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Do the initial Setup

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[[Category:How to]]
[[Category:IntroductionGetting_Started]]
<div class="heading">Set Up Guide</div>
This page explains how to set up your account
__TOC__
=What you should know and do before getting started=
<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.
= Set Up There is context sensitive help throughout our system. If you are stuck, click on the <span style=You're now only a few steps away from accepting on"color:#019cde;“ >{{#far:question-line bookingscircle}} </span> icons. We provide plenty of support tools which will You can also use this [[Main Page|Wiki]] for help you during the set up process.
*We provide a range of [[videos|video tutorials]]. There is context sensitive help throughout our systemalso a [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxiq-bz-RFGEbM44Yk4SYmGt09UISNzEw&si=kgIZPd_ekiExQGk0 Youtube playlist]. If you *There are stuck, click on the '''?''' iconsrecordings of previous [https://wiki.beds24.com/index.php/Webinars webinars] and webinar announcements. *You can also use this let our [[Main Page|Wiki]http://beds24.com/wizard/index.php Setup Wizards] guide you through the set up process.*We also offer online training sessions for a fee in which we helpyou set your account up. Send us a support ticket from the SUPPORT button at the top if you want to book a session. *The number format in the Control Panel is the English number format, i.e. decimal places are separated by a full stop (not a comma).'''
We provide a range of [[videos|video tutorials]]. <span class="" style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 250150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> <span style="font-weight: bold;" >Tip</span> Where you see this <span class="" style="color: #c7c7c7008ACC;" >{{#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: 250%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </spandiv> <span style=="font-weight: bold;" >Tip</span> We recommend you let our [http://www.beds24.com/wizard/index.php Setup Wizards] guide you through the set up process.''' Properties and Rooms = Terminology =
'''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 '''Rooms''' are a way of splitting your property into separately bookable units. Rooms can have only one , 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 very many different roomscars etc.
'''Rooms''' are a way of splitting If you rent your property into separately bookable units. Rooms can, but do not as a whole because it is a vacation rental you will still need to, represent ''physical'' roomsone room which is what the guest books.
They are rented units i.e. bedrooms in A property can have only one room (a vacation rental) or a number of different '''room types''' or '''categories''' (a hotel or , B&B, vacation rentals, holiday homes, beds in hostel dormitories, camp sites, houseboats, cabins, tours, classes or cars etcaparthotel).
An 'Each room or room type/category can have ''Offermultiple inventories''' 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.
<embedvideo service= Multiple Properties or Rooms ="youtube">https://youtu.be/Jd6mFFWhpRE</embedvideo>
Hotels, B&B´s and inns === Multiple Properties or Rooms ===If you are usually using the channel manager we advise to set the booking system up as one property with a number of roomssimilar as your booking channels. If you your lodgings have several independent lodgings edifferent hotel/property codes for Booking.gcom etc. apartments or villas then they must be setup as different properties in Beds24 so you can still set connect 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.
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 you are using the channel manager we advise to set the booking system up as similar as your booking channels. If your lodgings rentals have different hotel/property codes for bookingBooking.com etc. then they must be setup as different individual properties in the system.
For further information see [[Agency_%26_Multiple_Property_Setup|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. = Step by Step Guide Setup =
== '''Step 1''' - General Account Settings ==
Click on ''' {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS''' in ) > ACCOUNT and complete your details === Views and Settings ===To setup the top menu barlook of your Control Panel go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > ACCOUNT > PREFERENCES and check the settings for your account Control Panel.  <span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}}</span> Most of the settings can be left with the default value, for more information on each setting, use (?) for the context help. === Outgoing Email ===If you want to send Emails from Beds24, then you need to setup your outgoing email.
*Go to '''{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > ACCOUNT''' > OUTGOING EMAIL and complete your detailsfor instructions please use the context help (? icons) and click on HELP (? icon right) of this page.
