Difference between revisions of "Do the initial Setup"

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  This page explains how to set up your account
 
  This page explains how to set up your account
 
__TOC__
 
__TOC__
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=What _you should know  and do before getting started=
+
=What you should know  and do before getting started=
 
<div class="bluebox">
 
<div class="bluebox">
 
This self-setup guide assists you through your initial setup. Beds24 is designed as a self-service system so you can set up and change all functions yourself at any time.
 
This self-setup guide assists you through your initial setup. Beds24 is designed as a self-service system so you can set up and change all functions yourself at any time.
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<span class="" style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span>  <span style="font-weight: bold;" >Tip</span>  Where you see this <span class="" style=color:#008ACC;“>{{#fas:copy}}</span> icon you can click and then copy the value of this setting to other rooms or properties.
 
<span class="" style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span>  <span style="font-weight: bold;" >Tip</span>  Where you see this <span class="" style=color:#008ACC;“>{{#fas:copy}}</span> icon you can click and then copy the value of this setting to other rooms or properties.
 
</div>
 
</div>
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= Terminology =
+
== Properties and Rooms ==
 
'''Properties''' can be Hotels, Hostels, B&B´s, holiday houses, vacation rentals, apartment houses, camp sites. You can have one properties or multiple properties of different types.  
 
'''Properties''' can be Hotels, Hostels, B&B´s, holiday houses, vacation rentals, apartment houses, camp sites. You can have one properties or multiple properties of different types.  
  
−
A property can have only one or very many different rooms.  
+
'''Rooms''' are a way of splitting your property into separately bookable units.  Rooms can, but do not need to, represent ''physical'' rooms. They are a way of splitting up a property into separately bookable sections i.e. bedrooms in a hotel or B&B, vacation rentals, holiday homes, beds in hostel dormitories,  camp sites, houseboats,  cabins, tours, classes or cars etc.
  
−
'''Rooms''' are a way of splitting your property into separately bookable units.  Rooms can, but do not need to, represent ''physical'' rooms.
+
If you rent your property as a whole because it is a vacation rental you will still need one room which is what the guest books.  
  
−
They are rented units i.e. bedrooms in a hotel or B&B, vacation rentals, holiday homes, beds in hostel dormitories,  camp sites, houseboats,  cabins, tours, classes or cars etc.
+
A property can have only one room (a vacation rental) or a number of different '''room types''' or '''categories''' (a hotel, B&B, hostel, aparthotel).
  
−
An '''Offer''' is the price combined with certain conditions. Each room/unit has one or more offers. "Offer 1" is your standard offer to the guest which is always displayed.
+
Each room or room type/category can have ''multiple inventories'''.
 +
 
 +
=== Multiple Properties or Rooms ===
 +
If you are using the channel manager we advise to set the booking system up as similar as your booking channels. If your lodgings have different hotel/property codes for Booking.com etc. then they must be setup as different properties in Beds24 so you can connect them.
  
−
= Multiple Properties or Rooms =
 
 
Making different properties means each can have it's own property booking page (if required with individual design). You can also use a multiple property booking page with advanced search functions (e.g. facilities, location) showing all properties.
 
Making different properties means each can have it's own property booking page (if required with individual design). You can also use a multiple property booking page with advanced search functions (e.g. facilities, location) showing all properties.
  
−
If you are using the channel manager we advise to set the booking system up as similar as your booking channels. If your lodgings have different hotel/property codes for Booking.com etc. then they must be setup as different properties in the system.
+
'''Vacation rentals'''
 +
If you're renting your property as a whole, you still need to define one "Room" which in your case represents your complete property.
  
−
==Hotels, B&B´s. hostels==
+
If your rentals  have different hotel/property codes for Booking.com etc. then they must be setup as different properties.
−
Hotels, B&B´s and inns are usually set up as one property with a number of rooms. If you have several independent lodgings e.g. apartments or villas you can still set them up as rooms if it suits your marketing strategy. Each room (which can also be an apartment, house etc) can have its own pricing and booking rules.
 
