Glossary
This Glossary is provided to users of the website as a guide to terms and information they may find helpful. Definitions are added, edited or removed occasionally.
Memberships
Customers who wish to utilize one or more of our websites must sign up for a Membership in that site. Each membership has a username, logon and Membership type. Some sites allow users to view some data before becoming members.
Origin: Redstone Systems
Network Member
A person who owns a local vacation rental company in a geographic location, that is a member of the Sunspots Network. They are the key person in the are and may have other people who work for them. A member may also be referred to as a Networker, Operator, Manager or Property Manager.
See also: networker, manager, operator, property manager Origin: Vortex Organization
Network Operator
An alternate title for a person who owns a local vacation rental company in a geographic location, that is a member of the Sunspots Network. See Network Member.
See also: Network Member, Networker, Manager, Property Manager Origin: Vortex Organization
Networker
Refers to employs or subcontractors of Sunspot Network Members such as housekeepers, maintenance personnel, office staff and so forth.
See also: manager, network member, operator, property manager Origin: Istay
Shoulder Season
The period between peak and low periods when business is stronger, but has room from growth.
See also: Travel Seasons, Peak Season, Low Season Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Site Inspection
An assessment tour of a destination of facility by a meeting planner, convention or trade show manager, site selection committee, tour operator, wholesaler or incentive travel manager to see if it meets their needs and requirements prior to selecting a specific site for an event. After site selection, a site inspection may be utilized to make arrangements.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
SunPartners
A company which owns and offers vacation rental home ownership on a fractional basis. Segments of homes, usually 2 months in length are sold to owners who share ownership in one of several legal arrangements.
See also: Fractionals Origin: Istay
Sunspots Network
A group of independent real estate agents and lodging managers who utilize the Sunspots central office for a variety of services that support the offering and delivery of quality vacation rentals. Members subscribe to the best practices of the lodging industry and are contractually obligated to provide a consistent quality guest and owner experience.
Origin: Vortex
Sunspots Vacation Rentals Network
Network of Vacation Rental Management Companies, each independently owned and operated operated by trained and certified managers in various geographic areas.
See also: Sunspots Network Origin: Vortex Link: SunspotVacationRentals.com
Sunspotters
A program where guests who frequently rent from membes of the Sunspot Vacation Rentals Network and are given special privileges for their loyalty. Also referred to as a "Frequent Stayer" club. There is no charge for joining Sunspotters
Origin: Sunspot Vacation Rentals
Use Fee
A proper term for the cost of renting a lodging property. May include rent, housekeeping and other charges.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Vacation Rental Travel Insurance
A form of travel insurance, purchased from a carrier who agrees to reimburse guests for some expense if they are forced to cancel their travel plans including their rental of a vacation rental home. Covered events usually these include death in the family, personal injury or flight delays. Highly recommended.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Wholesaler Lodging
A lodging operator who sells occupancy through other parties called retailers
See also: Retailers Origin: Redstone Systems
Your Share
Rental program from Sunspot Vacation Rentals that provides advertising and bookings services to owners of timeshares who have dates available to rent.
Origin: May, William
24-Hour Assistance Services
These services offer on-the-spot and immediate assistance for unexpected problems that can arise during your trip. The hotline operates 24/7 for help anytime, any place while traveling.
Origin: CSA Travel Protection
Abandoned (Booking)
Bookings that were ordered on line but later cancelled by the guest or the guide are referred to as Abandoned. This word is used by our software as a Booking Status.
See also: Aborted, Blocked, Cancelled, Confirmed, Order, Hold, Incomplete, In Error, Out of Service, Quoted, Unblocked Origin: Istay
Aborted (Booking)
A Booking that is started but later stopped in mid-process is referred to as Aborted. In that case the entire record is actually deleted from the database. Our software uses this word as a Booking Status.
See also: Abandoned, Blocked, Cancelled, Confirmed, Order, Hold, Incomplete, In Error, Out of Service, Quoted, Unblocked Origin: Istay
Absentee Vacation Rental Manager
Company posing as vacation rental managers who does not actually reside in the geographic area. Actually only a booking agent, who sub contracts to freelance housekeepers. Being absent imposes unnecessary risk on property owners and guests.
See also: Property Manager, Vacation Rental Manager Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Advance Lodging Reservation
A Booking for a set period of time in the future such as renting a lodging property for a week or weekend. Advance Lodging Reservations require the owner or manager to keep the property available for the guest's exclusive use on the dates booked. In return, Advance Lodging Reservations are only cancelable in accordance with the owner or manager's terms and conditions.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
Advance Payment
Payment by the renter to the owner equaling a portion of the total rental amount. The advance payment is applied to the total rent cost.
Origin: Vacation Rental Association
DETAILS: Glossaries and Dictionaries are handy tools. They provide an indication of meaning but additional study may be necessary to comprehend the full meaning. There may be alternate definitions not included here and experts may disagree on the proper explanation of each term.
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