*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. === Host Notifications ===
<embedvideo service="youtube"By default Email notifications about new bookings and system notifications are sent to the Administrator Email address from {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) >https://www.youtubeACCOUNT ACCESS.com/watch?v=2nNidEDdm4w</embedvideo>
If you have multiple properties you can set {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > ACCOUNT > HOST NOTIFICATIONS > Booking notification emails sent to"== Administrator and Cc: Property'''Step 2''' - Property and Room Set Up==By default each Beds24 account has one to send a copy of the confirmation to the property with a room and a price. The Email address used is the one entered in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > PROPERTIES > DESCRIPTION
You can import additional properties System notifications are error messages, answers to support tickets and rooms or create them manuallyother messages which are not directly related to a booking.
===Import from Airbnb===If you have a listing on Airbnb We recommend you can import it use different Email addresses to send and create a new property with a new room or add a room in a property you already have in Beds24receive because some Email programs (i. Click [[AirBnBE.com_XML|here]] for instructionsgmail) hide incoming Email if they are from the same Email address.
===Import from Booking.comAccount access and Security ===You can [[Booking.com_XML:_Create_and_update_properties_and_rooms_on_Booking.com#Import_Properties_from_Booking.com|import your property from Booking.com to Beds24]].
===Import via Beds24 Access including API ===The functions are documented directly in the [https://api.beds24.com/ API]and security settings can be managed from this menu.
===Manual creation ===Go to '''PROPERTIES''' -{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > ACCOUNT > ACCOUNT ACCESS > '''DESCRIPTION''' and complete your property information*Change Password*Administrator Email*Additional Login*2Factor Authentication*API Keys
<embedvideo service="youtube">https://www== Privacy ===Privacy rules for data management should be managed from this menu.youtubeWe provide settings that allow you to control how your guest's data is stored in Beds24.com/watch?v=S07yG0EUT88</embedvideo>
== '''Step 2''' - Rooms and Offers ==Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) >ACCOUNT > PRIVACY click (?) for more information.
*To set rooms up go to '''PROPERTIES''' -> '''ROOMS'''. A click on '''EDIT''' will open a field where you can set the name and quantity of "Rooms" of that type available. === Billing ===
Don't forget to '''SAVE'''!You can see the monthly service fees and usage charges, setup payment details for your account, and generate and download your invoice after you have made a payment.
If you sell dorms for which you sell indivudual beds and not private rooms please also see how to [[Hostel_and_Retreat_Setup|setup dorms]].=== Booking Page Languages ===
*Go If you want to '''PROPERTIES''' -> '''ROOMS''' -use a language other than English on your booking page, go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) BOOKING ENGINE > '''OFFERS'''.An offer is INTERNATIONALIZATION and tick the price combined with certain conditionsones you want to use. Each room/unit has If you enable more than one or more offerslanguage you will see tabs for each language in your descriptions, information on your booking page and notifications. "Offer 1" is your standard offer Descriptions have to the guest which is always displayedbe entered in each language tab.
== '''Step 2''' - Create properties and rooms==You have the option to sell a room at up to four different prices eg. packages, promotions can import properties and rooms or discounted conditional rates. Each offer can have its own "Booking Type"create them manually.
If you copy a room all settings will <embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu.be automatically applied to the copy. If you want to link prices between different rooms remove the prices before you copy the rooms./CsjMXF2vzEs</embedvideo>
== '''Step 3''' - Set your Prices =Import from Airbnb===Without prices the system If you have a listing on Airbnb you can not show availabilityimport it and create a new property with a new room or add a room in a property you already have in Beds24. Click [[Connect_Airbnb_Account|here]] for instructions.
If you have several rooms with a similar pricing structure you can "link" prices with or without offsets to multiple rooms[[File:Airbnb_import_listing. mp4|640px]]
The system has two types of prices===Import from Booking.com===You can [[Booking.com:*Daily Prices*Rates_Import_Properties_from_Booking.com_to_Beds24|import your property from Booking.com to Beds24]].
