Difference between revisions of "VRBO Setup"

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[[Category:VRBO]]
 
[[Category:VRBO]]
  
<div class="heading">Connect with VRBO / Homeaway Group</div>
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<div class="heading">Connect with Vrbo / Homeaway Group</div>
  This page is about the menu {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/HOMEAWAY > ACCOUNT  and {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/HOMEAWAY >  MAPPING and explains how connect to VRBO/Homewaway and their companies.
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  This page is about the menu {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > ACCOUNT  and {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO >  MAPPING and explains how connect to Vrbo/Homewaway and their companies.
  
 
= Capabilities =
 
= Capabilities =
 
Via the XML connection Beds24 can  
 
Via the XML connection Beds24 can  
*Export property listings content (create listings at VRBO/Homeaway)
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*Export property listings content (create listings at Vrbo)
*Update existing listings on VRBO
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*Update existing listings on Vrbo
 
*Export prices and availability
 
*Export prices and availability
 
*Import bookings
 
*Import bookings
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To allow accurate commission calculation we have to provide VRBO with a feed which contains all VRBO bookings.
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To allow accurate commission calculation we have to provide Vrbo with a feed which contains all Vrbo bookings.
  
If you use the XML connection all updates should be done in Beds24 (not in VRBO/Homeaway) because changes you make in VRBO/Homeaway will be overridden with the next update.  
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If you use the XML connection all updates should be done in Beds24 (not in Vrbo) because changes you make in Vrbo will be overridden with the next update.  
  
The connection can update following VRBO brands:
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The connection can update following Vrbo brands:
  
 
Homeaway.com,   
 
Homeaway.com,   
VRBO.com,
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Vrbo.com,
 
abritel.fr,
 
abritel.fr,
 
aluguetemporada.com.br,
 
aluguetemporada.com.br,
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= Limitations =
 
= Limitations =
*VRBO/Homeaway do not allow same day bookings.  
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*Vrbo do not allow same day bookings.  
*Most agencies/property managers can use VRBOs XML connection but you must have a tax number and a credit card.  If you are not eligible your can use our [[Homeaway.com_iCal| VRBO iCal]] connection to synchronise calendars.
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*Most agencies/property managers can use Vrbos XML connection but you must have a tax number and a credit card.  If you are not eligible your can use our [[Homeaway.com_iCal| Vrbo iCal]] connection to synchronise calendars.
*You can not move properties which are connected between two Beds24 accounts which are connected to VRBO if they have bookings because this will upset VRBOS commission calculation and you might get charged twice.  
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*You can not move properties which are connected between two Beds24 accounts which are connected to Vrbo if they have bookings because this will upset VrboS commission calculation and you might get charged twice.  
  
<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}}  </span> '''You can not change your username when connected to VRBO because this will break the connection.'''
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<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}}  </span> '''You can not change your username when connected to Vrbo because this will break the connection.'''
  
 
= Before you connect=
 
= Before you connect=
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Only bookings made after the connection is established will be imported and can be managed. Existing bookings can be imported via iCal or manually.
 
Only bookings made after the connection is established will be imported and can be managed. Existing bookings can be imported via iCal or manually.
  
VRBO/Homeaway does not send confirmation messages. They require these to be sent from Beds24. The confirmation message you have set up in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  GUEST MANAGEMENT > CONFIRMATION MESSAGES will be sent to the guest.
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Vrbo does not send confirmation messages. They require these to be sent from Beds24. The confirmation message you have set up in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  GUEST MANAGEMENT > CONFIRMATION MESSAGES will be sent to the guest.
  
<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}}  </span> We do not support sending different messages based on the type of payment for VRBO, the standard confirmation message will be sent.
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<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}}  </span> We do not support sending different messages based on the type of payment for Vrbo, the standard confirmation message will be sent.
  
 
==Properties, rooms and room types==
 
==Properties, rooms and room types==
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==You need==
 
==You need==
VRBO/Homeaway requires you to have a '''credit card''' and a '''tax number / tax identifyer'''
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Vrbo requires you to have a '''credit card''' and a '''tax number / tax identifyer'''
  
 
= Setup =
 
= Setup =
VRBO/Homeaways XML activation applies per Beds24 account. All properties owned by the connected Beds24 account or sub account can send to the connected VRBO account.  If you want to connect properties owned by different account/sub accounts you can override this.  Click on the 'User' icon on the top right and then on 'Account Management (in the old control panel SUB ACCOUNT in the top right) Manage Account > Manage Property  and go to "Channel Management". The setting  "VRBO / Homeaway Connect via Account" allows you to set  that the property connects to VRBO via a different account than the one owning it.
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Vrbos XML activation applies per Beds24 account. All properties owned by the connected Beds24 account or sub account can send to the connected Vrbo account.  If you want to connect properties owned by different account/sub accounts you can override this.  Click on the 'User' icon on the top right and then on 'Account Management (in the old control panel SUB ACCOUNT in the top right) Manage Account > Manage Property  and go to "Channel Management". The setting  "Vrbo Connect via Account" allows you to set  that the property connects to Vrbo via a different account than the one owning it.
  
<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> VRBO provides a self-onboarding tool which is started from Beds24. If self-onboarding is not available in your region you will not be able to complete the setup and VRBO will automatically create a support case and get in touch with you.  
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<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> Vrbo provides a self-onboarding tool which is started from Beds24. If self-onboarding is not available in your region you will not be able to complete the setup and Vrbo will automatically create a support case and get in touch with you.  
  
 
''' Step 1: Activate your rooms'''  
 
''' Step 1: Activate your rooms'''  
  
Go to  {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/HOMEAWAY > MAPPING and tick "Enable" for all rooms you want to connect. Click on HELP <span style="color:#007bff;“ >{{#far:question-circle}}  </span>  in the top right of this page for detailed instructions.  
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Go to  {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > MAPPING and tick "Enable" for all rooms you want to connect. Click on HELP <span style="color:#007bff;“ >{{#far:question-circle}}  </span>  in the top right of this page for detailed instructions.  
  
If you see a red button "Fix Content Errors" your content does not meet VRBOs requirements. Click on the button. Any settings which do not meet VRBOs requirements are highlighted on red. Click on the links to go to the settings where you can fix the problems.
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If you see a red button "Fix Content Errors" your content does not meet Vrbos requirements. Click on the button. Any settings which do not meet Vrbos requirements are highlighted on red. Click on the links to go to the settings where you can fix the problems.
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 +
Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > ACCOUNT  and click 'Generate VRBO Software id' button.
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This will generate your "Vrbo Software User ID" which you can always see in in Beds24 under  {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > ACCOUNT > MAPPING.
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 +
In Beds24:
 +
 
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[[File:connect_vrbo.mp4|640px]]
  
 
'''Step 2:  Have your credit card and your tax number/tax identifier on hand'''  
 
'''Step 2:  Have your credit card and your tax number/tax identifier on hand'''  
  
During the onboarding process VRBO will ask you to enter your credit card and your tax number.  
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During the onboarding process Vrbo will ask you to enter your credit card and your tax number.  
  
'''Step 3: Self-onboard to VRBO '''  
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'''Step 3: Self-onboard to Vrbo '''  
  
 
When at least one room is activated to sending you can start the self-onboarding process.  
 
When at least one room is activated to sending you can start the self-onboarding process.  
 
*If you have subaccounts double check you are logged into the account/subaccount you want to connect.
 
*If you have subaccounts double check you are logged into the account/subaccount you want to connect.
*Click on "Connect with VRBO. This will start VRBOs self-onboarding process.
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*Click on "Connect with Vrbo. This will start Vrbos self-onboarding process.
 
*Follow the steps.  
 
*Follow the steps.  
  