  
−
==Vacation rentals==
+
For further information see [[Agency_%26_Multiple_Property_Setup|here]].
−
If you're renting your property as a whole, you still need to define one "Room" which in your case represents your complete property.
 
  
−
If your rentals  have different hotel/property codes for Booking.com etc. then they must be setup as different properties in the system.
+
'''Hotels, B&B´s. hostels'''
  
−
For further information see [[Agency_%26_Multiple_Property_Setup|here]].
+
Hotels, B&B´s and inns are usually set up as one property with a number of rooms. or room types. If you have several independent lodgings e.g. apartments or villas you can still set them up as rooms if it suits your marketing strategy. Each room (which can also be an apartment, house etc) can have its own pricing and booking rules.
  
−
= Step by Step Guide =
+
= Step by Step Setup =
 
== '''Step 1''' - General Account Settings ==
 
== '''Step 1''' - General Account Settings ==
 
Click on  {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)
 
Click on  {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)
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[[File:Property_and_Room_Setup.mp4|640px]]
 
[[File:Property_and_Room_Setup.mp4|640px]]
  
−
==== '''Step 2''' - Define Rooms and Offers ====
+
==== '''Step 2''' - Set your room/s up  ====
  
 
*To set rooms up go to  '{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > ROOMS  . A click on '''EDIT''' will open a field where you can set the name and quantity of "Rooms" of that type available.  
 
*To set rooms up go to  '{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > ROOMS  . A click on '''EDIT''' will open a field where you can set the name and quantity of "Rooms" of that type available.  
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<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}}</span>  If you copy a room all settings will be automatically applied to the copy. If you want to link prices between different rooms remove the prices before you copy the rooms.
 
<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}}</span>  If you copy a room all settings will be automatically applied to the copy. If you want to link prices between different rooms remove the prices before you copy the rooms.
 +
 +
==== '''Step 2''' - Set your offer upe ====
 +
An '''Offer''' is the price combined with certain conditions. Each room/unit has one or more offers.  "Offer 1" is your standard offer to the guest which is always displayed.
  
 
== '''Step 3''' -  Create prices  ==
 
== '''Step 3''' -  Create prices  ==
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<embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu.be/_KORtELJyNk</embedvideo>
 
<embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu.be/_KORtELJyNk</embedvideo>
  
−
==  '''Step 7''' -  Use your own E-mail address (optional)==
+
==  '''Step 7''' -  Customize and connect the booking engine for commission free direct bookings (optional)==
−
Set the system [[Outgoing_Email|use your own Email address for sending]] in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > ACCOUNT >OUTGOING EMAIL.
 
−
 
 
−
Using your own E-mail address is mandatory if you want to use Auto Actions to automate Emails.
 
−
 
 
−
==  '''Step 8''' -  Check and Customise your Booking Page==
 
 
Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) BOOKING ENGINE.
 
Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) BOOKING ENGINE.
  
 
You have the option to  fully customise the look and the content of your booking page. For an overview of your options please go to [[Customise Booking Page]].
 
You have the option to  fully customise the look and the content of your booking page. For an overview of your options please go to [[Customise Booking Page]].
  
−
==  '''Step 9''' - Install  a Booking Widget ==
 
 
Booking widgets connect your website to your booking page. There is a choice  including booking buttons, booking boxes, booking strips, calendars. Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  > BOOKING ENGINE > BOOKING WIDGETS. Choose the widget you want to use. If required you can customise the appearance. If you need help please click on the HELP button on the top rights of the widgets page.  
 
Booking widgets connect your website to your booking page. There is a choice  including booking buttons, booking boxes, booking strips, calendars. Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  > BOOKING ENGINE > BOOKING WIDGETS. Choose the widget you want to use. If required you can customise the appearance. If you need help please click on the HELP button on the top rights of the widgets page.  
  
 
Copy your widget to your website. To install the booking widgets on your web site you will need the ability to edit the HTML of your page. This may involve knowing the passwords for your web server and the ability to transfer your files. Your web hosting service should be able to provide information and assist you with this.  
 
