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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'''Properties''' can be Hotels, Hostels, B&B´s, holiday houses, vacation rentals, apartment houses, camp sites.beds24.com/wizard/index.php Setup Wizards] guide you through the set up processYou 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)
*Go to ACCOUNT and complete your details
*Go to ACCOUNT > PREFERENCES and check the settings in Control Panel.
*If you want to use a language other than English Most of the settings can be left with the default value, for more information on your booking pageeach setting, go to ' {{#fas:cog}} use (SETTINGS?) BOOKING ENGINE > INTERNATIONALIZATION and tick for the ones you want to use. If you enable more than one language you will see tabs for each language in your descriptions, information on your booking page and notifications. Descriptions have to be entered in each language tabcontext help.
<embedvideo service="youtube"*If you want to use a language other than English on your booking page, go to ' {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) BOOKING ENGINE >https://wwwINTERNATIONALIZATION and tick the ones you want to use. If you enable more than one language you will see tabs for each language in your descriptions, information on your booking page and notifications.youtubeDescriptions have to be entered in each language tab.com/watch?v=2nNidEDdm4w</embedvideo>
== '''Step 2''' - Property Create properties and Room Set Uprooms==By default each Beds24 account has one property with a room You can import properties and a pricerooms or create them manually.
You can import additional properties and rooms or create them manually<embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu.be/CsjMXF2vzEs</embedvideo>
===Import from Airbnb===
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:_Import_listings_from_AirbnbConnect_Airbnb_Account|here]] for instructions. [[File:Airbnb_import_listing.mp4|640px]]
===Import from Booking.com===
You can [[Booking.com:_Import_Properties_from_Booking.com_to_Beds24|import your property from Booking.com to Beds24]].
 
===Import via Beds24 API ===
The functions are documented directly in the [https://api.beds24.com/ API].
===Manual creation ===
Go ==== '''Step 1''' - Create properties====*Properties and be added in '{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES*After you have added a property go to '{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > DESCRIPTION and complete your property information
<embedvideo service="youtube">https[[File://wwwProperty_and_Room_Setup.youtube.com/watch?v=S07yG0EUT88</embedvideo>mp4|640px]]
==== '''Step 2''' - Rooms and Offers Create rooms====
*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 available.
Don't forget If you sell dorms for which you sell individual beds and not private rooms please also see how to '''SAVE'''![[Hostel_and_Retreat_Setup|setup dorms]].
If you sell dorms for which you sell indivudual beds and not private rooms please also see how to [[Hostel_and_Retreat_Setup|setup dorms]]. *Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > ROOMS > OFFERSand define your offer(s).
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.
You have the option to sell a room at up to four with different prices eg. packages, promotions or discounted conditional ratesprices. Each offer can have its own "Booking Type".
<span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}}</span> If you copy a room all settings will be automatically applied to the copy. If you want to link prices between different rooms remove the prices before you copy the rooms.
==== '''Step 2''' - Customize and add offers (optional)====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. == '''Step 3''' - Set your Prices Create prices ==
Without prices the system can not show availability.
If you have several rooms with a similar pricing structure you can "link" prices with or without offsets to multiple rooms.
The system Beds24 has two types of prices:*Daily Prices(recommended)*RatesFixed Prices
<span class="" style="colorThis [https: #f3e504; font-size: 250%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> Click on the "Price Check" button on /beds24.com/wizard/wizard3.php setup wizard] guides you though the CALENDAR or SUPPORT page then on "Calculate" to find our why you have not price or how a price is calculatedsetup.
<span class="" style="color:#fe746cf3e504;font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:exclamation-trianglelightbulb}} </span> If Click on the "Price Check" button on the CALENDAR or SUPPORT page then on "Calculate" to find our why you use rates you do have not need to set up Daily Prices for every day. If required you can use price or how a Daily Price to adjust the prices for an individual date or date rangeprice is calculated.
Which type you use depends on your pricing structure: '''Daily Prices (recommended)'''
'''Daily Prices'''are prices for one date. Daily prices are easy to manage and are the best choice for most customers. Multiple prices per date can be defined for example for different minimum stays or different offers. Please find more information on the help page for [https://wiki.beds24.com/index.php/Category:Daily_Prices daily prices].