This will automatically generate your "VRBO Software User ID" which you can always see in in Beds24 under {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/HOMEAWAY > ACCOUNT / MAPPING.
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Vrbo defines the currency you can use for your Vrbo account. Make sure this currency is set in  {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > ACCOUNT and is used in all properties in this Beds24 account. If you use a different currency in Beds24 you can set a multiplier in  {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > MAPPING. Click on HELP <span style="color:#007bff;“ >{{#far:question-circle}}  </span> in the top right of this page for detailed instructions.
  
VRBO defines the currency you can use for your VRBO account. Make sure this currency is set in  {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/HOMEAWAY > ACCOUNT and is used in all properties in this Beds24 account. If you use a different currency in Beds24 you can set a multiplier in  {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/HOMEAWAY > MAPPING. Click on HELP <span style="color:#007bff;>{{#far:question-circle}} </span>  in the top right of this page for detailed instructions.
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<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span>  After you have connected with Vrbo you will have a "View Listings" button. When you click you will see the properties/rooms which are in Beds24 feed for Vrbo.
  
<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span>  After you have connected with VRBO you will have a "View Listings" button. When you click you will see the properties/rooms which are in Beds24 feed for VRBO.
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In Vrbo if you do not yet have a Vrbo account:  
 
 
 
 
In Beds24:
 
 
 
[[File:connect_vrbo.mp4|640px]]
 
 
 
In VRBO if you do not yet have a VRBO account:  
 
  
 
[[File:ssl_vrbo_new.mp4|640px]]
 
[[File:ssl_vrbo_new.mp4|640px]]
  
In VRBO if you do have a VRBO account:  
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In VRBO if you do have a Vrbo account:  
  
 
[[File:ssl_vrbo.mp4|640px]]
 
[[File:ssl_vrbo.mp4|640px]]
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'''Step 6 - Check the listing status'''
 
'''Step 6 - Check the listing status'''
 
*Go to  {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > MAPPING  
 
*Go to  {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > MAPPING  
*Click on the "View Status at VRBO" button  
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*Click on the "View Status at Vrbo" button  
 
*Check the content especially the  "activeStatus"
 
*Check the content especially the  "activeStatus"
  
 
'''Step 7 - Add your reviews (optional)'''
 
'''Step 7 - Add your reviews (optional)'''
  
We can upload the reviews you already have to VRBO. VRBO only accepts direct reviews including reviews from your own website,Tripadvisor, Google or other sources for which you have the right to use them on your own website. VRBO will not accept any reviews from other OTAs including Airbnb or Booking.com.
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We can upload the reviews you already have to Vrbo. Vrbo only accepts direct reviews including reviews from your own website,Tripadvisor, Google or other sources for which you have the right to use them on your own website. Vrbo will not accept any reviews from other OTAs including Airbnb or Booking.com.
  
If you want us to send your reviews to VRBO please reach out to us via a support ticket.
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If you want us to send your reviews to Vrbo tell your Vrbo activation specialist for how far back you have reviews and then reach out to us via a support ticket.
  
= VRBO/Homeaway.com Offline Bookings / Data protection=
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= Vrbo.com Offline Bookings / Data protection=
VRBO requires you mark bookings which originated from a VRBO/Homeaway enquiry by setting the Referer value on the "Details" tab of the booking to '''VRBO'''. VRBO/Homeaway requires you to enter the guests Email address in the booking.
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Vrbo requires you mark bookings which originated from a Vrbo enquiry by setting the Referer value on the "Details" tab of the booking to '''Vrbo'''. Vrbo requires you to enter the guests Email address in the booking.
 
 
 
 
  
VRBO/Homeaway will have access to these bookings for reporting purposes.
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Vrbo will have access to these bookings for reporting purposes.
 
 
 
 
 
Make sure you comply with your local data protection laws.
 
Make sure you comply with your local data protection laws.
  
 
= Updates =
 
= Updates =
Changes to availability and prices will be instantly sent to the channel. Other changes will be pulled by VRBO/Homeaway with their next poll.
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Changes to availability and prices will be instantly sent to the channel. Other changes will be pulled by Vrbo with their next poll.
  
 
=Send and receive messages =
 
=Send and receive messages =
You can get communicate with VRBO uest directly from Beds24. This function works for confirmed bookings only, inquiries/requests  are currently not imported
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You can get communicate with Vrbo guest directly from Beds24. This function works for confirmed bookings only, inquiries/requests  are currently not imported
  
 
You can view all messages from the "Messages" component on the DASHBOARD and individual communication from the "API Messages" tab in the booking.  
 
You can view all messages from the "Messages" component on the DASHBOARD and individual communication from the "API Messages" tab in the booking.  
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1. Add the component  "API Messages" to your [[:Category:Dashboard|DASHBOARD]]
 
1. Add the component  "API Messages" to your [[:Category:Dashboard|DASHBOARD]]
  
2. To send Auto Action Emails via messaging set "Send Message" on the "Messaging" tab in the Auto Action to one of the API options.  We will remove the HTML from the message because VRBO does not support HTML. You have the option to add a plain text message for this purpose.
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2. To send Auto Action Emails via messaging set "Send Message" on the "Messaging" tab in the Auto Action to one of the API options.  We will remove the HTML from the message because Vrbo does not support HTML. You have the option to add a plain text message for this purpose.
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 +
Vrbo supports attachments in PDF, JPG, PNG, and GIF format.  
  
<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}}  </span> If you have moved the booking to a different room (manually or via dependencies), then ensure that both properties/rooms are connected with the same VRBO account, otherwise this function will not work.
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<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}}  </span> If you have moved the booking to a different room (manually or via dependencies), then ensure that both properties/rooms are connected with the same Vrbo account, otherwise this function will not work.
  
 
= Cancellations =
 
= Cancellations =
If you set a booking to "Cancelled" we will send it as "Cancelled by guest" (this is the default) to VRBO/Homeaway. If the booking is cancelled by the host you can set this as a "substatus" via the second selector next to the "Cancelled" status in the "Summary" tab of the booking, we will then send "Cancelled by Owner" to VRBO.
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If you set a booking to "Cancelled" we will send it as "Cancelled by guest" (this is the default) to Vrbo. If the booking is cancelled by the host you can set this as a "substatus" via the second selector next to the "Cancelled" status in the "Summary" tab of the booking, we will then send "Cancelled by Owner" to Vrbo.
  
<div class="warning">{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}} Never delete bookings from VRBO/Homeaway because VRBO/Homeaway expect to read the booking status even if they are cancelled.
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<div class="warning">{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}} Never delete bookings from Vrbo because Vrbo expect to read the booking status even if they are cancelled.
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
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If you want to offer a guest a special price ask the guest to book at full price. After the booking has been imported you can change the price and manually send the guest a confirmation with the revised price.  
 
If you want to offer a guest a special price ask the guest to book at full price. After the booking has been imported you can change the price and manually send the guest a confirmation with the revised price.  
  
Beds24 will automatically send the amended price to VRBO so VRBO can adjust your commission.
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Beds24 will automatically send the amended price to Vrbo so Vrbo can adjust your commission.
  
=VRBO commission=
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=Vrbo commission=
To allow accurate commission calculation we have to provide VRBO with a feed which contains all VRBO bookings.
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To allow accurate commission calculation we have to provide Vrbo with a feed which contains all Vrbo bookings.
  
If you have added on-site services to the booking, you can add the status '''stayfee''' to them. The status needs to start with stayfee but you can add to is for example stayfee_tour. VRBO will then not take this item into account when calculating the commission.
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If you have added on-site services to the booking, you can add the status '''stayfee''' to them. The status needs to start with stayfee but you can add to is for example stayfee_tour. Vrbo will then not take this item into account when calculating the commission.
  
 
= Listing Content =
 
= Listing Content =
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*Listings where guests do not have to pay the full amount with the booking perform better.
 
*Listings where guests do not have to pay the full amount with the booking perform better.
 