<span class="" style="color: #f3e504; font=Manual creation ======= '''Step 1''' -size: 250%;" >Create properties====*Properties and be added in '{{#fas:lightbulbcog}} </span(SETTINGS) > <span style="font-weight: bold;" >Tip</span> ''Click on the "Price Check" button on the CALENDAR or SUPPORT page then on "Calculate" to find our why PROPERTIES*After you have not price or how added a price is calculated'property go to '{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > PROPERTIES > DESCRIPTION and complete your property information
Note[[File: If you use rates 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 rangeProperty_and_Room_Setup.mp4|640px]]
Which type you use depends on your pricing structure: ==== '''Step 2''' - Create rooms====
*To set rooms up go to '{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > PROPERTIES > ROOMS . A click on ''Daily Prices'EDIT''' will open a field where you can set the name and quantity of "Rooms" of that type available.
Daily Prices are prices If you sell dorms for one date. Up which you sell individual beds and not private rooms please also see how to four prices per date can be defined for example for different occupancies[[Hostel_and_Retreat_Setup|setup dorms]].
Daily Prices can be used:*If you want Go to fine tune prices on a daily basis{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > PROPERTIES > ROOMS > OFFERS and define your offer(s).*if you do not use Last Minute An offer is the price combined with certain conditions. Each room/unit has one or Early Bird pricingmore offers. "Offer 1" is your standard offer to the guest which is always displayed.
Go You have the option to '''CALENDAR''' in the top menusell a room with different prices eg. This is a table giving you a complete overview of your bookingspackages, rates and inventorypromotions or discounted conditional prices. By ticking the boxes you Each offer can select what you want to displayhave its own "Booking Type".
Activate '''DAILY PRICES'''<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}}</span> If you copy a room all settings will be automatically applied to the copy. You can set your room If you want to link prices here. Click in between different rooms remove the DAILY PRICE row and set price and date range and click '''SAVE'''. You may modify individual dates as required. Rules for daily prices can be set in SETTINGS->PROPERTIES->ROOMS->DAILY PRICESbefore you copy the rooms.
<embedvideo service==== '''Step 3''' - Customize and add offers (optional)====An '''Offer''' is the price combined with certain conditions. Each room/unit has one or more offers. "youtubeOffer 1">https://www.youtubeis your standard offer to the guest which is always displayed.com/watch?v=iFht8sLJg9g</embedvideo>
== '''RatesStep 3'''- Create prices ==Without prices the system can not show availability.
Rates If you have several rooms with a start and end date so they apply to a range of dates. Rates contain many rules about the conditions which must apply to make them available. Multiple rates similar pricing structure you can be used "link" prices with or without offsets to create complex pricing structures. If multiple rates are available for the same dates the rules of each rate will determine which rate is offeredrooms.
Rates can be usedBeds24 has two types of prices:*for different weekend/weekday prices*for prices for extra guests or extra children apply*If you require the guest to book more than one day before Check-in*If you want a price to be available only certain days in advance Daily Prices (e.g. Last Minute or Early Birdrecommended)*if you want to allow guests to enquire if no price can be found but the room is not fully booked*for special pricing for channel managementFixed Prices
Go to RATES in the top menuThis [https://beds24. Multiple rates and discounts may be defined for each roomcom/wizard/wizard3. When multiple rates exist for a given date the system default will calculate and offer php setup wizard] guides you though the lowest price that matches your criteriasetup.
When creating multiple rates <span class="" style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> Click on the "Price Check" button on the CALENDAR or SUPPORT page then on "Calculate" to find our why you would generally set your highest have not price to always be available and create discounted or how a price rates for longer stays, specific days of the week or date ranges as you require. This way you can create sophisticated rate modelsis calculated.
'''Adding Rates and DiscountsDaily Prices (recommended)''': To add a new rate click on the button ADD RATE
'''Link a Rate:''' One rate 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 used defined for example for multiple roomsdifferent minimum stays or different offers. For which room a rate is used is defined in Please find more information on the "Rooms" tab of the ratehelp page for [https://wiki.beds24.com/index.php/Category:Daily_Prices daily prices].
'''Copy a Rate<embedvideo service="youtube">https:''' If you want to use the same rate for another room click on SAVE AS A COPY//youtu.be/E4TYnrHwnDA</embedvideo>
'''Changing Rates and DiscountsFixed Prices''': Click on the rate you want to change and enter your changes. You can delete rate setting and add new ones. You may re-use old rates that are still in the system by changing their start and end dates.
