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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.</div><span class="" style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 250%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> <span styleProperties and Rooms =="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'''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.
= Terminology ='''PropertiesRooms''' are a way of splitting your property into separately bookable units. Rooms can be Hotels, Hostelsbut 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´s, holiday housesB, vacation rentals, apartment housesholiday homes, beds in hostel dormitories, camp sites. You can have one properties , houseboats, cabins, tours, classes or multiple properties of different typescars etc.
A If you rent your property can have only as a whole because it is a vacation rental you will still need one or very many different roomsroom which is what the guest books.
A property can have only one room (a vacation rental) or a number of different '''Roomsroom types''' are a way of splitting your property into separately bookable units. Rooms can, but do not need to, represent or '''categories'physical'' rooms(a hotel, B&B, hostel, aparthotel).
They are rented units i.e. bedrooms in a hotel Each room or B&B, vacation rentals, holiday homes, beds in hostel dormitories, camp sites, houseboats, cabins, tours, classes or cars etcroom type/category can have ''multiple inventories'''.
<embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu.be/Jd6mFFWhpRE</embedvideo>
An '''Offer''' is the price combined with certain conditions. Each room/unit has one or more offers. "Offer 1" is your standard offer to the guest which is always displayed. === Multiple Properties or Rooms ==Hotels, B&B´s and inns 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.
*Go === Outgoing Email ===If you want to '''ACCOUNT''' and complete send Emails from Beds24, then you need to setup your detailsoutgoing email.
*If you want Go to use a language other than English on your booking page, go to '''{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS''' -) > '''BOOKING ENGINE'''-ACCOUNT > '''INTERNATIONALIZATION''' OUTGOING EMAIL and tick for instructions please use the ones you want to use. If you enable more than one language you will see tabs for each language in your descriptions, information context help (? icons) and click on your booking HELP (? icon right) of this page and notifications. Descriptions have to be entered in each language tab.
<embedvideo service="youtube">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nNidEDdm4w</embedvideo>= Host Notifications ===
== '''Step 2''' - Property and Room Set Up==By default each Beds24 account has one property with a room Email notifications about new bookings and a pricesystem notifications are sent to the Administrator Email address from {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > ACCOUNT ACCESS.
You If you have multiple properties you can import additional properties set {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > ACCOUNT > HOST NOTIFICATIONS > Booking notification emails sent to"=Administrator and rooms or create them manuallyCc: Property' to send a copy of the confirmation to the property.The Email address used is the one entered in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > PROPERTIES > DESCRIPTION
System notifications are error messages, answers to support tickets and other messages which are not directly related to a booking. We recommend you use different Email addresses to send and receive because some Email programs (i.E. gmail) hide incoming Email if they are from the same Email address. ===Import from AirbnbAccount access and Security ===If you have a listing on Airbnb you can import it and create a new property with a new room or add a room in a property you already have in Beds24. Click [[AirBnB.com_XML|here]] for instructions.
===Import from Booking.com===You Access including API and security settings can [[Booking.com_XML:_Create_and_update_properties_and_rooms_on_Booking.com#Import_Properties_from_Booking.com|import your property be managed from Booking.com to Beds24]]this menu.
===Import via Beds24 API ===Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > ACCOUNT > ACCOUNT ACCESS >*Change Password*Administrator Email*Additional Login*2Factor AuthenticationThe functions are documented directly in the [https://api.beds24.com/ *API].Keys
===Manual creation Privacy ===Go Privacy rules for data management should be managed from this menu. We provide settings that allow you to control how your guest'''PROPERTIES''' -> '''DESCRIPTION''' and complete your property informations data is stored in Beds24.
<embedvideo service="youtube"Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) >ACCOUNT >https://wwwPRIVACY click (?) for more information.youtube.com/watch?v=S07yG0EUT88</embedvideo>
== '''Step 2''' - Rooms and Offers = Billing ===
*To set rooms up go to '''PROPERTIES''' -> '''ROOMS'''. A click on '''EDIT''' will open a field where you You can set see the name monthly service fees and usage charges, setup payment details for your account, and generate and quantity of "Rooms" of that type availabledownload your invoice after you have made a payment.
Don't forget to '''SAVE'''!=== Booking Page Languages ===
If you sell dorms want to use a language other than English on your booking page, go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) BOOKING ENGINE > INTERNATIONALIZATION and tick the ones you want to use. If you enable more than one language you will see tabs for which you sell indivudual beds each language in your descriptions, information on your booking page and not private rooms please also see how notifications. Descriptions have to [[Hostel_and_Retreat_Setup|setup dorms]]be entered in each language tab.