=== Languages ===
 
=== Languages ===
VRBO/Homeaway will inform you which language is compulsory. It is the language of the VRBO/Homeaway site you are listed.  If this language is different from the language you use as default language for your booking page you can set it in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER  > VRBO/Homeaway > SPECIFIC CONTENT.
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Vrbo will inform you which language is compulsory. It is the language of the Vrbo site you are listed.  If this language is different from the language you use as default language for your booking page you can set it in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER  > VRBO  > SPECIFIC CONTENT.
  
If you need to activate languages go to{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  BOOKING ENGINE > INTERNATIONALISATION.
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If you need to activate languages go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  BOOKING ENGINE > INTERNATIONALISATION.
  
 
=== Listings ===
 
=== Listings ===
 
A listing is created for every room in Beds24.  
 
A listing is created for every room in Beds24.  
 
*The "Headline" for the listing comes from "Room Headline" in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > PROPERTY CONTENT > ROOM CONTENT. If this field is empty the "Headline" in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > PROPERTY CONTENT will be used.
 
*The "Headline" for the listing comes from "Room Headline" in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > PROPERTY CONTENT > ROOM CONTENT. If this field is empty the "Headline" in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > PROPERTY CONTENT will be used.
*The "Property Name" comes from the "Name" in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  PROPERTIES > DESCRIPTION. If you want to give each listing its own property name even though they are in one property in Beds24 you can enter a unique "Name"  for each in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO / HOMEAWAY > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.
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*The "Property Name" comes from the "Name" in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  PROPERTIES > DESCRIPTION. If you want to give each listing its own property name even though they are in one property in Beds24 you can enter a unique "Name"  for each in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO> SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.
  
 
==== Minimum Requirements ====
 
==== Minimum Requirements ====
To send property information to VRBO/Homeaway, the following information must be entered into Beds24 to meet the VRBO/Homeaway minimum content requirement for listings:
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To send property information to Vrbo, the following information must be entered into Beds24 to meet the Vrbo minimum content requirement for listings:
 
*Property name
 
*Property name
 
*Property type
 
*Property type
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You can also manually add bedrooms and bathrooms and amenities. For more information see "All feature codes" below.
 
You can also manually add bedrooms and bathrooms and amenities. For more information see "All feature codes" below.
<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}}  </span>VRBO/Homeaway does not support all features Beds24 offers. For a list of all feature codes VRBO/Homeaway supports see "All feature codes" below.
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<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}}  </span>Vrbo does not support all features Beds24 offers. For a list of all feature codes Vrbo supports see "All feature codes" below.
  
 
==== Amenities, Features and Location Type====
 
==== Amenities, Features and Location Type====
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<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> Adding "cleaning" features and a "location type" is very important for your performance. You add them manually.  Bedrooms and bathrooms and amenities can also be inserted manually. For more information see "All feature codes" below.
 
<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> Adding "cleaning" features and a "location type" is very important for your performance. You add them manually.  Bedrooms and bathrooms and amenities can also be inserted manually. For more information see "All feature codes" below.
  
<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> For a list of all feature codes and location types VRBO/Homeaway supports see "All feature codes" below.
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<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> For a list of all feature codes and location types Vrbo supports see "All feature codes" below.
  
 
==== Prices ====
 
==== Prices ====
In {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/Homeaway > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT you can set which type of price you want to send.
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In {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO  > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT you can set which type of price you want to send.
  
 
With '''Per Occupancy Pricing (LOS)'''  a price for each occupancy defined in Beds24 and prices for different length of stay can be sent.
 
With '''Per Occupancy Pricing (LOS)'''  a price for each occupancy defined in Beds24 and prices for different length of stay can be sent.
  
If you use rates the price for each occupancy defined in Beds24 and prices for different length of stay can be sent.1 person, 2 person and room price will send. Room price will send for specified occupancy. Multiple rates with different occupancies can send. Prices for "Extra Person", "Extra child" and discounts set in the "Discounts" tab of the rates can not be sent.
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If you use Fixed Prices the price for each occupancy defined in Beds24 and prices for different length of stay can be sent.1 person, 2 person and room price will send. Room price will send for specified occupancy. Multiple prices  with different occupancies can send. Prices for "Extra Person", "Extra child" and discounts set in the "Discounts" tab of the Fixed Prices can not be sent.
  
 
If you use daily prices the daily price will send including occupancy. Multiple occupancy prices can send. Extra person price will send.
 
If you use daily prices the daily price will send including occupancy. Multiple occupancy prices can send. Extra person price will send.
  
"Max Stay" set in the CALENDAR or rates can be sent.  
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"Max Stay" set in the CALENDAR or prices  can be sent.  
  
 
<span style="color:#019cde; font-size: 150%;“ >{{#fas:info-circle}}  </span> Beds24 sends the price for max. 16 guests. If your property accommodates more than 16 guests use "Per Day" pricing with an extra person price.  
 
<span style="color:#019cde; font-size: 150%;“ >{{#fas:info-circle}}  </span> Beds24 sends the price for max. 16 guests. If your property accommodates more than 16 guests use "Per Day" pricing with an extra person price.  
  
<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}}  </span> VRBO/Homeaway occupancy pricing only support minimum stays up to 30 days.  
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<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}}  </span> Vrbo occupancy pricing only support minimum stays up to 30 days.  
  
With '''Per Day Pricing''' the price sent is a room price, only ONE price can be sent per date. If you have multiple prices activated for VRBO/Homeaway with different minimum stays the system will send the price with the lowest minimum stay. VRBO/Homeaway applies the minimum stay " first night only" meaning restrictions must only be satisfied for the arrival date of the booking but not on every day of the booking.  If you use daily prices with "Extra Person" prices your daily price needs to be set for the max occupancy and the "Extra Person" price needs to be added with a negative value  so the price for the full occupancy can send.  With Per Day Pricing you can also set an extra person price.
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With '''Per Day Pricing''' the price sent is a room price, only ONE price can be sent per date. If you have multiple prices activated for Vrbo with different minimum stays the system will send the price with the lowest minimum stay. Vrbo applies the minimum stay " first night only" meaning restrictions must only be satisfied for the arrival date of the booking but not on every day of the booking.  If you use daily prices with "Extra Person" prices your daily price needs to be set for the max occupancy and the "Extra Person" price needs to be added with a negative value  so the price for the full occupancy can send.  With Per Day Pricing you can also set an extra person price.
 
*The number of guests for which the price applies.
 
*The number of guests for which the price applies.
 
*An extra person price.
 
*An extra person price.
*A long stay discount. Discounts are only applied to the room price not on extras. VRBO/Homeaway stay discounts are cumulative.
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*A long stay discount. Discounts are only applied to the room price not on extras. Vrbo stay discounts are cumulative.
  
<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 250%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> Click on the "View Actual Data" button in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER- >VRBO/HOMEAWAY > MAPPING  to check which prices and availability will send.  
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<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 250%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> Click on the "View Actual Data" button in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER- >VRBO > MAPPING  to check which prices and availability will send.  
  
 
=====Currency=====
 
=====Currency=====
VRBO defines the currency used in VRBO. You can use a multiplier if your currency in VRBO is different from your currency in Beds24.  
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Vrbo defines the currency used in Vrbo. You can use a multiplier if your currency in Vrbo is different from your currency in Beds24.  
  
 
You can either use a fixed factor for currency conversion or '''currency conversion''' template variables. All currencies supported by the booking page currency selector can be used.
 
You can either use a fixed factor for currency conversion or '''currency conversion''' template variables. All currencies supported by the booking page currency selector can be used.
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Lower prices can be sent with a multiplier less than 1, i.e. '''*0.85*''' will send a price of 85% of the normal price (i.e. lowered by 15%).
 
Lower prices can be sent with a multiplier less than 1, i.e. '''*0.85*''' will send a price of 85% of the normal price (i.e. lowered by 15%).
  
