Difference between revisions of "VRBO Setup"
(38 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown) | |||
Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
[[Category:VRBO]] | [[Category:VRBO]] | ||
− | <div class="heading">Connect with | + | <div class="heading">Connect with Vrbo / Homeaway Group</div> |
− | This page is about the menu {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO | + | 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. |
+ | |||
+ | =Summary= | ||
+ | <div class="summarybox"> | ||
+ | You can onboard to Vrbo and their brands via a self-onboarding starting from Beds24. These factors are important for the performance of your listing: | ||
+ | *Choose your headline carefully and make sure your first (key) picture and your headline work together | ||
+ | *Recommended are 24 pictures. Make sure all have captions. | ||
+ | *Add "Location Type" features so your listing appears in location based searches. | ||
+ | *Add Cleaning Features. | ||
+ | *Listings where guests do not have to pay the full amount upfront perform better. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Use [https://wiki.beds24.com/index.php?title=VRBO_Setup these instructions for details]. | ||
+ | </div> | ||
= Capabilities = | = Capabilities = | ||
Via the XML connection Beds24 can | Via the XML connection Beds24 can | ||
− | *Export property listings content (create listings at | + | *Export property listings content (create listings at Vrbo) |
− | *Update existing listings on | + | *Update existing listings on Vrbo |
*Export prices and availability | *Export prices and availability | ||
*Import bookings | *Import bookings | ||
*Send date changes and status changes to "Cancelled" | *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 | + | 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 | + | 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 | + | The connection can update following Vrbo brands: |
Homeaway.com, | Homeaway.com, | ||
− | + | Vrbo.com, | |
abritel.fr, | abritel.fr, | ||
aluguetemporada.com.br, | aluguetemporada.com.br, | ||
Line 50: | Line 65: | ||
= Limitations = | = Limitations = | ||
− | * | + | *Vrbo do not allow same day bookings. |
− | *Most agencies/property managers can use | + | *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 | + | *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. |
− | + | *Vrbo will not show payments made after booking in their control panel, it will always show as unpaid in their system even if payment has been made. | |
− | <span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}} </span> '''You can not change your username when connected to | + | *Vrbo might show properties also on their parent site Expedia. If a bookings is made on the Expedia site, communication via Beds24 is not possible so you will need to use Email instead. |
+ | <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= | ||
Line 63: | Line 79: | ||
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 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 | + | <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== | ||
Line 71: | Line 87: | ||
==You need== | ==You need== | ||
− | + | Vrbo requires you to have a '''credit card''' and a '''tax number / tax identifyer''' | |
= Setup = | = 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. | |
− | <span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> | + | <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. |
− | + | <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"> | |
+ | <div class="headline-collapse" > | ||
+ | Step 1 : Activate your rooms | ||
+ | </div> | ||
+ | <div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | ||
− | Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO | + | 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 | + | 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 {{#fas:cog}} (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 {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > ACCOUNT > MAPPING. | |
− | + | In Beds24: | |
− | + | [[File:connect_vrbo.mp4|640px]] | |
− | + | ||
− | + | </div></div> | |
− | |||
− | + | <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"> | |
+ | <div class="headline-collapse" > | ||
+ | Step 2 : Have your credit card and your tax number/tax identifier on hand | ||
+ | </div> | ||
+ | <div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | ||
− | + | During the onboarding process Vrbo will ask you to enter your credit card and your tax number. | |
+ | </div></div> | ||
− | < | + | <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"> |
+ | <div class="headline-collapse" > | ||
+ | Step 3 : Self-onboard to Vrbo | ||
+ | </div> | ||
+ | <div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | ||
+ | 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 {{#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. | |
− | + | <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. | |
− | In | + | 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 | + | In VRBO if you do have a Vrbo account: |
[[File:ssl_vrbo.mp4|640px]] | [[File:ssl_vrbo.mp4|640px]] | ||
+ | </div></div> | ||
− | + | <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"> | |
+ | <div class="headline-collapse" > | ||
+ | Step 4 : Enter registration | ||
+ | </div> | ||
+ | <div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | ||
*Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > MAPPING | *Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > MAPPING | ||
*Click on the "Registration details" button | *Click on the "Registration details" button | ||
*Click on "Update Registration" to enter you registration details. | *Click on "Update Registration" to enter you registration details. | ||