Daily Prices are prices for one date<embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu. Up to four prices per date can be defined for example for different occupancies./E4TYnrHwnDA</embedvideo>
Daily '''Fixed Prices can be used:*If you want to fine tune prices on a daily basis*if you do not use Last Minute or Early Bird pricing'''
Go Fixed Prices have a start and end date so they apply to '''CALENDAR''' in the top menu. This is a table giving you a complete overview range of your bookings, rates and inventorydates. By ticking Fixed Prices contain many rules about the boxes you can select what you want conditions that must apply to displaymake them available.
Activate '''DAILY PRICES'''. You can set Use Fixed Prices instead of Daily prices only:*If your room prices here. Click in the DAILY PRICE row are fixed ahead and you do not want to adjust them and set you have none or few seasons*If you want to allow guest to enquire when no price and date range and click '''SAVE'''. You may modify individual dates as required. Rules for daily prices can be set in SETTINGS->PROPERTIES->ROOMS->DAILY PRICES. found but the room is not fully booked*If you want to grant referrer discounts
<embedvideo service="youtube">Please find more information on the help page for [https://wwwwiki.youtubebeds24.com/watch?v=iFht8sLJg9g<index.php/embedvideo>Category:Fixed_Prices Fixed Prices].
'''RatesCombination of Daily Prices and Fixed Prices'''
Rates have a start and end date so they apply <span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}} </span> If you use Fixed Prices you do not need to a range of datesset up Daily Prices for every day. Rates contain many rules about the conditions which must apply to make them available. Multiple rates If required you can be used use a Daily Price to create complex pricing structures. If multiple rates are available adjust the prices for the same dates the rules of each rate will determine which rate is offeredan individual date or date range.
Rates *You can be used:*use Daily Prices to override the Fixed Price for different weekend/weekday prices*for prices for extra guests or extra children apply*a few individual dates. If you require the guest to book more than one day before Check-in*If you want a price to be available often adjust prices use Daily Prices only certain days in advance (e.g. Last Minute or Early Bird)*if you want You can add a Gap Filler to allow guests to enquire if no price can be found but the room is not fully booked*for special pricing for channel management fill gaps when using daily prices with minimum stays required
Go to RATES <span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}} </span> Rules in the top menu. Multiple rates and discounts may be defined for each room. When multiple rates exist for a given date the system default will calculate and offer the lowest price that matches your criteriaFixed Prices have no effect on daily prices.
When creating multiple rates you would generally set your highest price == '''Step 4''' - Set up payment collection (optional)==You need to always be available and create discounted price rates for longer stays, specific days of connect a payment processor to automatically [[:Category:Payments|collect payments]] in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) >PAYMENTS > PAYMENT COLLECTION. [[Stripe|Stripe]] is our preferred partner which offers the week or date ranges as you require. This way you can create sophisticated rate modelsbest functionality.
== '''Adding Rates and DiscountsStep 5''': To add a new rate click on - Set up the button ADD RATE Channel Manager (optional)== '''Link a RateSet up the [[:''' One rate can be used for multiple rooms. For which room a rate is used is defined in the "Rooms" tab of the rate. '''Copy a RateCategory:''' If you want Channel_Manager| channel manager]] to use the same rate for another room click on SAVE AS A COPYsynchronise your sales channels.
'''Changing Rates and Discounts'''Here some short example videos. For detailed instructions see: Click on the rate you want to change and enter your changes. You can delete rate setting and add new ones. You may re-use old rates that are still in the system by changing their start and end dates.
'''Combination *[[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 Vrbo]]*[[:Category:Channel_Manager| List of Daily Prices and Rates'''all channels with link to detailed setup instructions]]
It is not necessary to use both daily prices and rates but a combination of daily prices and rates can <embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu.be used to fine tune pricing structures./_KORtELJyNk</embedvideo>
*For example Daily Prices can be used to override the price and conditions of a rate for individual dates<embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu.*The booking rules for your rates and daily prices will determine which daily price or rate will be used./rsqRWgawcWU</embedvideo>
== '''Step 46''' - Enter existing Bookingsbookings==To avoid double bookings it is advisable to enter the bookings you already have. You have different options:
*For Booking.com, Airbnb and Expedia we have the option to automatically import all upcoming bookings. We recommend to 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 the channel manager is set up but not activated. The button is available in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > CHANNEL MANAGER -> AIRBNB XML/BOOKING.COM/EXPEDIA.*In CALENDAR you will find a row INVENTORY. The number shows rooms remaining to sell. They can be edited to quickly change your availability. Doubleclick to open a popup and save the changes. (it is only possible 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.
