not sure HolidayRentals will work for my business.  Can I have a trial period?

Absolutely.  We understand that advertising on the Internet is new for some businesses, and you want to make sure it is cost effective before you start paying.  We offer all new Standard and Feature listings a Free 60 Day Trial, so we can prove to you that HolidayRentals delivers.  The trial is obligation free, and you only need to pay to continue your listing if you feel it is a worthwhile investment for your business.

Alternatively, you could take up our Pay for Booking option, which is free to set up. We charge $11 per night for each booking made through HolidayRentals.

5.  So, how do I list my site on HolidayRentals?

Easy.  All you need to do is click on the Add/Edit button at the top of the page, or click here.

When you have listed your property successfully, you’ll get an email from us welcoming you to HolidayRentals, and giving you your ID and Password details.  You can use these at any time to update your listing or check your hits.

If you're interested in a Premium Listing, email us with details of your business and we'll set it up.

6.  How can I add a description and a photo to my listing?

You can add a description by logging onto your listing and entering it yourself, or emailing us about 50 words, and we can do it for you. 

To add a photo, send us an email to let us know which photo you’d like us to copy from your website. Alternatively, you can email us a photo, or post it to PO Box 128 Point Lookout Qld 4128, and we will scan it and return it to you.

7.  What are the different listing options you offer, and what do they cost?

A Standard Listing costs just $44 per year, inc GST.  This fee gives you a listing on the site, consisting of:
- a link to your website
- a photograph of your property
- a short description and price details
- inclusion in our search engine, and
- a hit count of the number of people reaching you through our site.

A Feature Listing gives you all of this, plus, a photograph and the name of your property will appear on the right hand section of the screen when holidaymakers click at national, state, region, and city levels of the website, inviting them to click onto your site directly.  This maximises your traffic and increases the potential for online bookings. (Please note that Feature Listings appear randomly, sharing appearances with others who take this option in that area.)  Feature Listings cost $66 per year, inc GST.

A Premium Listing gives you a Feature Listing as above, plus an extra page of information which includes 6 extra photographs, general information, property features, location, map, seasonal prices, and an availability calendar. Premium Listings cost $121 per year, inc GST. See example

8. I don't want to pay for a listing on HolidayRentals. Can I still list my business?

If you would rather pay per booking you receive through HolidayRentals, we have a Pay per Booking option, which includes all the features of a Premium Listing as above, but a charge of $11 per night is levied on all bookings made through your HolidayRentals availability calendar.

9.  I’ve paid for a Standard Listing - can I upgrade it to a Feature Listing?

No problem.  Just send us an email asking us to upgrade your site, and post us a cheque for the $22 (Standard Listing = $44 + $22 = $66).  We’ll send you a receipt and tax invoice when we process your payment.

10.  When do I pay for my listing?

When your 60 Day Free Trial is up, we’ll send you an email inviting you to pay to continue your listing. 

11.  How do I pay?

You can either pay by credit card or cheque.

We can process credit cards directly on-line, using a secure transaction process with the National Australia Bank. You can use this service by logging on to your update screen, and choosing the Pay Now button for either a Standard or Feature Listing.  You will be redirected to a secure payment screen within the National Australia Bank website. Your credit card details are completely protected and contained within the NAB payment system.

To pay by cheque, send a cheque payable to HolidayRentals.Com Pty Ltd to:

PO Box 128
Point Lookout QLD 4183

Remember to include your company name and Invoice Number with your cheque.

A full tax invoice will be emailed to you with receipt of payment.

12.  How do I know that my listing on HolidayRentals is working?

When you log on and scroll down towards the bottom of your Update Screen, you’ll find a hits counter.  This records the number of times someone has clicked on your link from HolidayRentals to go to your website.  This is the most effective way of determining if you are getting customers from HolidayRentals.

13.  Oops.  I’ve forgotten my log-on details.

No problems.  Send us an email with your business name and location, and we’ll send them to you.

14.  Can I change the password you’ve given me?

Sure.  Just log on, and in the update screen, type in a new password.  After you press submit, you’ll be sent an email confirming your new password.

15.  How often can I change my description?

As often as you like.  We’ve set your listing up so you can determine what you say about your business, whenever you like.  Got a Special Offer happening for July?  Why not advertise that in your description, then update your description again in August.  You could even advertise a weekend special - it takes no time to do. Your description is the ideal way to attract attention to your website - so maximise its potential.

16.  I don’t have a website - can I still be part of HolidayRentals?

We are able to list businesses who only have an email address.  Your listing looks the same, except that is has a small envelope icon to show holidaymakers that you are only available to contact via email.  When holidaymakers click onto your link, they are directed to an email screen, which gets sent straight to your in-box.

If you would like a web presence for your business, you should consider a Premium Listing. You get a HolidayRentals standard webpage, where you can showcase your property by adding general information, features, local attractions, location, map, prices, seasons, 4 photos, and an availability calendar. Click here for an example . Premium Listings are free to set up, and cost just $121 per year.

17. I'm in the market for an Availability Calendar - can you help me out?

Sure. We have an Availability Calendar you can add to your existing website, or to your HolidayRentals listing. Our experience has shown that internet bookings increase dramatically for clients with a calendar. The calendars save your time in answering phone queries during booked periods, and they also spread your bookings out into available timeslots. See here for more information.

18.  I hate computers.  Can you list my business for me?

Of course.  Just send us an email with all your contact details, email and website addresses, a short description of your business, and price and star ratings.  We’ll enter the information, and send you an email to confirm your listing is online.  Then email us a photo to go with your listing.  Simple as that.

Need to know more?

Send an email to info@holidayrentals.com.au