Rover Now: What's the difference between booking "Later (Weekly)" and booking a traditional (not on-demand) Rover walk?

I think Rover is the only one that benefits from this, since they take 40% of your pay. I have a few repeat clients I booked through Rover Now, and when I presented them with the option of a direct booking, they told me they didn't even know that was an option. So, Rover doesn't incentivize owners to switch from Rover Now to direct booking because this way they get to take 40% of your pay, which is outrageous.

I contacted Rover about this because I was also confused why my repeat clients were still booked through Rover Now. I only found out recently that direct booking was possible.

Rover told me not to send clients direct bookings requests because clients do their research beforehand and they know whether Rover Now or regular Rover is best for them. I've found that not to be true in my experiences so far.

Rover also told me they didn't recommend that I send a rebooking request that switches the service type, because they've seen instances of rebooking requests creating negative experiences for owners, because other services on Rover are subject to different policies, costs upfront, and support teams. Rover also said that if an owner chooses Rover Now, they've likely researched what service is best for them.

But Rover did not specify what are the differences in upfront costs. How is the support team different? Wouldn't the service fee be higher for clients who book through Rover Now, since it is on-demand? I got the feeling their response was meant to try to deter me from rebooking directly with clients.

From a walker's perspective, the only advantage of on-demand walks is that you can fill up your schedule, or gaps in your schedule, without having to wait for owners to contact you. And unless the walker has very low fees to the point where the payout for on-demand walks is higher than the pay for their regularly scheduled walks, the benefits for the walker stop there. As for recurrent vs. one-time on-deman walks, the payout per walk is the same.

From an owner's perspective on-demand walk requests send a walker to get the job done (one time or recurrently) without having to spend time interviewing and/or meeting with walkers, having to negotiate around their schedules etc.. It may even be cheaper than booking directly with a walker.

Ultimately the largest benefit of on-demand walks goes to Rover, taking a whooping 40% cut of each on-demand walk.

Once you are Rover Now approved the only dog walking requests you will see are on-demand, the old process for walks is no longer available to you. Also, the only option for clients in Rover Now cities is Rover Now. While many walkers like the program, because they may get more walks their take home, can be significantly less than with traditional walks. I know a few NYC walkers, and many convert their on-demand clients to regular clients by asking them to book them as Drop-ins vs. walks, therefore having steady clients and maximizing their income. Best of luck

If you are on Facebook I recommend you join this NYC group https://www.facebook.com/groups/15630...