'''Combination Fixed Prices have a start and end date so they apply to a range of Daily dates. Fixed Prices and Rates'''contain many rules about the conditions that must apply to make them available.
It is Use Fixed Prices instead of Daily prices only:*If your prices are fixed ahead and you do not necessary want to use both daily prices adjust them and rates but a combination of daily prices and rates you have none or few seasons*If you want to allow guest to enquire when no price can be used found but the room is not fully booked*If you want to fine tune pricing structures.grant referrer discounts
*For example Daily Prices can be used to override Please find more information on the price and conditions of a rate help page for individual dates[https://wiki.*The booking rules for your rates and daily prices will determine which daily price or rate will be usedbeds24.com/index.php/Category:Fixed_Prices Fixed Prices].
== '''Step 4Combination of Daily Prices and Fixed Prices''' - Enter existing Bookings==To avoid double bookings it is advisable to enter the bookings you already have. You have different options:
*For Booking.com, Airbnb and Expedia we have the option to automatically import all upcoming bookings. We recommend to <span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}} </span> If you use this method because for bookings imported directly from Booking.com we will then be able Fixed Prices you do not need to automatically import changes. You can use this function when the channel manager is set up but not activatedDaily Prices for every day. The button is available in SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER->AIRBNB XML/BOOKING.COM/EXPEDIA.*In CALENDAR If required you will find a row INVENTORY. The number shows rooms remaining to sell. They can be edited to quickly change your availability. Doubleclick to open use a popup and save the changes. (it is only possible Daily Price to lower adjust the number based on the value in Settings > Properties > Rooms > Setup > Quantity of this type and any existing bookings)*To ''Add Bookings'' prices for an individual date or blocked dates manually click on the suitcase icon in the CALENDAR or on the "Add Booking" link in the BOOKINGS menudate range.
*You can use Daily Prices to override the Fixed Price for a few individual dates. If you are comfortable working with often adjust prices use Daily Prices only.csv you *You can upload bookings into Beds24 using our API (https://www.beds24.com/api/). Bookings must have add a checkin between 1 year in the past and 5 years in the future. You will see the instructions when you click on putBookingCSV (https://www.beds24.com/api/csv/putbookingscsv.php). To use the API you need Gap Filler to allow API access in SETTINGS -> ACCOUNT -> ACCOUNT ACCESSfill gaps when using daily prices with minimum stays required
<span style== '''Step 5''' "color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation- triangle}} Connect Payment Processor (optional)==Connect a payment processor to automatically connect payments </span> Rules in SETTINGS->PAYMENTS->PAYMENT COLLECTION. [[Stripe|Stripe]] is our preferred partner who offers the best functionalityFixed Prices have no effect on daily prices.
== '''Step 64''' - Set up payment collection (optional)==You need to connect a payment processor to automatically [[:Category:Payments|collect payments]] in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > PAYMENTS > PAYMENT COLLECTION. [[Stripe|Stripe]] is our preferred partner which offers the best functionality. == '''Step 5''' - Set up the Channel Manager (optional)==
Set up the [[:Category:Channel_Manager| channel manager]] to synchronise your sales channels.
== '''Step 7''' - Use your own E-mail address (optional)==
Set the system [[Outgoing_Email|use your own Email address for sending]] in SETTINGS->ACCOUNT->OUTGOING EMAIL.
Using your own E-mail address is mandatory if you want to use Auto Actions to automate work flowsHere some short example videos. For detailed instructions see:
== '''Step 8''' - Check *[[Airbnb_Mapping| How to connect Airbnb]]*[[Booking.com:_Synchronise_bookings_prices_availability | How to connect Booking.com to sync prices and Customise your Booking Page==availability]]*[[Expedia_Mapping | How to connect Expedia to sync prices and availability]]*[[VRBO_Setup | How to connect to Vrbo]]Go *[[:Category:Channel_Manager| List of all channels with link to SETTINGS->BOOKING ENGINE.detailed setup instructions]]
You have the option <embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu.be/_KORtELJyNk</embedvideo> <embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu.be/rsqRWgawcWU</embedvideo> == '''Step 6''' - Enter existing bookings==To avoid double bookings it is advisable to fully customise enter the look and the content of your booking page. For an overview of your options please go to [[Customise Booking Page]]bookings you already have.