Example 2  '''currency conversion''' template variables: '''*[CONVERT:THB-USD]*''' will convert THB to USD to send to VRBO and store bookings converted into THB.  
+
Example 2  '''currency conversion''' template variables: '''*[CONVERT:THB-USD]*''' will convert THB to USD to send to Vrbo and store bookings converted into THB.  
  
The * at the end will  add an info item '''VRBO_MULT''' to the booking with the conversion rate applied to the imported booking. This info item is used to convert the financial figures back to the values originally sent by VRBO when VRBO check the status of the booking.
+
The * at the end will  add an info item '''Vrbo_MULT''' to the booking with the conversion rate applied to the imported booking. This info item is used to convert the financial figures back to the values originally sent by Vrbo when Vrbo check the status of the booking.
  
For example 2 the info code VRBO_MULT will convert the THB in the booking to USD when VRBO read the booking status.
+
For example 2 the info code VRBO_MULT will convert the THB in the booking to USD when Vrbo read the booking status.
  
  
<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}}  </span>VRBO reads the bookings from Beds24 and calculates their commission from what they read.  Do not manually convert the prices imported from VRBO to convert currencies because VRBO will then charge you wrong commission.
+
<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}}  </span>Vrbo reads the bookings from Beds24 and calculates their commission from what they read.  Do not manually convert the prices imported from Vrbo to convert currencies because Vrbo will then charge you wrong commission.
  
 
=====Price Multiplier=====
 
=====Price Multiplier=====
If you want to add a markup to your prices you can add it to the "Price Multiplier" field in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/Homeaway.COM > MAPPING.
+
If you want to add a markup to your prices you can add it to the "Price Multiplier" field in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO.COM > MAPPING.
  
 
The multiplier applies to all prices and fees which are sent.
 
The multiplier applies to all prices and fees which are sent.
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===== Taxes & Fees=====
 
===== Taxes & Fees=====
Taxes and fees can be added in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/Homeaway.COM > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT under "Custom".  
+
Taxes and fees can be added in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO.COM > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT under "Custom".  
  
 
*Taxes and fees can apply as a flat fee, a percentage, per day or per guest.  
 
*Taxes and fees can apply as a flat fee, a percentage, per day or per guest.  
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Use the context help <span style=color:#007bff;“ >{{#far:question-circle}}  </span> for detailed instructions.  
 
Use the context help <span style=color:#007bff;“ >{{#far:question-circle}}  </span> for detailed instructions.  
  
<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}}  </span>  A Cleaning fee is required by VRBO/Homeaway and if it is not set by one of these methods a value of zero will automatically be sent. You can enter the cleaning fee in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER  > PROPERTY CONTENT >ROOM CONTENT.
+
<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}}  </span>  A Cleaning fee is required by Vrbo and if it is not set by one of these methods a value of zero will automatically be sent. You can enter the cleaning fee in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER  > PROPERTY CONTENT >ROOM CONTENT.
  
 
==== Policies and Rules ====
 
==== Policies and Rules ====
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===== Cancellation Policy =====
 
===== Cancellation Policy =====
VRBO/Homeaway requires a cancellation policy. We will send the policies set in SETTING->PROPERTIES-> DESCRIPTION.
+
Vrbo requires a cancellation policy. We will send the policies set in SETTING->PROPERTIES-> BOOKING RULES > CANCELLATION POLICY.
  
You can can set which policy applies in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT
+
You can set which policy applies in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT
  
 
If you want to send a custom cancellation policy you need to set the policy details in the "Custom" setting at the menu {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.  
 
If you want to send a custom cancellation policy you need to set the policy details in the "Custom" setting at the menu {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.  
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===== Pets=====
 
===== Pets=====
If you do not allow pets you choose "Pets not allowed" as feature in S {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  PROPERTIES > DESCRIPTION. Fees for pets can be set as custom values in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER -> VRBO/HOMEAWAY > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.
+
If you do not allow pets you choose "Pets not allowed" as feature in S {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  PROPERTIES > DESCRIPTION. Fees for pets can be set as custom values in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER -> VRBO  > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.
  
 
===== Children=====
 
===== Children=====
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===== Custom House Rules and Event Rules=====
 
===== Custom House Rules and Event Rules=====
If you want to send a custom house rules you can enter them in the "Custom" setting at the menu {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/Homeaway.COM > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.
+
If you want to send a custom house rules you can enter them in the "Custom" setting at the menu {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO.COM > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.
  
 
==== Payments and Payment Schedule ====
 
==== Payments and Payment Schedule ====
 
By default payment is due at the time of the booking.  
 
By default payment is due at the time of the booking.  
*You can change this to "At Check-in " in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER  > VRBO/Homeaway.COM  > SPECIFIC PROPERTY CONTENT.
+
*You can change this to "At Check-in " in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER  > VRBO.COM  > SPECIFIC PROPERTY CONTENT.
  
 
If payments are due at different times you can set up payment schedules  
 
If payments are due at different times you can set up payment schedules  
*Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  > CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/Homeaway.COM > PAYMENT SCHEDULE  
+
*Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  > CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO.COM > PAYMENT SCHEDULE  
*Then link it to your property in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER  > VRBO/Homeaway.COM  > SPECIFIC PROPERTY CONTENT.
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*Then link it to your property in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER  > VRBO.COM  > SPECIFIC PROPERTY CONTENT.
  
 
You can set up a deposit collection we will send the deposit amount that is due at the time of the booking and the remainder if any at arrival.
 
You can set up a deposit collection we will send the deposit amount that is due at the time of the booking and the remainder if any at arrival.
*Go to{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/Homeaway.COM > PAYMENT SCHEDULE and set Payment 1 with 'Days After Booking' = 0 and then the amount required.  
+
*Go to{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO.COM > PAYMENT SCHEDULE and set Payment 1 with 'Days After Booking' = 0 and then the amount required.  
  
 
<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span>Listings where guests do not have to pay the full amount with the booking perform better.  Payment Schedules allow you to set up to five payments.  
 
<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span>Listings where guests do not have to pay the full amount with the booking perform better.  Payment Schedules allow you to set up to five payments.  
  
 
You can set the Payment Types
 
You can set the Payment Types
* Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER -> VRBO/Homeaway.COM  > SPECIFIC PROPERTY CONTENT.
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* Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER -> VRBO.COM  > SPECIFIC PROPERTY CONTENT.
  
 
Beds24 supports the following payment options:
 
Beds24 supports the following payment options:
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1. Invoice
 
1. Invoice
  
If you choose "Invoice" you need to enter a description on how guests can pay in  {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER -> VRBO/HOMEAWAY.COM  > SPECIFIC CONTENT "Payment Options Description "
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If you choose "Invoice" you need to enter a description on how guests can pay in  {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER -> VRBO.COM  > SPECIFIC CONTENT "Payment Options Description "
  
 
2. Credit Card
 
2. Credit Card
  
The cards you have activated in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  PAYMENTS -> PAYMENT GATEWAYS -> CREDIT CARD will be sent as accepted cards.
+
The cards you have activated in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  PAYMENTS -> Credit Card Collection will be sent as accepted cards.
  
 
===== Collect payments based on your Payment schedule - Using Stripe =====
 
===== Collect payments based on your Payment schedule - Using Stripe =====
  
1. Setup the Payment schedule, this will send the details to VRBO. Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  > CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/Homeaway.COM > PAYMENT SCHEDULE. Payment Schedules allow you to set up to five payments.  
+
1. Setup the Payment schedule, this will send the details to Vrbo. Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  > CHANNEL MANAGER > Vrbo.COM > PAYMENT SCHEDULE. Payment Schedules allow you to set up to five payments.  
  
 
2. Guest credit card was sent to Stripe at the time of the booking.
 
2. Guest credit card was sent to Stripe at the time of the booking.
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==== Pictures====
 
==== Pictures====
VRBO requires at least six pictures per listing.  
+
Vrbo requires at least six pictures per listing.  
  
