Im going to book a villa?

Question

With this company just wanna make sure im 100% safe, can people give it a look over and give me your thoughts.

http://spain.villadirect.com/

Answer 1

Well, they have an office, with proper telephones and fax - a lot of companies in Spain operate using only mobile phones, these numbers all begin with a 6.

Landline numbers always begin with a 9. There are a lot of these kind of companies in Mijas Costa, because of the large number of expats there, who rent their villas out.

Don't know any way you can check them really, unless you visit their offices.

Answer 2

So its an american company who´ve expanded into Spain with a grant from the US treasury dept. The company in the US is an LLC which is the same as an offshore company in the bahamas or gibralter used to reduce taxes paid.

They say they maintain a satellite office in Spain (typically one bloke or a bloke and a secretary).

All the above is typical of many operators in this field so I would say do the following:

- Contact them and ask for assurances.
- Refund policy
- Testimonials
- How is your payment taken (do they use an escrow account?)
- Professional body memberships

Gauge the company on the strength of their response. Is it quick(you don´t want to lose part of your holiday waiting for them to resolve a problem). Is the response personalised or a a few quick lines.

To be honest you can rarely be 100% safe except if you book through an ABTOL / ATOL bonded travel agency (or the US / CAN equivalent)

Answer 3

Although this company appears genuine, their prices are a little high. Have you looked on www.ownersdirect.co.uk who have a wide range of value property in the area.

Answer 4

Difficult - maybe ask for references from satisfied customers - there are no references from customers on site

Answer 5

I am sure its ok but be careful you dont get a violation for advertising