I am wondering why I am charged for a service prior to it happening? How do you ensure the visit will actually happen? If the service does not occur, am I reimbursed the amount I was charged?
>I am wondering why I am charged for a service prior to it happening?
Do you not pay for an airline ticket when you book? It is the same principle. You are reserving a space or time slot from a sitter. Be assured that Rover holds the funds until 48 hours after the service is completed to ensure that the customer is satisfied.
>How do you ensure the visit will actually happen?
For walks and drop-ins, sitters use an app that tracks their performance of your service. Sitters will also communicate with many clients, taking pics, sending notes/texts, etc. As the customer, this is something you should discuss with the sitter/walker and how you would like to be kept informed.
>If the service does not occur, am I reimbursed the amount I was charged?
Absolutely.
I understand the concept of paying ahead of time. However, there is no way to ensure the sitter follows through with the service. For example, I was charged for a 30 minute visit and my sitter only stayed for 20 minutes. So now I paid the full service and did not get what I paid for.
Additionally, there is no way to prove the sitter is actually staying for the time they clock in and out for. I am assuming the client is just taking their word for it, unless there is something I am missing?
No, you are not taking the sitter's word for it. That is reason behind the app which walkers and sitters who do drop-ins use. It has GPS and knows where the sitter is when they hit start and stop, shows the route of walks, etc. Isn't your sitter using it to update you?
If the sitter isn't spending the proper amount of time at your home, I suggest you call Rover Customer Support.
The charge is created when the booking is confirmed, to ensure the sitter will be paid. The sitter does not receive the funds until 2 days after the booking ends, so that the client can be assured that service has occurred. If it has not, call Rover Support to request a refund.
I am frustrated by the charge so far in advance ofmy need . I want to book with sitters early but then it is immediately run on my credit card. The last one cancelled and I had to wait till Rover refunded my card at which time I incurred a late fee by my credit card company.
I'm not familiar with all types of credit cards, but a fee charged for making a late payment on a credit card is a separate issue. Also, unlike reserving, say, a rental car of which there are many, you are reserving a person's time which is harder to replace on short notice if a client cancels.
It's the best middle-ground to protect the sitter's time and income, as well as the client's time and funds.