Your host fees are significantly higher than the industry standard . . .
for a website hosting site (like AirBNB). Why so high? It's pretty outlandish, really.
8 Answers
Hi Julie, the 15% fee is comparable, if not the same as other dog sitting sites. There are many benefits that sitters get from Rovers fees which include using Rover’s website to meet new clients and manage your business, the costs of marketing and promotions to attract new clients to the site, Premium Insurance, which is automatically included during every stay for your and your clients’ protection and 24/7 Emergency Support. You also have access to purchase significantly discounted promotional items to help you build your business. If you have any additional feedback or questions about the fees, give support a call, they can help at any time.
I'm very happy paying the 15% because Rover advertises, provides a web site that's user friendly, provides insurance, etc.
But I just learned that Rover is adding a 5% service fee onto the CLIENT'S bill, on top of my rates.
And, all new sitters joining Rover will be paying Rover 20%, not 15%.
Rover does provide a lot of services to both sitters and owners for the fees they charge. It's not just a job board that lists resumes. They give a lot of support and training to the sitters, including a background check of all sitters, insurance, and payment processing. To me, it's well worth it.
15% does sound like a lot, at first I was frustrated when I learned of the fee, but once you have some good testimonials and/or reviews under your belt, you can up your rate to makeup for the 15% fee. Sure, it's still coming out, but if you charge 15% more, it's not so bad. I upped my rate $5 after being on Rover for a month, and it's worked out great. Check what other sitters in your area are charging for comparison.
Without Rover, you wouldn't have access to so many people looking specifically for a pet sitter, from a well-known site that is trustworthy, if you just listed an ad in the newspaper, how many people are going to call you, a stranger, to watch their pets? I realized recently Rover is showing commercials on tv (plus you see Rover ads pop up all over the internet), so that's free advertising for you! You can also get a good deal on business cards through the Rover site to help with advertising. And if you give people your discount code, it will encourage new Rover users and get them $20 off their first stay. I think it's a win-win. Plus you can use the dashboard to easily post your profile on craiglist to get yourself out there more. Fees suck, but without them this site wouldn't be as great.
Rover support is amazing! Well worth the small fee. Much more than just a job posting board.
I think the insurance alone is so very well worth it! I have an amazing growing business just from rover clients.
Julie, are you asking as a pet sitter, or as a client? I was upset in the beginning when I saw 15% come out of my "profit." But, it really i worth it. The insurance and the support are really worth that small fee. And, without Rover. com, I wouldn't be doing so well with my pet sitting business.