+ | </div></div> | ||
− | + | <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"> | |
+ | <div class="headline-collapse" > | ||
+ | Step 5 : Check the listing status | ||
+ | </div> | ||
+ | <div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | ||
*Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > MAPPING | *Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > MAPPING | ||
− | *Click on the "View Status at | + | *Click on the "View Status at Vrbo" button |
*Check the content especially the "activeStatus" | *Check the content especially the "activeStatus" | ||
+ | </div></div> | ||
− | + | <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"> | |
+ | <div class="headline-collapse" > | ||
+ | Step 6 : Add your reviews (optional) | ||
+ | </div> | ||
+ | <div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | ||
+ | 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. | |
+ | </div></div> | ||
− | + | = 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. | 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 | + | 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 = | ||
+ | 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 [[: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. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Vrbo supports attachments in PDF, JPG, PNG, and GIF format. | ||
+ | |||
+ | <span style="color:#019cde; font-size: 150%;“ >{{#fas:info-circle}} </span> The confirmaton message which the guest receives after they have made the booking is sent via Email so you will not see it in the messaging thread. | ||
+ | |||
+ | <span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}} </span> There can be a short delay between a booking being made and the messaging being enabled. This means auto actions set to send a message when the booking is first made may not be able to send and should be setup to fall back to an email message. | ||
+ | |||
+ | <span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}} </span> If you have moved the booking to a different room (manually or via dependencies), please 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 | + | 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 because Vrbo expect to read the booking status even if they are cancelled. | |
− | <div class="warning">{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}} Never delete bookings from | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
Line 152: | Line 217: | ||
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 | + | Beds24 will automatically send the amended price to Vrbo so Vrbo can adjust your commission. |
− | = | + | =Vrbo commission= |
− | To allow accurate commission calculation we have to provide | + | 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. | + | 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 = | ||
Line 167: | Line 232: | ||
*Add ''cleaning''' features''. | *Add ''cleaning''' features''. | ||
*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. | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
=== 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 | + | *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 | + | 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 | ||
Line 188: | Line 249: | ||
*Each listing must have at least one bedroom and one bathroom | *Each listing must have at least one bedroom and one bathroom | ||
*For online bookings you will need prices and inventory | *For online bookings you will need prices and inventory | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Language ==== | ||
+ | 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. help<span style="color:#019cde;“ >{{#far:question-circle}} </span> on the top right of this page for information how to set languages and how to use multiple languages. | ||
+ | |||
+ | <span style="color:#fe746c;;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-circle}} </span> You also need to add descriptions in the the language Vrbo requires. You can check which descriptions will send in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > VIEW CONTENT. | ||
==== Room Configurations - Define Bedrooms and Bathrooms==== | ==== Room Configurations - Define Bedrooms and Bathrooms==== | ||
Line 199: | Line 267: | ||
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> | + | <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==== | ||
− | Amenities and Location Type can be set up for the property {{#fas:cog}} (SETTING) | + | Amenities and Location Type can be set up for the property {{#fas:cog}} (SETTING) PROPERTIES->DESCRIPTION) or per room {{#fas:cog}} (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 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. | ||
Line 211: | Line 279: | ||
− | Example 1: All units (rooms) have Internet. In this case you can set up the Internet in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTING) | + | Example 1: All units (rooms) have Internet. In this case you can set up the Internet in {{#fas:cog}} (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. | 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. | ||
Line 225: | Line 293: | ||
<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 | + | <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 | + | 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 | + | 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 | + | "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> | + | <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 | + | 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. | + | *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 | + | <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. | |