== '''Step 9''' - Install your *For Booking Button.com, Box, Strip, Calendar or one of our other 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 Widgets ==Booking widgets connect your website .com we will then be able to your booking pageautomatically import changes. There You can use this function when the channel manager is a choice including booking buttons, booking boxes, booking strips, calendarsset up but not activated. Go to The button is available in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS-) >BOOKING ENGINE-CHANNEL MANAGER >AIRBNB/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 pageCOM/EXPEDIA.
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*Other bookings can be uploaded as a . Your web hosting service should be able to provide information and assist you with thiscsv file from in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > PROPERTIES.
== '''Step 10''' - Do some test bookings to check everything is working*To manually add or blocked dates click on the suitcase icon in the CALENDAR or on "Add Booking" at the top. ==
This is how *If you do not need the actual booking you can check everything 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 workingonly possible to lower the number based on the value in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > PROPERTIES > ROOMS > SETUP "Quantity of this type" and any existing bookings).
1. Your own web site== '''Step 7''' - Automate messaging and processes==Click on the screen icon in the top right menu of the control panel or go Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS-) > GUEST MANAGEMENT >BOOKING ENGINE AUTO ACTIONS to view your booking page *set up messaging templates for automatic and make a couple of test manual sending*automatically perform modifications on bookings. based on predefined criteria
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 'CalculateStep 8'. You can find links to the 'Price Check' tool on - Customize and connect the RATES, CALENDAR and SUPPORT pagesbooking engine for commission free direct bookings (optional)==Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) BOOKING ENGINE.
2. ChannelsChannels which receive prices from Beds24:Go to SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER->BOOKING.COM (for example) and click on 'View Actual Data' You have the option to check what we are sending. If you are not seeing and are not receiving error messages fully customise the look and the display on channels content of your booking page is correct the connection is working. For an overview of your options please go to [[Customise Booking Page]].
Channels which only receive inventory from Beds24Booking widgets connect your website to your booking page. There is a choice including booking buttons, booking boxes, booking strips, calendars. Go to {{#fas:Check if cog}} (SETTINGS) > BOOKING ENGINE > BOOKING WIDGETS. Choose the widget you want to use. If required you can customise the availability appearance. If you need help please click on the channels website is HELP button on the same as on top rights of the CALENDAR widgets page in Beds24.
'''Congratulations! You are now receiving on-line bookingsCopy your widget to your website.''' New To install the booking widgets on-line bookings your web site you will be added automaticallyneed the ability to edit the HTML of your page. You can also enter new bookings manually clicking on "Add Booking" on This may involve knowing the passwords for your web server and the BOOKINGS pageability to transfer your files. Your web hosting service should be able to provide information and assist you with this.
== More customisation options==*customise the [[Responsive_Booking_Page|look of your booking page to suit your web site]] in SETTINGS->BOOKING ENGINE.*customise the [Guests who book directly will automatically receive a [:category:Confirmation_Messages|booking confirmations to guestsconfirmation message]] which you can customise the [ in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS-) >GUEST MANAGEMENT->CONFIRMATION MESSAGES.*customise the display of the [[:category:Calendar| control panel CALENDAR]] page in SETTINGS->ACCOUNT->PREFERENCES. *customise the display of the [[Preferences|control panel]] in SETTINGS->ACCOUNT->PREFERENCES.
== Other Features and Functions '''Step 9''' - Download the free Beds24 app(optional)==When Our free App for IOS and Android is there to help you click on FUNCTIONS in with daily tasks which might need to be done while away from the top left menu you will see links to desk. [[Mobile_App_Android_and_IOS|More information about the menu pages of key features and functionsapp]].
= More functions and options=*Customise the display of the [[Image:support.png|800pxcategory:Calendar|link=control panel CALENDAR]]page in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > ACCOUNT > PREFERENCES. *Customise the display of the [[MediaPreferences|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 supportwiki.png|view large]]
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