Room pictures are sent. These are the pictures activated as  "Room Pictures" in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  BOOKING ENGINE > PICTURES  Only if there are no room pictures activate property pictures  are sent. These are the pictures activated as  "Property Pictures" in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) BOOKING ENGINE > PICTURES.
+
Room pictures are sent. These are the pictures activated as  "Room Pictures" in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  BOOKING ENGINE > PICTURES  Only if there are no room pictures activated property pictures  are sent. These are the pictures activated as  "Property Pictures" in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) BOOKING ENGINE > PICTURES.
  
 
<span style=color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}}  </span> If you use external pictures you need to make sure they are .jpg format.
 
<span style=color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}}  </span> If you use external pictures you need to make sure they are .jpg format.
  
If you need to change a picture, add or change it's caption text to ensure it gets re-imported by VRBO/Homeaway.
+
If you need to change a picture, add or change it's caption text to ensure it gets re-imported by Vrbo.
  
 
<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span>  Make sure you add captions to your pictures. Please see the pictures help page for instructions.
 
<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span>  Make sure you add captions to your pictures. Please see the pictures help page for instructions.
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=Requests=
 
=Requests=
If your listing is set to "Having listings on "Request" requests will import with the status "Inquiry" which does not block the room. If you want to confirm the booking you will need to make sure there is availability and then change the status to "Confirmed". VRBO periodically pulls booking information from Beds24 so they will receive the status change the next time they pull from us.
+
If your listing is set to "Having listings on "Request" requests will import with the status "Inquiry" which does not block the room. If you want to confirm the booking you will need to make sure there is availability and then change the status to "Confirmed". Vrbo periodically pulls booking information from Beds24 so they will receive the status change the next time they pull from us.
  
 
=View and reply to reviews=
 
=View and reply to reviews=
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=Common Errors=
 
=Common Errors=
  '''The VRBO connection for this property is managed by account ....'''
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  '''The Vrbo connection for this property is managed by account ....'''
 
  '''It cannot be mapped to this account.'''
 
  '''It cannot be mapped to this account.'''
  Only properties owned by the connected Beds24 account or sub account can send to the connected VRBO account. If you want to connect properties owned by different account/sub accounts you can override this. Click on the 'User' icon on the top right and then on 'Account Management (in the old control panel SUB ACCOUNT in the top right) Manage Account > Manage Property and go to "Channel Management". The setting "VRBO / Homeaway Connect via Account" allows you to set that the property connects to VRBO via a different account than the one owning it.  
+
  Only properties owned by the connected Beds24 account or sub account can send to the connected Vrbo account. If you want to connect properties owned by different account/sub accounts you can override this. Click on the 'User' icon on the top right and then on 'Account Management (in the old control panel SUB ACCOUNT in the top right) Manage Account > Manage Property and go to "Channel Management". The setting "Vrbo / Homeaway Connect via Account" allows you to set that the property connects to Vrbo via a different account than the one owning it.  
  
  '''Fix content errors and enable rooms before generating the VRBO Software User ID'''
+
  '''Fix content errors and enable rooms before generating the Vrbo Software User ID'''
 
  '''Fix content errors and enable rooms'''
 
  '''Fix content errors and enable rooms'''
 
   Go back to step 2 in the chapter "Mapping"
 
   Go back to step 2 in the chapter "Mapping"
  
   '''VRBO Software User ID not generated '''
+
   '''Vrbo Software User ID not generated '''
 
  Go back to step 4 in the chapter "Mapping"
 
  Go back to step 4 in the chapter "Mapping"
 
   
 
   
  
 
  '''internal error constructing XML '''
 
  '''internal error constructing XML '''
   Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/Homeaway-> VIEW CONTENT to check if you content meets VRBO/Homeaways requirements. Any settings which do not meet  VRBO/Homeaways requirements are highlighted on red. Click on the links in the "Settings" column to go to the settings where you can fix the problems.
+
   Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO-> VIEW CONTENT to check if you content meets Vrbos requirements. Any settings which do not meet  Vrbos requirements are highlighted on red. Click on the links in the "Settings" column to go to the settings where you can fix the problems.

Revision as of 07:10, 9 April 2024


Connect with Vrbo / Homeaway Group
This page is about the menu  (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > ACCOUNT  and  (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO >  MAPPING and explains how connect to Vrbo/Homewaway and their companies.

1 Capabilities

Via the XML connection Beds24 can

  • Export property listings content (create listings at Vrbo)
  • Update existing listings on Vrbo
  • Export prices and availability
  • Import bookings
  • Send date changes and status changes to "Cancelled"
  • See all messages from Airbnb guests under "Messages".
  • Communicate with your guests directly from the booking in Beds24 via the "Messages" tab and via Auto Actions.


To allow accurate commission calculation we have to provide Vrbo with a feed which contains all Vrbo bookings.

If you use the XML connection all updates should be done in Beds24 (not in Vrbo) because changes you make in Vrbo will be overridden with the next update.

The connection can update following Vrbo brands:

Homeaway.com, Vrbo.com, abritel.fr, aluguetemporada.com.br, CanadaStays, fewo-direkt.de, homdelidays.es, homdelidays.it, homeaway.at, homeaway.ca, homeaway.co.au, homeaway.co.mx, homeaway.co.uk, homeaway.dk, homeaway.es, homeaway.fi, homeaway.gr, homeaway.it,, homeaway.nl,, homeaway.no, homeaway.pl, homeaway.pt, homeaway.se, homelidays.com, ownersdirect.co.uk, stayz.co.au vacationrentals.com.

By default your listings are in "instant" book. Having listings on "Request" is not recommended because this will have a negative impact on ranking and bookings. Upon request we can set individual properties to be on "request".

2 Limitations

  • Vrbo do not allow same day bookings.
  • Most agencies/property managers can use Vrbos XML connection but you must have a tax number and a credit card. If you are not eligible your can use our Vrbo iCal connection to synchronise calendars.
  • You can not move properties which are connected between two Beds24 accounts which are connected to Vrbo if they have bookings because this will upset VrboS commission calculation and you might get charged twice.

You can not change your username when connected to Vrbo because this will break the connection.

3 Before you connect

3.1 Prices

We can only send availability if you have set up prices which are activated for this channel. This tutorial gives general information how to set prices for channels.

3.2 Bookings

Only bookings made after the connection is established will be imported and can be managed. Existing bookings can be imported via iCal or manually.

Vrbo does not send confirmation messages. They require these to be sent from Beds24. The confirmation message you have set up in (SETTINGS) GUEST MANAGEMENT > CONFIRMATION MESSAGES will be sent to the guest.

We do not support sending different messages based on the type of payment for Vrbo, the standard confirmation message will be sent.

3.3 Properties, rooms and room types

Our connection supports room types with a quantity of more than one.

3.4 You need

Vrbo requires you to have a credit card and a tax number / tax identifyer

4 Setup

Vrbos XML activation applies per Beds24 account. All properties owned by the connected Beds24 account or sub account can send to the connected Vrbo account. If you want to connect properties owned by different account/sub accounts you can override this. Click on the 'User' icon on the top right and then on 'Account Management (in the old control panel SUB ACCOUNT in the top right) Manage Account > Manage Property and go to "Channel Management". The setting "Vrbo Connect via Account" allows you to set that the property connects to Vrbo via a different account than the one owning it.

Vrbo provides a self-onboarding tool which is started from Beds24. If self-onboarding is not available in your region you will not be able to complete the setup and Vrbo will automatically create a support case and get in touch with you.

Step 1: Activate your rooms

Go to (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > MAPPING and tick "Enable" for all rooms you want to connect. Click on HELP in the top right of this page for detailed instructions.