Copy your widget to your website. To install the booking widgets on your web site you will need the ability to edit the HTML of your page. This may involve knowing the passwords for your web server and the ability to transfer your files. Your web hosting service should be able to provide information and assist you with this.  
  
−
==  '''Step 10''' -  Do some test bookings to check everything is working==
 
−
 
−
This is how you can check everything is working:
 
−
 
−
1. Your own web site
 
−
Click on the screen icon in the top right menu of the control panel or go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  > BOOKING ENGINE to view your booking page and make a couple of test bookings.
 
−
 
−
The 'Price Check' tool shows you which prices and rules apply for specific dates//selections and why a certain price or rule was applied or not applied. Just enter your booking condition then click on 'Calculate'.  You can find links to the  'Price Check' tool on the CALENDAR and SUPPORT pages.
 
−
 
−
2. Channels
 
−
Channels which receive prices from Beds24:
 
−
Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  > CHANNEL MANAGER >BOOKING.COM (for example) and click on 'View Actual Data' to check what we are sending.  If you are not seeing and are not receiving error messages and the display on channels page is correct the connection is working.
 
−
 
−
Channels which only receive inventory from Beds24:
 
−
Check if the availability on the channels website is the same as on the CALENDAR page in Beds24.
 
  
−
'''Congratulations! You are now receiving on-line bookings.'''  New on-line bookings will be added automatically. You can also enter new bookings manually clicking on "Add Booking" on the BOOKINGS page.
+
Guest who book directly will automatically receive a [:category:Confirmation_Messages|confirmation message]]  which you can customise the [ in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  > GUEST MANAGEMENT > CONFIRMATION MESSAGES.
  
−
=  More customisation options=
+
==  '''Step 8''' - Automate messaging and processes==
−
*customise the [[Responsive_Booking_Page|look of your booking page to suit your web site]]  in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > BOOKING ENGINE.
+
Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  > GUEST MANAGEMENT > AUTO ACTIONS to
−
*customise the [[:category:Confirmation_Messages|booking confirmations to guests]]  in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  > GUEST MANAGEMENT > CONFIRMATION MESSAGES.
+
*set up messaging templates for automatic and manual sending
−
*customise the display of the  [[:category:Calendar| control panel CALENDAR]] page in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  > ACCOUNT > PREFERENCES.
+
*automatically perform modifications on bookings based on predefined critiera
−
*customise the display of the  [[Preferences|control panel]] in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  > ACCOUNT > PREFERENCES.
 
  
−
= Other Features and Functions =
+
= More functions and options=
−
When you click on FUNCTIONS in SUPPORT you will see links to the menu pages of key features and functions or check the start page of this support wiki.
+
*Customise the display of the  [[:category:Calendar| control panel CALENDAR]] page in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  > ACCOUNT > PREFERENCES.
 +
*Customise the display of the  [[Preferences|control panel]] in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  > ACCOUNT > PREFERENCES.
 +
*When you click on FUNCTIONS in SUPPORT you will see links to the menu pages of key features and functions or check the start page of this support wiki.

Revision as of 20:57, 3 April 2024

Set Up Guide
This page explains how to set up your account

1 What you should know and do before getting started

This self-setup guide assists you through your initial setup. Beds24 is designed as a self-service system so you can set up and change all functions yourself at any time.

There is context sensitive help throughout our system. If you are stuck, click on the icons. You can also use this Wiki for help.

  • We provide a range of video tutorials. There is also a Youtube playlist.
  • There are recordings of previous webinars and webinar announcements.
  • You can let our Setup Wizards guide you through the set up process.
  • We also offer online training sessions for a fee in which we help you set your account up. Send us a support ticket from the SUPPORT button at the top if you want to book a session.

Tip Where you see this icon you can click and then copy the value of this setting to other rooms or properties.

