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I am new to the concept of a home exchange. What is it, and how is it different from hospitality exchange?
What is The Inn Exchange?
Do I have to offer to exchange during my peak season?
What is a non-simultaneous home exchange?
Is exchanging safe? What about my valuables?
What are the benefits of home exchanging?
Will people I exchange with care for my pets?
Do I need to exchange my entire B&B, or may I exchange just a
suite or room?
Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?
How much does it cost to join The Inn Exchange?
What is your privacy policy?
Do I have to respond to all inquiries for exchange?
Will my B&B or Inn website link be displayed?
I don't feel comfortable paying over the Internet. Is there another way to pay for membership?
What is the Travel Planner?
How can I get my Bed and Breakfast in the "Featured Listing" spot?
Can I edit my listing at any time?
Why should I upload photos? What if I don't know how?
Is there anything else I should know about The Inn Exchange?
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I am new to the concept of a home exchange. What is it, and how is it different from hospitality exchange?
Home exchanging is the hottest new trend in vacation travel. To put it simply, it is a transaction where two parties exchange their homes for a predetermined amount of time. Hospitality as its' name implies, is when each member hosts the other at their respective homes at different times.
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What is The Inn Exchange?
The Inn Exchange is the very first exchange set up exclusively for owners of Bed and Breakfasts or Inns. The only requirements for membership are that you own a well-appointed Inn or B&B, and be open to the idea of an exchange with another member. |
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Do I have to offer to exchange during my peak season?
You are in complete control of your exchange. You decide if: you want to accept an exchange with another member or not; when you wish or are able to travel; and, when your property is available and open for exchanges. |
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What is a non-simultaneous home exchange?
This occurs when the exchange does not happen at the same time. One party may travel to your property at one time, and you will travel to their property at another time. |
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Is exchanging safe? What about my valuables?
In the many years that home exchanging has been around, there have been very few reports of theft or vandalism. That being said, however, there is a certain element of uncertainty when doing a home exchange.
The best way to reassure yourself is to email your exchange partner often, ask for additional photos, ask for references, and, if possible, call each other a few times. Remember, too, that your exchange partner is also a Bed and Breakfast or Inn proprietor, and likely to have a similar standard of care about homes as you do. |
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What are the benefits of home exchanging?
The monetary benefits are what draw most people to home exchanging. Free lodging every time you travel can quickly add up to quite impressive savings! However, some other less obvious benefits of exchanging have to do with the reason that B&Bs and Inns are popular travel alternatives to hotels for many: The ability to immerse oneself in the culture, and experience the destination like a local is a benefit that adds immeasurably to the travel experience.
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Will people I exchange with care for my pets?
Some will. Some will ask you to care for their pets. It is best if you make this a request and not a deal breaker, so that you don't lose a potential exchange over it. Have a back up plan for pet care, and indicate that on your listing. |
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Do I need to exchange my entire B&B, or may I exchange just a
suite or room?
The Inn Exchange leaves that entirely up to each member’s preference. One of the great advantages of a Bed and Breakfast or Inn exchange is the ability to exchange either your entire property or just a suite. When you become a member, you will designate whether you are interested in exchanging your entire property, just a suite, or both. |
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How much does it cost to join The Inn Exchange?
When The Inn Exchange reaches its' targeted listing goal, the annual membership fee will be $89, with no hidden fees. However, recognizing that we are in our 'infancy', and in order to speed up the listing rate, The Inn Exchange is offering owners of B&Bs and Inns who list now a Free Preview Membership for One Year in order to explore the benefits of membership completely risk-free. |
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What is your privacy policy?
The Inn Exchange does not disclose or sell names, street addresses, or email addresses to others. All correspondence between members goes through our SSL secured website. Please see our Privacy Policy for more details. |
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Do I have to respond to all inquiries for exchange?
We leave it up to the member’s personal preference, though a simple reply is often appreciated. |
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Will my B&B or Inn website link be displayed?
Yes, and you may include two other links of interest that pertain to your neighborhood or upcoming local events. |
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I don't feel comfortable paying over the Internet. Is there another way to pay for membership?
The Inn Exchange provides a secure website through which to conduct credit card transactions. However, if you feel more comfortable paying over the phone or through the mail, we are happy to accept your membership fee through those channels as well. |
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What is the Travel Planner?
The Travel Planner is a page on our site that highlights links that will help you in the planning process for your exchange. |
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How can I get my Bed and Breakfast in the "Featured Listing" spot?
Increasing your visibility by becoming a featured listing is one way to improve your success at getting an exchange. The Inn Exchange charges a monthly fee of $25 to become a featured listing, and a yearly fee of $200. |
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Can I edit my listing at any time?
Yes, you may edit and update your listing at your convenience on your easy to manage ‘MY INN’ page. |
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Why should I upload photos? What if I don't know how?
The single most important thing exchangers look for is photos. Since exchanging by it's very nature is a leap of faith, photos are important for creating trust. If you need help uploading your photos, just contact us at help@TheInnExchange.com and we will do our best to assist you.
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Is there anything else I should know about The Inn Exchange?
All of our Terms and Conditions can be found here. |
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