*Go to == '''PROPERTIESStep 2''' -> '''ROOMS''' -> '''OFFERS'''.Create properties and rooms==An offer is the price combined with certain conditions. Each room/unit has one You can import properties and rooms or more offers. "Offer 1" is your standard offer to the guest which is always displayedcreate them manually.
You have the option to sell a room at up to four different prices eg. packages, promotions or discounted conditional rates. Each offer can have its own <embedvideo service="Booking Typeyoutube">https://youtu.be/CsjMXF2vzEs</embedvideo>
===Import from Airbnb===If you copy have a listing on Airbnb you can import it and create a new property with a new room or add a room all settings will be automatically applied to the copyin a property you already have in Beds24. If you want to link prices between different rooms remove the prices before you copy the roomsClick [[Connect_Airbnb_Account|here]] for instructions.
== '''Step 3''' - Set your Prices ==Without prices the system can not show availability[[File:Airbnb_import_listing. mp4|640px]]
If you have several rooms with a similar pricing structure you ===Import from Booking.com===You can "link" prices with or without offsets [[Booking.com:_Import_Properties_from_Booking.com_to_Beds24|import your property from Booking.com to multiple roomsBeds24]].
The system has two types of prices:===Manual creation ======= '''Step 1''' - Create properties====*Daily PricesProperties and be added in '{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > PROPERTIES*RatesAfter you have added a property go to '{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > PROPERTIES > DESCRIPTION and complete your property information
<span class="" style="color[[File: #f3e504; font-size: 250%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> Click on the "Price Check" button on the CALENDAR or SUPPORT page then on "Calculate" to find our why you have not price or how a price is calculatedProperty_and_Room_Setup.mp4|640px]]
<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation=== '''Step 2''' -triangle}} </span> 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 range.Create rooms====
Which *To set rooms up go to '{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > PROPERTIES > ROOMS . A click on '''EDIT''' will open a field where you can set the name and quantity of "Rooms" of that type you use depends on your pricing structure: available.
'''Daily Prices'''If you sell dorms for which you sell individual beds and not private rooms please also see how to [[Hostel_and_Retreat_Setup|setup dorms]].
Daily Prices are prices for *Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > PROPERTIES > ROOMS > OFFERS and define your offer(s).An offer is the price combined with certain conditions. Each room/unit has one dateor more offers. Up "Offer 1" is your standard offer to four prices per date can be defined for example for different occupanciesthe guest which is always displayed.
Daily Prices can be used:*If you want You have the option to fine tune sell a room with different prices on a daily basis*if you do not use Last Minute eg. packages, promotions or Early Bird pricingdiscounted conditional prices. Each offer can have its own "Booking Type".
Go <span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}}</span> If you copy a room all settings will be automatically applied to '''CALENDAR''' in the top menucopy. This is a table giving If you a complete overview of your bookings, rates and inventory. By ticking want to link prices between different rooms remove the boxes prices before you can select what you want to displaycopy the rooms.
Activate ==== '''DAILY PRICESStep 3'''. You can set your room prices here. Click in the DAILY PRICE row and set price - Customize and date range and click add offers (optional)====An '''SAVEOffer'''is the price combined with certain conditions. You may modify individual dates as requiredEach room/unit has one or more offers. Rules for daily prices can be set in SETTINGS->PROPERTIES->ROOMS->DAILY PRICES "Offer 1" is your standard offer to the guest which is always displayed.
<embedvideo service="youtube">https://www= '''Step 3''' - Create prices ==Without prices the system can not show availability.youtube.com/watch?v=iFht8sLJg9g</embedvideo>
'''Rates'''If you have several rooms with a similar pricing structure you can "link" prices with or without offsets to multiple rooms.
Rates have a start and end date so they apply to a range Beds24 has two types of dates. Rates contain many rules about the conditions which must apply to make them available. Multiple rates can be used to create complex pricing structures. If multiple rates are available for the same dates the rules of each rate will determine which rate is offered.prices:*Daily Prices (recommended)*Fixed Prices
Rates can be usedThis [https:*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 (e/beds24.gcom/wizard/wizard3. Last Minute or Early Bird)*if php setup wizard] guides you want to allow guests to enquire if no price can be found but though the room is not fully booked*for special pricing for channel managementsetup.
Go to RATES in the top menu. <span class="" style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> Multiple rates and discounts may be defined for each room. When multiple rates exist for a given date Click on the system default will calculate and offer "Price Check" button on the lowest CALENDAR or SUPPORT page then on "Calculate" to find our why you have not price or how a price that matches your criteriais calculated.