1.1 Properties and Rooms

Properties can be Hotels, Hostels, B&B´s, holiday houses, vacation rentals, apartment houses, camp sites. You can have one properties or multiple properties of different types.

Rooms are a way of splitting your property into separately bookable units. Rooms can, but do not need to, represent physical rooms. They are a way of splitting up a property into separately bookable sections i.e. bedrooms in a hotel or B&B, vacation rentals, holiday homes, beds in hostel dormitories, camp sites, houseboats, cabins, tours, classes or cars etc.

If you rent your property as a whole because it is a vacation rental you will still need one room which is what the guest books.

A property can have only one room (a vacation rental) or a number of different room types or categories (a hotel, B&B, hostel, aparthotel).

Each room or room type/category can have multiple inventories'.

1.1.1 Multiple Properties or Rooms

If you are using the channel manager we advise to set the booking system up as similar as your booking channels. If your lodgings have different hotel/property codes for Booking.com etc. then they must be setup as different properties in Beds24 so you can connect them.

Making different properties means each can have it's own property booking page (if required with individual design). You can also use a multiple property booking page with advanced search functions (e.g. facilities, location) showing all properties.

Vacation rentals If you're renting your property as a whole, you still need to define one "Room" which in your case represents your complete property.

If your rentals have different hotel/property codes for Booking.com etc. then they must be setup as different properties.

For further information see here.

Hotels, B&B´s. hostels

Hotels, B&B´s and inns are usually set up as one property with a number of rooms. or room types. If you have several independent lodgings e.g. apartments or villas you can still set them up as rooms if it suits your marketing strategy. Each room (which can also be an apartment, house etc) can have its own pricing and booking rules.

2 Step by Step Setup

2.1 Step 1 - General Account Settings

Click on (SETTINGS)

  • Go to ACCOUNT and complete your details
  • If you want to use a language other than English on your booking page, go to ' (SETTINGS) BOOKING ENGINE > INTERNATIONALIZATION and tick the ones you want to use. If you enable more than one language you will see tabs for each language in your descriptions, information on your booking page and notifications. Descriptions have to be entered in each language tab.

2.2 Step 2 - Property and Room Set Up

You can import properties and rooms or create them manually.

2.2.1 Import from Airbnb

If you have a listing on Airbnb you can import it and create a new property with a new room or add a room in a property you already have in Beds24. Click here for instructions.

2.2.2 Import from Booking.com

You can import your property from Booking.com to Beds24.

2.2.3 Manual creation

2.2.3.1 Step 1 - Create Property

  • Properties and be added in ' (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES
  • After you have added a property go to ' (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > DESCRIPTION and complete your property information

2.2.3.2 Step 2 - Set your room/s up

  • To set rooms up go to ' (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > ROOMS . A click on EDIT will open a field where you can set the name and quantity of "Rooms" of that type available.

If you sell dorms for which you sell individual beds and not private rooms please also see how to setup dorms.

  • Go to (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > ROOMS > OFFERS and define your offer(s).

An offer is the price combined with certain conditions. Each room/unit has one or more offers. "Offer 1" is your standard offer to the guest which is always displayed.

You have the option to sell a room with different prices eg. packages, promotions or discounted conditional prices. Each offer can have its own "Booking Type".

If you copy a room all settings will be automatically applied to the copy. If you want to link prices between different rooms remove the prices before you copy the rooms.

2.2.3.3 Step 2 - Set your offer upe

An Offer is the price combined with certain conditions. Each room/unit has one or more offers. "Offer 1" is your standard offer to the guest which is always displayed.

2.3 Step 3 - Create prices

Without prices the system can not show availability.

If you have several rooms with a similar pricing structure you can "link" prices with or without offsets to multiple rooms.

The system has two types of prices:

  • Daily Prices (recommended)
  • Fixed Prices

This setup wizard guides you though the setup.

Click on the "Price Check" button on the CALENDAR or SUPPORT page then on "Calculate" to find our why you have not price or how a price is calculated.