If you see a red button "Fix Content Errors" your content does not meet Vrbos requirements. Click on the button. Any settings which do not meet Vrbos requirements are highlighted on red. Click on the links to go to the settings where you can fix the problems.

Go to (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > ACCOUNT and click 'Generate VRBO Software id' button.

This will generate your "Vrbo Software User ID" which you can always see in in Beds24 under (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > ACCOUNT > MAPPING.

In Beds24:

Step 2: Have your credit card and your tax number/tax identifier on hand

During the onboarding process Vrbo will ask you to enter your credit card and your tax number.

Step 3: Self-onboard to Vrbo

When at least one room is activated to sending you can start the self-onboarding process.

  • If you have subaccounts double check you are logged into the account/subaccount you want to connect.
  • Click on "Connect with Vrbo. This will start Vrbos self-onboarding process.
  • Follow the steps.

Vrbo defines the currency you can use for your Vrbo account. Make sure this currency is set in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > ACCOUNT and is used in all properties in this Beds24 account. If you use a different currency in Beds24 you can set a multiplier in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > MAPPING. Click on HELP in the top right of this page for detailed instructions.

After you have connected with Vrbo you will have a "View Listings" button. When you click you will see the properties/rooms which are in Beds24 feed for Vrbo.

In Vrbo if you do not yet have a Vrbo account:

In VRBO if you do have a Vrbo account:

Step 5 - Enter registration (optional if registration is mandatory)

  • Go to (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > MAPPING
  • Click on the "Registration details" button
  • Click on "Update Registration" to enter you registration details.

Step 6 - Check the listing status

  • Go to (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > MAPPING
  • Click on the "View Status at Vrbo" button
  • Check the content especially the "activeStatus"

Step 7 - Add your reviews (optional)

We can upload the reviews you already have to Vrbo. Vrbo only accepts direct reviews including reviews from your own website,Tripadvisor, Google or other sources for which you have the right to use them on your own website. Vrbo will not accept any reviews from other OTAs including Airbnb or Booking.com.

If you want us to send your reviews to Vrbo tell your Vrbo activation specialist for how far back you have reviews and then reach out to us via a support ticket.

5 Vrbo.com Offline Bookings / Data protection

Vrbo requires you mark bookings which originated from a Vrbo enquiry by setting the Referer value on the "Details" tab of the booking to Vrbo. Vrbo requires you to enter the guests Email address in the booking.


Vrbo will have access to these bookings for reporting purposes.

Make sure you comply with your local data protection laws.

6 Updates

Changes to availability and prices will be instantly sent to the channel. Other changes will be pulled by Vrbo with their next poll.

7 Send and receive messages

You can get communicate with Vrbo guest directly from Beds24. This function works for confirmed bookings only, inquiries/requests are currently not imported

You can view all messages from the "Messages" component on the DASHBOARD and individual communication from the "API Messages" tab in the booking.

To use this function you should:

1. Add the component "API Messages" to your DASHBOARD

2. To send Auto Action Emails via messaging set "Send Message" on the "Messaging" tab in the Auto Action to one of the API options. We will remove the HTML from the message because Vrbo does not support HTML. You have the option to add a plain text message for this purpose.

Vrbo supports attachments in PDF, JPG, PNG, and GIF format.

If you have moved the booking to a different room (manually or via dependencies), then ensure that both properties/rooms are connected with the same Vrbo account, otherwise this function will not work.

8 Cancellations

If you set a booking to "Cancelled" we will send it as "Cancelled by guest" (this is the default) to Vrbo. If the booking is cancelled by the host you can set this as a "substatus" via the second selector next to the "Cancelled" status in the "Summary" tab of the booking, we will then send "Cancelled by Owner" to Vrbo.

Never delete bookings from Vrbo because Vrbo expect to read the booking status even if they are cancelled.

9 Special offers for guests

If you want to offer a guest a special price ask the guest to book at full price. After the booking has been imported you can change the price and manually send the guest a confirmation with the revised price.

Beds24 will automatically send the amended price to Vrbo so Vrbo can adjust your commission.

10 Vrbo commission

To allow accurate commission calculation we have to provide Vrbo with a feed which contains all Vrbo bookings.

If you have added on-site services to the booking, you can add the status stayfee to them. The status needs to start with stayfee but you can add to is for example stayfee_tour. Vrbo will then not take this item into account when calculating the commission.

11 Listing Content

11.1 Checklist

These factors are important for the performance of your listings:

  • Choose your headline carefully and make sure your key (first) picture and your headline work together.
  • Recommended are 24 pictures, make sure all have captions.
  • Add Location Type feature so your listing will show in location based searches.
  • Add cleaning features.
  • Listings where guests do not have to pay the full amount with the booking perform better.

11.2 Languages

Vrbo will inform you which language is compulsory. It is the language of the Vrbo site you are listed. If this language is different from the language you use as default language for your booking page you can set it in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > SPECIFIC CONTENT.

If you need to activate languages go to (SETTINGS) BOOKING ENGINE > INTERNATIONALISATION.

11.3 Listings

A listing is created for every room in Beds24.

  • The "Headline" for the listing comes from "Room Headline" in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > PROPERTY CONTENT > ROOM CONTENT. If this field is empty the "Headline" in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > PROPERTY CONTENT will be used.
  • The "Property Name" comes from the "Name" in (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > DESCRIPTION. If you want to give each listing its own property name even though they are in one property in Beds24 you can enter a unique "Name" for each in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO> SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.

11.3.1 Minimum Requirements

To send property information to Vrbo, the following information must be entered into Beds24 to meet the Vrbo minimum content requirement for listings:

  • Property name
  • Property type
  • Maximum number of guests
  • Accurate address for each property
  • Latitude and longitude for each property
  • At least 6 pictures for each listing recommended resolution of 1920x1080.
  • Headlines with at least 20 characters
  • Each listing must have at least one bedroom and one bathroom
  • For online bookings you will need prices and inventory

11.3.2 Room Configurations - Define Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Bedrooms and bathrooms can be set up in (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > ROOMS->SET UP.

  • Click on the "edit bedrooms" or "edit bathrooms" button
  • Set the type and use the selectors to define the facilities within each.
  • If you have multiple bedrooms or bathrooms make sure you define them all.
  • Close the pop up and then press SAVE.


You can also manually add bedrooms and bathrooms and amenities. For more information see "All feature codes" below. Vrbo does not support all features Beds24 offers. For a list of all feature codes Vrbo supports see "All feature codes" below.

11.3.3 Amenities, Features and Location Type

Amenities and Location Type can be set up for the property (SETTING) ->PROPERTIES->DESCRIPTION) or per room (SETTING) ->PROPERTIES->ROOMS->SET UP).

Criteria which apply to all rooms in the property should be set up with the property. They will be automatically applied to all rooms in the property.

Criteria which only applies to one room should be entered in the room.

Make sure you do not create duplicates.


Example 1: All units (rooms) have Internet. In this case you can set up the Internet in (SETTING)->PROPERTIES->DESCRIPTION. The number will be applied to all room/units.

Example 2: You have one unit with Internet one and another unit without Internet. In this case set the Internet up in SETTING->PROPERTIES->ROOMS->SET UP.


Features and amenities are configured by feature codes which are entered in the "Features" field.

  • Click on the "Edit " button next to the "Features" field.
  • In the pop up click on "Amenities".
  • Tick the amenities you provide.
  • Close the pop up and then press SAVE.

Adding "cleaning" features and a "location type" is very important for your performance. You add them manually. Bedrooms and bathrooms and amenities can also be inserted manually. For more information see "All feature codes" below.

For a list of all feature codes and location types Vrbo supports see "All feature codes" below.

11.3.4 Prices

In (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT you can set which type of price you want to send.

With Per Occupancy Pricing (LOS) a price for each occupancy defined in Beds24 and prices for different length of stay can be sent.

