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Do the initial Setup

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[[Category:How to]]
[[Category:IntroductionGetting_Started]] ''This page explains how to set up your account''<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= Set Up help =<div class="bluebox">'''You're now only a few steps away from accepting onThis self-line bookings. We recommend setup guide assists you let our [http://wwwthrough your initial setup.beds24.com/wizard/index.php Setup Wizards] guide Beds24 is designed as a self-service system so you through the processcan set up and change all functions yourself at any time.'''
There is context sensitive help throughout our system. If you are stuck, click on the '''?''' <span style="color:#019cde;“ >{{#far:question-circle}} </span> icons. You can also use this [[Main Page|Wiki]] for help.'''
*We provide a range of [[videos|video tutorials]]. There is also a [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxiq-bz-RFGEbM44Yk4SYmGt09UISNzEw&si=kgIZPd_ekiExQGk0 Youtube playlist].*There are recordings of previous [https://wiki.beds24.com/index.php/Webinars webinars] and webinar announcements.*You can let our [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 help you set your account up. Send us a support ticket from the SUPPORT button at the top if you want to book a session.
<span class="" style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> <span style="font-weight: bold;" >Tip</span> Where you see this <span class="" style=color:#008ACC;“>{{#fas:copy}}</span> icon you can click and then copy the value of this setting to other rooms or properties.
</div>
== Properties and Rooms ==
'''Properties''' can be Hotels, Hostels, B&B´s, holiday houses, vacation rentals, apartment houses, camp sites. You can have one properties or multiple properties of different types.
<span class="circle" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} Tip</span> ''Where you see this {{#fas:clone}} icon you 'Rooms''' are a way of splitting your property into separately bookable units. Rooms can click and then copy the value of this setting , but do not need to other , represent ''physical'' rooms . They are a way of splitting up a property into separately bookable sections i.e. bedrooms in a hotel or propertiesB&B, vacation rentals, holiday homes, beds in hostel dormitories, camp sites, houseboats, cabins, tours, classes or cars etc.''
== Terminology =='''Properties''' can be Hotels, Hostels, B&B´s, apartment houses, camp sites, etc. If you rent your property as a whole because it is a vacation rental you will still need one room which is what the system can handle multiple properties of different typesguest books.
A property can have only one room (a vacation rental) or very many a number of different rooms'''room types''' or '''categories''' (a hotel, B&B, hostel, aparthotel).
Each room or room type/category can have ''multiple inventories'Rooms''' can, but do not need to, represent ''physical'' rooms; they are a way of splitting your property into separately bookable units.
These units or "Rooms" could be guest bedrooms, hostel dormitories, individual beds in backpackers, camp sites, houseboats, holiday homes, individual hotel suites, cabins, tours, classes or cars etc. 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 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 Setup =
== '''Step 1''' - General Account Settings ==
Click on ''' {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS''' in the top menu bar. )
*Go to '''ACCOUNT''' and complete your details
*If you want to use a language other than English on your booking page, go to ''' {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS''' -> ''') BOOKING PAGE'''-ENGINE > '''INTERNATIONALIZATION''' and tick the ones you want to use. If you enable more than one language you will see tabs for each language in your descriptions, information on your booking page and notifications. Descriptions have to be entered in each language tab.
<embedvideo service="youtube">https://www= '''Step 2''' - Create properties and rooms==You can import properties and rooms or create them manually.youtube.com/watch?v=2nNidEDdm4w</embedvideo>
<embedvideo service== '''Step 2''' - Property Set UP ==You can import properties or create them manually"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.com_XMLConnect_Airbnb_Account|here]] for instructions.
===Import from Booking.com===
You can [[Booking.com_XMLcom:_Create_and_update_properties_and_rooms_on_Booking.com#Import_Properties_from_Booking_Import_Properties_from_Booking.comcom_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 to ==== '''PROPERTIESStep 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 32''' -Rooms and Offers Create rooms====
If you have *To set rooms up go to '{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > ROOMS . A click on '''EDIT''' will open a listing on Airbnb field where you can import it set the name and create a new property with a new room or add a room in a property you already have in Beds24. Click [[AirBnB.com_XML|here]] for instructionsquantity of "Rooms" of that type available.
*To set If you sell dorms for which you sell individual beds and not private rooms up go please also see how to '''PROPERTIES''' -> '''ROOMS'''. A click on '''EDIT''' will open a field where you can set the name and quantity of "Rooms" of that type available[[Hostel_and_Retreat_Setup|setup dorms]].
Don't forget *Go to '''SAVE'''!{{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > ROOMS > OFFERS and define your offer(s). If you sell dorms for 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 you sell indivudual beds and not private rooms please also see how to [[Hostel_and_Retreat_Setup|setup dorms]]is always displayed.
*Go You have the option to '''PROPERTIES''' -> '''ROOMS''' -> '''OFFERS'''.An offer is the price combined sell a room with certain conditionsdifferent prices eg. Each room/unit has one packages, promotions or more offersdiscounted conditional prices. Each offer can have its own "Offer 1Booking Type" is your standard offer to the guest which is always displayed.