Daily Prices (recommended)

Daily Prices are prices for one date. Daily prices are easy to manage and are the best choice for most customers. Multiple prices per date can be defined for example for different minimum stays or different offers. Please find more information on the help page for daily prices.

Fixed Prices

Fixed Prices have a start and end date so they apply to a range of dates. Fixed Prices contain many rules about the conditions that must apply to make them available.

Use Fixed Prices instead of Daily prices only:

  • If your prices are fixed ahead and you do not want to adjust them and you have none or few seasons
  • If you want to allow guest to enquire when no price can be found but the room is not fully booked
  • If you want to grant referrer discounts

Please find more information on the help page for Fixed Prices.

Combination of Daily Prices and Fixed Prices

If you use Fixed Prices you do not need to set up Daily Prices for every day. If required you can use a Daily Price to adjust the prices for an individual date or date range.

  • You can use Daily Prices to override the Fixed Price for a few individual dates. If you often adjust prices use Daily Prices only.
  • You can add a Gap Filler to fill gaps when using daily prices with minimum stays required

Rules in Fixed Prices have no effect on daily prices.

2.4 Step 4 - Enter existing Bookings

To avoid double bookings it is advisable to enter the bookings you already have.

  • For Booking.com, Airbnb and Expedia we have the option to automatically import all upcoming bookings. We recommend to use this method because for bookings imported directly from Booking.com we will then be able to automatically import changes. You can use this function when the channel manager is set up but not activated. The button is available in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER->AIRBNB/BOOKING.COM/EXPEDIA.
  • Other bookings can be uploaded as a .csv file from in (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES.
  • To manually add or blocked dates click on the suitcase icon in the CALENDAR or on "Add Booking" at the top.
  • If you do not need the actual booking you can adjust the availability in the CALENDAR in the row "Inventory". The number shows rooms remaining to sell. They can be edited to quickly change your availability. Double-click to open a pop-up and save the changes. (it is only possible to lower the number based on the value in (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > ROOMS > SETUP "Quantity of this type" and any existing bookings).

2.5 Step 5 - Set up payment collection (optional)

You need to connect a payment processor to automatically collect payments in (SETTINGS) >PAYMENTS > PAYMENT COLLECTION. Stripe is our preferred partner which offers the best functionality.

2.6 Step 6 - Set up the Channel Manager (optional)

Set up the channel manager to synchronise your sales channels.

Here some short example videos. For detailed instructions see:

2.7 Step 7 - Customize and connect the booking engine for commission free direct bookings (optional)

Go to (SETTINGS) BOOKING ENGINE.

You have the option to fully customise the look and the content of your booking page. For an overview of your options please go to Customise Booking Page.

Booking widgets connect your website to your booking page. There is a choice including booking buttons, booking boxes, booking strips, calendars. Go to (SETTINGS) > BOOKING ENGINE > BOOKING WIDGETS. Choose the widget you want to use. If required you can customise the appearance. If you need help please click on the HELP button on the top rights of the widgets page.

Copy your widget to your website. To install the booking widgets on your web site you will need the ability to edit the HTML of your page. This may involve knowing the passwords for your web server and the ability to transfer your files. Your web hosting service should be able to provide information and assist you with this.


Guest who book directly will automatically receive a [:category:Confirmation_Messages|confirmation message]] which you can customise the [ in (SETTINGS) > GUEST MANAGEMENT > CONFIRMATION MESSAGES.

2.8 Step 8 - Automate messaging and processes

Go to (SETTINGS) > GUEST MANAGEMENT > AUTO ACTIONS to

  • set up messaging templates for automatic and manual sending
  • automatically perform modifications on bookings based on predefined critiera

3 More functions and options

  • Customise the display of the control panel CALENDAR page in (SETTINGS) > ACCOUNT > PREFERENCES.
  • Customise the display of the control panel in (SETTINGS) > ACCOUNT > PREFERENCES.
  • When you click on FUNCTIONS in SUPPORT you will see links to the menu pages of key features and functions or check the start page of this support wiki.
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