When creating multiple rates you would generally set your highest price to always be available and create discounted price rates for longer stays, specific days of the week or date ranges as you require. This way you can create sophisticated rate models.'''Daily Prices (recommended)'''
'''Adding Rates Daily Prices are prices for one date. Daily prices are easy to manage and Discounts''': To add a new rate click are the best choice for most customers. Multiple prices per date can be defined for example for different minimum stays or different offers. Please find more information on the button ADD RATE help page for [https://wiki.beds24.com/index.php/Category:Daily_Prices daily prices].
'''Link a Rate:''' One rate can be used for multiple rooms. For which room a rate is used is defined in the <embedvideo service="Roomsyoutube" tab of the rate>https://youtu.be/E4TYnrHwnDA</embedvideo>
'''Copy a Rate:Fixed Prices''' If you want to use the same rate for another room click on SAVE AS A COPY
'''Changing Rates Fixed Prices have a start and Discounts''': Click on the rate you want end date so they apply to change and enter your changesa range of dates. You can delete rate setting and add new ones. You may re-use old rates Fixed Prices contain many rules about the conditions that are still in the system by changing their start and end datesmust apply to make them available.
'''Combination Use Fixed Prices instead of Daily Prices prices only:*If your prices are fixed ahead and you do not want to adjust them and Rates'''you have none or few seasons*If you want to allow guest to enquire when no price can be found but the room is not fully booked*If you want to grant referrer discounts
It is not necessary to use both daily prices and rates but a combination of daily prices and rates can be used to fine tune pricing structuresPlease find more information on the help page for [https://wiki.beds24.com/index.php/Category:Fixed_Prices Fixed Prices].
*For example '''Combination of Daily Prices can be used to override the price and conditions of a rate for individual dates.*The booking rules for your rates and daily prices will determine which daily price or rate will be used.Fixed Prices'''
<span style== '''Step 4''' "color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation- triangle}} Enter existing Bookings==To avoid double bookings it is advisable </span> If you use Fixed Prices you do not need to set up Daily Prices for every day. If required you can use a Daily Price to enter adjust the bookings you already haveprices for an individual date or date range. You have different options:
*For Booking.com, Airbnb and Expedia we have the option to automatically import all upcoming bookings. We recommend to use this method because for bookings imported directly from Booking.com we will then be able to automatically import changes. You can use this function when Daily Prices to override the channel manager is set up but not activatedFixed Price for a few individual dates. The button is available in SETTINGS->CHANNEL MANAGER->AIRBNB XML/BOOKING.COM/EXPEDIAIf you often adjust prices use Daily Prices only.*In CALENDAR you will find a row INVENTORY. The number shows rooms remaining to sell. They You can be edited to quickly change your availability. Doubleclick to open add a popup and save the changes. (it is only possible Gap Filler to lower the number based on the value in Settings > Properties > Rooms > Setup > Quantity of this type and any existing bookings)*To ''Add Bookings'' or blocked dates manually click on the suitcase icon in the CALENDAR or on the "Add Booking" link in the BOOKINGS menu.fill gaps when using daily prices with minimum stays required
*If you are comfortable working with .csv you can upload bookings into Beds24 using our API (https<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}} <//www.beds24.com/api/). Bookings must span> Rules in Fixed Prices have a checkin between 1 year in the past and 5 years in the future. You will see the instructions when you click no effect on putBookingCSV (https://www.beds24.com/api/csv/putbookingscsv.php)daily prices. To use the API you need to allow API access in SETTINGS -> ACCOUNT -> ACCOUNT ACCESS
== '''Step 54''' - Connect Payment Processor Set up payment collection (optional)==Connect You need to connect a payment processor to automatically connect [[:Category:Payments|collect payments ]] in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS-) >PAYMENTS->PAYMENT COLLECTION. [[Stripe|Stripe]] is our preferred partner who which offers the best functionality.
== '''Step 65''' - 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 Here some short example videos. For detailed instructions see: *[[Airbnb_Mapping| How to connect Airbnb]]*[[Booking.com:_Synchronise_bookings_prices_availability | How to connect Booking.com to sync prices and availability]]*[[Expedia_Mapping | How to connect Expedia to sync prices and availability]]*[[VRBO_Setup | How to connect to use Auto Actions Vrbo]]*[[:Category:Channel_Manager| List of all channels with link to automate work flowsdetailed setup instructions]] <embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu. be/_KORtELJyNk</embedvideo>
<embedvideo service== '''Step 8''' - Check and Customise your Booking Page==Go to SETTINGS-"youtube">BOOKING ENGINEhttps://youtu.be/rsqRWgawcWU</embedvideo>
You have the option == '''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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