You have the option to sell <span style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}}</span> If you copy a room at up all settings will be automatically applied to the copy. If you want to four link prices between different rooms remove the prices eg. packages, promotions or discounted conditional rates. Each offer can have its own "Booking Type"before you copy the rooms.
If you copy a ==== '''Step 2''' - Customize and add offers (optional)====An '''Offer''' is the price combined with certain conditions. Each room all settings will be automatically applied to the copy/unit has one or more offers. If you want "Offer 1" is your standard offer to link prices between different rooms remove the prices before you copy the roomsguest which is always displayed.
== '''Step 43''' - 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="circle" >{{#fasThis [https:lightbulb}} Tip</span> ''Click on /beds24.com/wizard/wizard3.php setup wizard] guides you though the "Price Check" button on the CALENDAR or SUPPORT page then on "Calculate" to find our why you have not price or how a price is calculated''setup.
<span class="" style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> Note: 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'''- Set up the Channel Manager (optional)==Set up the [[: To add a new rate click on the button Category:Channel_Manager| channel manager]] ADD RATE to synchronise your sales channels.
'''Link a Rate:''' One rate can be used for multiple roomsHere some short example videos. For which room a rate is used is defined in the "Rooms" tab of the rate.detailed instructions see:
'''Copy a Rate*[[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:''' If you want Channel_Manager| List of all channels with link to use the same rate for another room click on SAVE AS A COPYdetailed setup instructions]]
'''Changing Rates and Discounts'''<embedvideo service="youtube">https: 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//youtu.be/_KORtELJyNk</embedvideo>
== '''Combination of Daily Prices and RatesStep 6'''- Enter existing bookings==To avoid double bookings it is advisable to enter the bookings you already have.
It is not necessary *For Booking.com, Airbnb and Expedia we have the option to automatically import all upcoming bookings. We recommend to use both daily prices and rates but a combination of daily prices and rates can this method because for bookings imported directly from Booking.com we will then be used able to fine tune pricing structuresautomatically 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/BOOKING.COM/EXPEDIA.
*For example Daily Prices Other bookings can be used to override the price and conditions of uploaded as a rate for individual dates.*The booking rules for your rates and daily prices will determine which daily price or rate will be usedcsv file from in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES.
== '''Step 5''' - Enter existing Bookings==*To avoid double bookings it is advisable to enter manually add or blocked dates click on the bookings you already havesuitcase icon in the CALENDAR or on "Add Booking" at the top. You have different options:
*For BookingIf you do not need the actual booking you can adjust the availability in the CALENDAR in the row "Inventory".com and Expedia we have the option The number shows rooms remaining to automatically import all upcoming bookingssell. We recommend They can be edited to use this method because for bookings imported directly from Bookingquickly change your availability.com we will then be able Double-click to automatically import open a pop-up and save the changes. (it is only possible to lower the number You can use this function when based on the channel manager is set up but not activated. The button is available value in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS-) PROPERTIES >CHANNEL MANAGER-ROOMS >BOOKING.COM/EXPEDIASETUP "Quantity of this type" and any existing bookings).
*For Airbnb you can use our iCal import == '''Step 7''' - Automate messaging and processes==Go to import upcoming bookings. You can set this up in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS-) >CHANNEL MANAGER-GUEST MANAGEMENT >AIRBNB ICAL. After you have imported bookings you deactivate the iCal and AUTO ACTIONS to *set the XML connection up.messaging templates for automatic and manual sending*automatically perform modifications on bookings based on predefined criteria
*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'' 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 can upload bookings into Beds24 using our API (https://www.beds24.com/api/). Bookings must have 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 in SETTINGS -> ACCOUNT -> ACCOUNT ACCESS*Upcoming bookings from booking.com can be automatically imported. == '''Step 68''' - Connect Payment Processor (optional)==Connect a payment processor to automatically Customize and connect payments in SETTINGS->PAYMENTS->PAYMENT COLLECTION. [[Stripe|Stripe]] is our preferred partner who offers the best functionality.  == '''Step 7''' - Set up the Channel Manager booking engine for commission free direct bookings (optional)==Set up the [[:CategoryGo to {{#fas:Channel_Manager| channel manager]] to synchronise your sales channels. == '''Step 8''' - Use your own E-mail address cog}} (optionalSETTINGS)==Set the system [[Outgoing_Email|use your own Email address for sending]] in SETTINGS->ACCOUNT->OUTGOING EMAIL.  Using your own E-mail address is mandatory if you want to use Auto Actions to automate work flows.  == '''Step 9''' - Check and Customise your Booking Page==Go to SETTINGS->BOOKING PAGEENGINE.
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 10''' - Install your Booking Button, Box, Strip, Calendar or one of our other Booking Widgets ==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 PAGE-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 11''' - 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 SETTINGS->BOOKING PAGE 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 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 SETTINGS->BOOKING PAGE.*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 SETTINGS->ACCOUNT->PREFERENCES. *customise the display of the [[Preferences|control panel]] in SETTINGS->ACCOUNT->PREFERENCES. == Other Features and Functions ==When you click on FUNCTIONS in the top left menu you will see links to the menu pages of key features and functions.
= 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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