If you use Fixed Prices the price for each occupancy defined in Beds24 and prices for different length of stay can be sent.1 person, 2 person and room price will send. Room price will send for specified occupancy. Multiple prices with different occupancies can send. Prices for "Extra Person", "Extra child" and discounts set in the "Discounts" tab of the Fixed Prices can not be sent.

If you use daily prices the daily price will send including occupancy. Multiple occupancy prices can send. Extra person price will send.

"Max Stay" set in the CALENDAR or prices can be sent.

Beds24 sends the price for max. 16 guests. If your property accommodates more than 16 guests use "Per Day" pricing with an extra person price.

Vrbo occupancy pricing only support minimum stays up to 30 days.

With Per Day Pricing the price sent is a room price, only ONE price can be sent per date. If you have multiple prices activated for Vrbo with different minimum stays the system will send the price with the lowest minimum stay. Vrbo applies the minimum stay " first night only" meaning restrictions must only be satisfied for the arrival date of the booking but not on every day of the booking. If you use daily prices with "Extra Person" prices your daily price needs to be set for the max occupancy and the "Extra Person" price needs to be added with a negative value so the price for the full occupancy can send. With Per Day Pricing you can also set an extra person price.

  • The number of guests for which the price applies.
  • An extra person price.
  • A long stay discount. Discounts are only applied to the room price not on extras. Vrbo stay discounts are cumulative.

Click on the "View Actual Data" button in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER- >VRBO > MAPPING to check which prices and availability will send.

11.3.4.1 Currency

Vrbo defines the currency used in Vrbo. You can use a multiplier if your currency in Vrbo is different from your currency in Beds24.

You can either use a fixed factor for currency conversion or currency conversion template variables. All currencies supported by the booking page currency selector can be used.

Example 1 fixed factor: *1.23* will multiply all prices by 1.23 sent (i.e. raised by 23%).

Lower prices can be sent with a multiplier less than 1, i.e. *0.85* will send a price of 85% of the normal price (i.e. lowered by 15%).

Example 2 currency conversion template variables: *[CONVERT:THB-USD]* will convert THB to USD to send to Vrbo and store bookings converted into THB.

The * at the end will add an info item Vrbo_MULT to the booking with the conversion rate applied to the imported booking. This info item is used to convert the financial figures back to the values originally sent by Vrbo when Vrbo check the status of the booking.

For example 2 the info code VRBO_MULT will convert the THB in the booking to USD when Vrbo read the booking status.


Vrbo reads the bookings from Beds24 and calculates their commission from what they read. Do not manually convert the prices imported from Vrbo to convert currencies because Vrbo will then charge you wrong commission.

11.3.4.2 Price Multiplier

If you want to add a markup to your prices you can add it to the "Price Multiplier" field in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO.COM > MAPPING.

The multiplier applies to all prices and fees which are sent.

For example, *1.23 will multiply all prices by 1.23 sent for the property (i.e. raised by 23%). Lower prices can be sent with a multiplier less than 1, i.e. *0.85 will send a price of 85% of the normal price (i.e. lowered by 15%).

11.3.4.3 Taxes & Fees

Taxes and fees can be added in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO.COM > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT under "Custom".

  • Taxes and fees can apply as a flat fee, a percentage, per day or per guest.
  • You can choose taxes and fees to be "stay collected". In this case they will not be added to the booking price.

Use the context help for detailed instructions.

A Cleaning fee is required by Vrbo and if it is not set by one of these methods a value of zero will automatically be sent. You can enter the cleaning fee in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > PROPERTY CONTENT >ROOM CONTENT.

11.3.5 Policies and Rules

You can set the minimum age via a "Custom" value in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.

11.3.5.1 Cancellation Policy

Vrbo requires a cancellation policy. We will send the policies set in SETTING->PROPERTIES-> BOOKING RULES > CANCELLATION POLICY.

You can set which policy applies in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT

If you want to send a custom cancellation policy you need to set the policy details in the "Custom" setting at the menu (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT. Use the context help for the setting to see detailed instructions.

11.3.5.2 Pets

If you do not allow pets you choose "Pets not allowed" as feature in S (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > DESCRIPTION. Fees for pets can be set as custom values in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER -> VRBO > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.

11.3.5.3 Children

If you allow children set the number of children which are allowed or "Dont ask" in the setting for "Maximum Children" in SETTING->PROPERTIES-> ROOMS -> SETUP.

11.3.5.4 Custom House Rules and Event Rules

If you want to send a custom house rules you can enter them in the "Custom" setting at the menu (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO.COM > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.

11.3.6 Payments and Payment Schedule

By default payment is due at the time of the booking.

  • You can change this to "At Check-in " in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO.COM > SPECIFIC PROPERTY CONTENT.

If payments are due at different times you can set up payment schedules

  • Go to (SETTINGS) > CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO.COM > PAYMENT SCHEDULE
  • Then link it to your property in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO.COM > SPECIFIC PROPERTY CONTENT.

You can set up a deposit collection we will send the deposit amount that is due at the time of the booking and the remainder if any at arrival.

  • Go to (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO.COM > PAYMENT SCHEDULE and set Payment 1 with 'Days After Booking' = 0 and then the amount required.

Listings where guests do not have to pay the full amount with the booking perform better. Payment Schedules allow you to set up to five payments.

You can set the Payment Types

  • Go to (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER -> VRBO.COM > SPECIFIC PROPERTY CONTENT.

Beds24 supports the following payment options:

1. Invoice

If you choose "Invoice" you need to enter a description on how guests can pay in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER -> VRBO.COM > SPECIFIC CONTENT "Payment Options Description "

2. Credit Card

The cards you have activated in (SETTINGS) PAYMENTS -> Credit Card Collection will be sent as accepted cards.

11.3.6.1 Collect payments based on your Payment schedule - Using Stripe

1. Setup the Payment schedule, this will send the details to Vrbo. Go to (SETTINGS) > CHANNEL MANAGER > Vrbo.COM > PAYMENT SCHEDULE. Payment Schedules allow you to set up to five payments.

2. Guest credit card was sent to Stripe at the time of the booking.

11.3.6.2 Collect payments from Guests

1. Request the Credit card details if it was not collected at the time of the booking.

  • If you want to manually process the guest credit cards in your own payment gateway, send an email to the guest to submit their Credit Card details, see Submit Credit Card Details for more information.

2. Guest credit card was sent with the booking.

  • You want to manually process the guest credit card in your own payment gateway, the guest credit card details will be stored in Beds24 and you will receive a Security Code in the Booking Notification, you can use this to access the guest CVC to charge their card. See Process Guest Credit Cards for more information.

If you do not take the total amount as a deposit, you must set up a "Payment 2" for the remaining amount.

11.3.7 Pictures

Vrbo requires at least six pictures per listing.

Room pictures are sent. These are the pictures activated as "Room Pictures" in (SETTINGS) BOOKING ENGINE > PICTURES Only if there are no room pictures activated property pictures are sent. These are the pictures activated as "Property Pictures" in (SETTINGS) BOOKING ENGINE > PICTURES.

If you use external pictures you need to make sure they are .jpg format.

If you need to change a picture, add or change it's caption text to ensure it gets re-imported by Vrbo.

Make sure you add captions to your pictures. Please see the pictures help page for instructions.

12 Different invoice template

If you need a different invoice template for the bookings from this channel you can use the invoicee function.

13 Requests

If your listing is set to "Having listings on "Request" requests will import with the status "Inquiry" which does not block the room. If you want to confirm the booking you will need to make sure there is availability and then change the status to "Confirmed". Vrbo periodically pulls booking information from Beds24 so they will receive the status change the next time they pull from us.

14 View and reply to reviews

If a guest sends you a review, you can view it via the "Mail & Action" tab in the booking in Beds24 and also reply to the guest directly from there.