*If you are comfortable working with .csv you Other bookings can upload bookings into Beds24 using our API (https://www.beds24.com/api/). Bookings must have be uploaded as a checkin between 1 year in the past and 5 years in the future. You will see the instructions when you click on putBookingCSV (https://www.beds24.com/api/csv/putbookingscsv.php). To use the API you need to allow API access file from in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) ACCOUNT > ACCOUNT ACCESSPROPERTIES.
== '''Step 5''' - Connect Payment Processor (optional)==Connect a payment processor to automatically connect payments *To manually add or blocked dates click on the suitcase icon in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) >PAYMENTS > PAYMENT COLLECTION. [[Stripe|Stripe]] is our preferred partner who offers the best functionalityCALENDAR or on "Add Booking" at the top.
== '''Step 6''' - Set up *If you do not need the actual booking you can adjust the availability in the Channel Manager (optional)==Set up CALENDAR in the [[:Category:Channel_Manager| channel manager]] row "Inventory". The number shows rooms remaining to sell. They can be edited to synchronise quickly change your sales channelsavailability. == '''Step 7''' Double- Use your own Eclick to open a pop-mail address up and save the changes. (optional)==Set it is only possible to lower the number based on the system [[Outgoing_Email|use your own Email address for sending]] value in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > ACCOUNT ROOMS >OUTGOING EMAILSETUP "Quantity of this type" and any existing bookings).
Using your own E== '''Step 7''' -mail address is mandatory if you want Automate messaging and processes==Go to use Auto Actions {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > GUEST MANAGEMENT > AUTO ACTIONS to automate work flows. *set up messaging templates for automatic and manual sending*automatically perform modifications on bookings based on predefined criteria
== '''Step 8''' - Check Customize and Customise your Booking Pageconnect the booking engine for commission free direct bookings (optional)==Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS->) BOOKING ENGINE.
You have the option to fully customise the look and the content of your booking page. For an overview of your options please go to [[Customise Booking Page]].
== '''Step 9''' - Install a Booking Widget ==
Booking widgets connect your website to your booking page. There is a choice including booking buttons, booking boxes, booking strips, calendars. Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > BOOKING ENGINE > 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 page.
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. Your web hosting service should be able to provide information and assist you with this.
== '''Step 10''' - Do some test bookings to check everything is working. == This is how you can check everything is working: 1. Your own web siteClick on the screen icon in the top right menu of the control panel or go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > BOOKING ENGINE to view your booking page and make a couple of test bookings.  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 'Calculate'. You can find links to the 'Price Check' tool on the RATES, CALENDAR and SUPPORT pages. 2. ChannelsChannels which receive prices from Beds24:Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > CHANNEL MANAGER >BOOKING.COM (for example) and click on 'View Actual Data' to check what we are sending. If you are not seeing and are not receiving error messages and the display on channels page is correct the connection is working. Channels which only receive inventory from Beds24:Check if the availability on the channels website is the same as on the CALENDAR page in Beds24. '''Congratulations! You are now receiving on-line bookings.''' New on-line bookings Guests who book directly will be added automatically. You can also enter new bookings manually clicking on "Add Booking" on the BOOKINGS page. = More customisation options=*customise the [[Responsive_Booking_Page|look of your booking page to suit your web site]] in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > BOOKING ENGINE.*customise the [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 {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > ACCOUNT > PREFERENCES. *customise the display of the [[Preferences|control panel]] in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > ACCOUNT > PREFERENCES.
= Other Features and Functions ='''Step 9''' - Download the free Beds24 app(optional)==When you click on FUNCTIONS in SUPPORT Our free App for IOS and Android is there to help you will see links with daily tasks which might need to be done while away from the 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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