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. | ||
Line 258: | Line 326: | ||
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 | + | 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 ''' | + | 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 | + | 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> | + | <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 | + | 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. | ||
Line 276: | Line 344: | ||
===== Taxes & Fees===== | ===== Taxes & Fees===== | ||
− | Taxes and fees can be added in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO | + | 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. | ||
Line 283: | Line 351: | ||
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 | + | <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 ==== | ||
Line 289: | Line 357: | ||
===== Cancellation Policy ===== | ===== Cancellation Policy ===== | ||
− | + | Vrbo requires a cancellation policy. We will send the policies set in SETTING->PROPERTIES-> BOOKING RULES > CANCELLATION POLICY. | |
− | You | + | 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. | ||
Line 297: | Line 365: | ||
===== Pets===== | ===== Pets===== | ||
− | If you do not allow pets you choose "Pets not allowed" as feature in | + | If you do not allow pets you choose "Pets not allowed" as feature in {{#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===== | ||
Line 303: | Line 371: | ||
===== 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 | + | 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 | + | *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 | + | *Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO.COM > PAYMENT SCHEDULE |
− | *Then link it to your property in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO | + | *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 | + | *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 | + | * Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER -> VRBO.COM > SPECIFIC PROPERTY CONTENT. |
Beds24 supports the following payment options: | Beds24 supports the following payment options: | ||
Line 325: | Line 393: | ||
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 | + | 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 -> | + | 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 | + | 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. | ||
Line 358: | Line 426: | ||
==== Pictures==== | ==== Pictures==== | ||
− | + | Vrbo requires at least six pictures per listing but we recommend you add more so your guests get a good impression on what they can bok. | |
− | 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 | + | 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 | + | 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. | ||
Line 372: | Line 440: | ||
=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". | + | 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= | ||
Line 382: | Line 450: | ||
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. | 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 | + | Example: One bedroom with a double bed |
− | BEDROOM BED_DOUBLE | + | BEDROOM BED_DOUBLE |
Example: The property has 3 bathrooms with various features | Example: The property has 3 bathrooms with various features | ||
Line 433: | Line 501: | ||
BED_CHILD | BED_CHILD | ||
− | |||
− | |||
BED_DOUBLE | BED_DOUBLE | ||
Line 871: | Line 937: | ||
=Common Errors= | =Common Errors= | ||
− | + | <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"> | |
− | + | <div class="headline-collapse" > | |
− | + | The Vrbo connection for this property is managed by account .... OR It cannot be mapped to this account. | |
+ | </div> | ||
+ | <div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | ||
+ | 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. | ||
+ | </div></div> | ||
− | + | <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"> | |
− | + | <div class="headline-collapse" > | |
− | + | Fix content errors and enable rooms before generating the Vrbo Software User ID OR Fix content errors and enable rooms | |
+ | </div> | ||
+ | <div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | ||
+ | Go back to step 2 in the chapter "Mapping" | ||
+ | </div></div> | ||
− | + | <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"> | |
− | + | <div class="headline-collapse" > | |
− | + | Vrbo Software User ID not generated | |
+ | </div> | ||
+ | <div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | ||
+ | Go back to step 4 in the chapter "Mapping" | ||
+ | </div></div> | ||
− | + | <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"> | |
− | + | <div class="headline-collapse" > | |
+ | internal error constructing XML | ||
+ | </div> | ||
+ | <div class="mw-collapsible-content"> | ||
+ | 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. | ||
+ | </div></div> |
Latest revision as of 11:12, 4 November 2024
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.
Contents
- 1 Summary
- 2 Capabilities
- 3 Limitations
- 4 Before you connect
- 5 Setup
- 6 Vrbo.com Offline Bookings / Data protection
- 7 Updates
- 8 Send and receive messages
- 9 Cancellations
- 10 Special offers for guests
- 11 Vrbo commission
- 12 Listing Content
- 13 Different invoice template
- 14 Requests
- 15 View and reply to reviews
- 16 All feature codes
- 17 Common Errors
1 Summary
You can onboard to Vrbo and their brands via a self-onboarding starting from Beds24. These factors are important for the performance of your listing:
- Choose your headline carefully and make sure your first (key) picture and your headline work together
- Recommended are 24 pictures. Make sure all have captions.