15 All feature codes

You can also manually add bedrooms and bathrooms and amenities typing the feature codes exactly as listed below into the "Features" field.

Each room feature code can have additional features added to it separated by a space which will list the features within this room. Multiple rooms can be added.

Example:  One bedroom with a double bed 
BEDROOM BED_DOUBLE 
Example: The property has 3 bathrooms with various features 
BATHROOM BIDET COMBO_TUB_SHOWER
BATHROOM BIDET 
BATHROOM_HALF TOILET

Add feature codes one for each feature separated by spaces.

Example: A property has television, internet and beach view
TELEVISION INTERNET BEACH_VIEW 

15.1 Bathroom Types

If there are multiple bathrooms add one code for each followed by appropriate amenity codes.

BATHROOM BATHROOM_HALF BATHROOM_SHOWER

15.2 Bathroom Amenities

These must be specified after the bathroom type code and are applied to the preceding bathroom type code. If there are multiple features in the room add a code for each

BIDET

COMBO_TUB_SHOWER

JETTED_TUB

OUTDOOR_SHOWER

SHOWER

TOILET

TUB

15.3 Bedroom Types

If there are multiple bedrooms add one code for each followed by appropriate amenity codes.

BEDROOM

BEDROOM_LIVING_SLEEPING_COMBO BEDROOM_OTHER_SLEEPING_AREA

15.4 Bedroom Amenities

These must be specified after the bedroom type code and are applied to the preceding bedroom type code. If there are multiple beds in the bedroom add one code for each.

BED_BUNK

BED_CHILD

BED_DOUBLE

BED_KING

BED_MURPHY

BED_QUEEN

BED_SOFA

BED_SINGLE


15.5 Nearest features

Nearest features must consist of three parts in order joined by underscores, a feature type, the distance unit, the number value.

Example NEAREST_BEACH_KILOMETERS_3 or NEAREST_BAR_METERS_200

NEAREST_AIRPORT

NEAREST_BEACH

NEAREST_GOLF

NEAREST_RESTAURANT

NEAREST_TRAIN

NEAREST_BAR

NEAREST_FERRY

NEAREST_HIGHWAY

NEAREST_SKI

Distance units

KILOMETRES

METRES

MILES

MINUTES


15.6 Location type features

BEACH

BEACH_FRONT

BEACH_VIEW

DOWNTOWN

GOLF_COURSE_FRONT

GOLF_COURSE_VIEW

LAKE

LAKE_FRONT

LAKE_VIEW

MOUNTAIN

MOUNTAIN_VIEW

NEAR_OCEAN

OCEAN_FRONT

OCEAN_VIEW

RESORT

RIVER

RURAL

SKI_IN

SKI_OUT

TOWN

VILLAGE

WATER_VIEW

WATERFRONT


15.7 Other features

LIVING_ROOM

FIREPLACE

WOOD_STOVE

HEATING

AIR_CONDITIONING

ELEVATOR

TELEPHONE

HAIR_DRYER

ICEMAKER

IRON_BOARD

LINENS

TOWELS

DRYER

WASHER

BALCONY

DECK_PATIO_UNCOVERED

LANAI_GAZEBO_COVERED

GARDEN

PRIVATE_YARD

GRILL

GAME_ROOM

VERANDA

GARAGE

PARKING_POSSIBLE

PARKING_PAID

EV_CHARGER

BOOKS

DVD

FOOSBALL

GAMES

MUSIC_LIBRARY

TABLE_TENNIS

POOL_TABLE

CABLE

SATELLITE

STEREO

TV

TV_SMART

TOYS

VIDEO_GAMES

VIDEO_LIBRARY

BREAKFAST_NONE

BREAKFAST_POSSIBLE

BREAKFAST_INCLUDED

PRIVATE_CHEF

DESK

DESK_WITH_CHAIR

INTERNET

WIFI

KITCHEN

DINING_AREA

DINING_ROOM

COFFEE_MAKER

DISHES_UTENSILS

CHILDRENS_DINNERWARE

PACK_N_PLAY_TRAVEL_CRIB

BABYSITTING

BABY_MONITOR

DISHWASHER

HIGHCHAIR

MICROWAVE

OVEN

REFRIGERATOR

SPICES

STOVE

TOASTER


OUTDOOR_LIGHTING

OUTDOOR_FIREPLACE

FIRE_EXTINGUISHER

FIRST_AID_KIT

MEDICAL_EMERGENCY_CONTACT

POLICE_EMERGENCY_CONTACT

FIRE_EMERGENCY_CONTACT

SMOKE_DETECTOR

CO_DETECTOR

DEADBOLT_LOCK

EMERGENCY_EXIT_ROUTE

PETS_CONSIDERED

PETS_NOT_ALLOWED

HOT_TUB

MASSAGE

POOL

POOL_HEATED

POOL_INDOOR

POOL_PRIVATE

SAUNA

B_AND_B

CAR_AVAILABLE

CHAUFFEUR

CHECK_IN_OUT_SELF

CLEANING_DISINFECTANT

CLEANING_ENHANCED

CLEANING_INCLUDED

CLEANING_POSSIBLE

CONCIERGE

GUEST_HOUSE

HOTEL

SHOP

BASKETBALL_COURT

BICYCLE

BOAT

CROSS_COUNTRY_SKIING

FISHING

FITNESS_ROOM

GOLF


HIKING

HORSE_RIDING

HUNTING

ICE_SKATING

JET_SKIING

KAYAK_CANOE

KAYAKING

MOUNTAIN_BIKING

MOUNTAIN_CLIMBING

MOUNTAINEERING

PARASAILING

RAFTING

SAILING

SPORTS_SNORKELING_DIVING

SKIING

SKIING_WATER

SNOW_SPORTS_GEAR

SNOWBOARDING

SNOWMOBILING

SPELUNKING

SURFING

SWIMMING

TUBING_WATER

WATER_SPORTS

WHITEWATER_RAFTING

WIND_SURFING

CAR_NECESSARY

CAR_RECOMMENDED

CAR_NOT_NECESSARY

CHILDREN_NOT_ALLOWED

CHILDREN_WELCOME

EVENTS_ALLOWED

SMOKING_ALLOWED

SMOKING_NOT_ALLOWED

WHEELCHAIR_YES

WHEELCHAIR_NO

BAY

COIN_LAUNDRY

DUTY_FREE

HEALTH_BEAUTY_SPA

MARINA

MUSEUMS

THEME_PARKS

WATER_PARKS

WINERY_TOURS

ZOO

ANTIQUING

BIRD_WATCHING

ECO_TOURISM

GAMBLING

OUTLET_SHOPPING

PADDLE_BOATING

SHOPPING

SLEDDING

WHALE_WATCHING

WILDLIFE_VIEWING

FITNESS_CENTER

HOSPITAL

LAUNDROMAT

FAMILY

HISTORIC

ROMANTIC

16 Common Errors

The Vrbo connection for this property is managed by account ....
It cannot be mapped to this account.
Only properties owned by the connected Beds24 account or sub account can send to the connected Vrbo account. If you want to connect properties owned by different account/sub accounts you can override this. Click on the 'User' icon on the top right and then on 'Account Management (in the old control panel SUB ACCOUNT in the top right) Manage Account > Manage Property and go to "Channel Management". The setting "Vrbo / Homeaway Connect via Account" allows you to set that the property connects to Vrbo via a different account than the one owning it. 
Fix content errors and enable rooms before generating the Vrbo Software User ID
Fix content errors and enable rooms
 Go back to step 2 in the chapter "Mapping"
 Vrbo Software User ID not generated 
Go back to step 4 in the chapter "Mapping"

internal error constructing XML 
 Go to  (SETTINGS)  CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO-> VIEW CONTENT to check if you content meets Vrbos requirements. Any settings which do not meet  Vrbos requirements are highlighted on red. Click on the links in the "Settings" column to go to the settings where you can fix the problems.