Cash payment?
My dog owners would like to pay for the stay in cash -- is there anything prohibiting this, but still showing the booking on my calendar?
6 Answers
Bryn - it is against Rover's Rules for sitters to accept cash payments (this does not include tips) from clients. They do this for a few reasons, including that they (Rover) benefit from it, but they do offer incentives for you to book through the website including being covered under their insurance plan in case anything happens, and also you move higher in search rankings with every booking, fast reply, etc. (higher search ranking = more chances of getting a client to book you).
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You guys are aware we don't int have insurance through them until we pay $250 plus the first time wer need to use it? I insure myself outside of them.
I always ask my clients for cash and ignore Rover because if im doing all the work theres no reason for them to be taking my money. I only got $150 out of $200 i was paid for watching a really bad dog for a week and it was no fair.
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Lowkey I want to do the same!
I did not know u cannnot use any other payment besides Rover. Unfortunately my lack of knowledge in this area has gotten me suspended. How long do suspensions on Rover last ?
Definitely book through Rover so you get access to the benefits. Also, if you DON'T book through Rover, the owner can't leave a review on your profile, which if you're just starting out will help you significantly in terms of getting more requests.
The only people have ever made a big deal about paying me directly during our meet and greet instead of using the website have decided to not book with me. It makes me wonder if they had hoped to skip out on payment. As a sitter, booking through rover gives me piece of mind about collecting my fee without any hassles - not to mention the insurance coverage. I feel that the 15% Rover keeps is definately worth the marketing and services they provide and would not want to try to get out of giving them their share.
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That you have to pay $250 to use.
Hi Marie, can you provide a link to resource that indicates this? I'm new and was not aware we had to pay to have the benefits as a sitter.
Not allowed by Rover. I've had a number of clients offer to pay me directly, but I always tell them I prefer using Rover because 1) they offer insurance 2) they offer 24/7 support for emergencies and 3) I love their website. I usually also mention that the money is a great bonus to getting to take care of wonderful doggies, meet new people, and help socialize my puppy. I've never had anyone push me on it after I say it all that way. I don't usually mention that they don't allow it because it makes Rover sound like the bad guy when, in reality, I love Rover. You can always sneak in that cash tips are allowed. ;)
It is against the Rover Terms of Service to accept cash. Period.