- Add "Location Type" features so your listing appears in location based searches.
- Add Cleaning Features.
- Listings where guests do not have to pay the full amount upfront perform better.
2 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".
3 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.
- Vrbo will not show payments made after booking in their control panel, it will always show as unpaid in their system even if payment has been made.
- Vrbo might show properties also on their parent site Expedia. If a bookings is made on the Expedia site, communication via Beds24 is not possible so you will need to use Email instead.
You can not change your username when connected to Vrbo because this will break the connection.
4 Before you connect
4.1 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.
4.2 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.
4.3 Properties, rooms and room types
Our connection supports room types with a quantity of more than one.
4.4 You need
Vrbo requires you to have a credit card and a tax number / tax identifyer
5 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 4 : Enter registration
- Go to (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > MAPPING
- Click on the "Registration details" button
- Click on "Update Registration" to enter you registration details.
Step 5 : 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 6 : 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.
6 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.
7 Updates
Changes to availability and prices will be instantly sent to the channel. Other changes will be pulled by Vrbo with their next poll.
8 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.
The confirmaton message which the guest receives after they have made the booking is sent via Email so you will not see it in the messaging thread.
There can be a short delay between a booking being made and the messaging being enabled. This means auto actions set to send a message when the booking is first made may not be able to send and should be setup to fall back to an email message.
If you have moved the booking to a different room (manually or via dependencies), please ensure that both properties/rooms are connected with the same Vrbo account, otherwise this function will not work.
9 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.
10 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.
11 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.
12 Listing Content
12.1 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.
12.2 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.
12.2.1 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
12.2.2 Language
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. help on the top right of this page for information how to set languages and how to use multiple languages.
You also need to add descriptions in the the language Vrbo requires. You can check which descriptions will send in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > VIEW CONTENT.
12.2.3 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.
12.2.4 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.
12.2.5 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.
12.2.5.1 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.
12.2.5.2 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%).
12.2.5.3 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.
12.2.6 Policies and Rules
You can set the minimum age via a "Custom" value in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.
12.2.6.1 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.
12.2.6.2 Pets
If you do not allow pets you choose "Pets not allowed" as feature in (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > DESCRIPTION. Fees for pets can be set as custom values in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER -> VRBO > SPECIFIC ROOM CONTENT.
12.2.6.3 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.
12.2.6.4 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.
12.2.7 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.
12.2.7.1 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.
- Create auto actions to add pending payments to your bookings, based on the Payment schedule. See Collect payments with payment schedule for more information.
- Collect the payment manually via the Stripe Button in the Charges & Payments tab of the booking. See Manually collect payment via Stripe for more information.
12.2.7.2 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.
- You can automatically process the payment via the payment gateways you have activated, send an email to the guest with a Payment Request so the guest can make a payment. See Send Payment Request for more information.
- If you want to direct the guest using Template Variables then see Send Payment Request with Template variables for more information.
- If you want to direct the guest using URLs then see Send Payment Request URL for more information.
- If you want to direct the guest to Paypal then see Send PayPal Payment Request 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.
12.2.8 Pictures
Vrbo requires at least six pictures per listing but we recommend you add more so your guests get a good impression on what they can bok.
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.
13 Different invoice template
If you need a different invoice template for the bookings from this channel you can use the invoicee function.
14 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.
15 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.
16 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
16.1 Bathroom Types
If there are multiple bathrooms add one code for each followed by appropriate amenity codes.
BATHROOM BATHROOM_HALF BATHROOM_SHOWER
16.2 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
16.3 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
16.4 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
16.5 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
16.6 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
16.7 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
17 Common Errors
The Vrbo connection for this property is managed by account .... OR 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 OR 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.