VRBO Setup
This page is about the menu (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/HOMEAWAY > ACCOUNT and explains how connect to VRBO/Homewaway and their companies.
Contents
1 Capabilities
Via the XML connection Beds24 can
- Export property listings content (create listings at VRBO/Homeaway)
- Update existing listings on VRBO
- Export prices and availability
- Import bookings
- Send date changes and status changes to "Cancelled"
To allow accurate commission calculation we have to provide VRBO with a feed which contains all VRBO bookings.
If you use the XML connection all updates should be done in Beds24 (not in VRBO/Homeaway) because changes you make in VRBO/Homeaway will be overridden with the next update.
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.
2 Limitations
Most agencies/property managers can use VRBOs XML connection. In some regions VRBO applies minimum requirements. If you are not eligible your can use our VRBO iCal connection to synchronise calendars.
3 Before you map connect
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.
Bookings
VRBO/Homeaway may not allow same day 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/Homeaway 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.
4 Setup
VRBO/Homeaways XML activation applies per Beds24 account. All properties owned by the connected Beds24 account or sub account can send to the connected VRBO account. If you want to connect properties owned by different account/sub accounts you can override this. Click on the 'User' icon on the top right and then on 'Account Management (in the old control panel SUB ACCOUNT in the top right) Manage Account > Manage Property and go to "Channel Management". The setting "VRBO / Homeaway Connect via Account" allows you to set that the property connects to VRBO via a different account than the one owning it.
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/HOMEAWAY > 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.
Step 2: Copy your "Software User ID
When at least one room is activated to sending your "Software User ID" will show in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/HOMEAWAY > ACCOUNT. VRBO needs this ID to connect your Beds24 account with your VRBO account. Copy the "Software User ID" because you will need to enter it as "Software User ID" during VRBOs onboarding process.
Step 4: Have your credit card on hand
During the onboarding process VRBO will ask you to enter your credit card.
Step 5: 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/HOMEAWAY > ACCOUNT and is used in all properties in this Beds24 account. If you use a different currency in Beds24 you can set multiplier in (SETTINGS) CHANNEL MANAGER > VRBO/HOMEAWAY > MAPPING. Click on HELP in the top right of this page for detailed instructions.
