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Do the initial Setup

6,989 bytes added, 25 April
[[Category:How to]]
'''Properties''' can be Hotels, B&B´s, apartment houses, camp sites, etc. Beds24.com can handle multiple properties of different types. [[Category:Getting_Started]]<div class="heading">Set Up Guide</div>
A property 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 have only one or very many different roomsset up and change all functions yourself at any time.
'''Rooms''' canThere is context sensitive help throughout our system. If you are stuck, but do not need to, represent ''physical'' roomsclick on the <span style="color:#019cde; they are a way of splitting your property into separately bookable units“ >{{#far:question-circle}} </span> icons. You can also use this [[Main Page|Wiki]] for help.
These units or "Rooms" could be guest bedrooms, hostel dormitories, individual beds *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. *The number format in backpackers, camp sites, houseboats, holiday homes, individual hotel suites, cabins, toursthe Control Panel is the English number format, classes or cars etci.e. decimal places are separated by a full stop (not a comma).
<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.
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== 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.
 
'''Rooms''' are a way of splitting your property into separately bookable units. Rooms can, but 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, vacation rentals, holiday homes, beds in hostel dormitories, camp sites, houseboats, cabins, tours, classes or cars 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 guest books.
 
A property can have only one room (a vacation rental) or a number of different '''room types''' or '''categories''' (a hotel, B&B, hostel, aparthotel).
 
Each room or room type/category can have ''multiple inventories'''.
 
=== Multiple Properties or Rooms ===
If you are using the channel manager we advise to set the booking system up as similar as your booking channels. If your lodgings have different hotel/property codes for Booking.com etc. then they must be setup as different properties in Beds24 so you can connect them.
 
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 your rentals have different hotel/property codes for Booking.com etc. then they must be setup as different properties.
 
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)
 
*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 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.
 
== '''Step 2''' - Create properties and rooms==
You can import 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 [[Connect_Airbnb_Account|here]] for instructions.
 
===Import from Booking.com===
You can [[Booking.com:_Import_Properties_from_Booking.com_to_Beds24|import your property from Booking.com to Beds24]].
 
===Manual creation ===
==== '''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
 
[[File:Property_and_Room_Setup.mp4|640px]]
 
==== '''Step 2''' - 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.
 
If you sell dorms for which you sell individual beds and not private rooms please also see how to [[Hostel_and_Retreat_Setup|setup dorms]].
 
*Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > ROOMS > OFFERS and define your offer(s).
An offer is the price combined with certain conditions. Each room/unit has one or more offers. "Offer 1" is your standard offer to the guest which is always displayed.
 
You have the option to sell a room with different prices eg. packages, promotions or discounted conditional prices. 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''' - 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.
'''You're now only a few steps away from accepting on-line bookings. Follow the instructions. You will find context sensitive help throughout our system. If you are stuck, click on the '''?''' icons. You can also use this [[Main Page|Wiki]] for help.'''Beds24 has two types of prices:*Daily Prices (recommended)*Fixed Prices
== '''Step 1''' - Enter your Settings ==Click on '''SETTINGS''' in This [https://beds24.com/wizard/wizard3.php setup wizard] guides you though the top menu barsetup.
*Go <span class="" style="color: #f3e504; font-size: 150%;" >{{#fas:lightbulb}} </span> Click on the "Price Check" button on the CALENDAR or SUPPORT page then on "Calculate" to '''ACCOUNT''' and complete your detailsfind our why you have not price or how a price is calculated.
*If you want to use a language other than English on your booking page, go to '''ACCOUNTDaily Prices (recommended)''' -> '''LANGUAGES''' 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.
*Go Daily Prices are prices for one date. Daily prices are easy to '''PROPERTIES''' -> '''DESCRIPTION''' manage and enter are the name and the currency symbol you want to use*Go to best choice for most customers. '''PROPERTIES''' -> '''ROOMS'''Multiple prices per date can be defined for example for different minimum stays or different offers. A click Please find more information on '''EDIT''' will open a field where you can set the name and quantity of "Rooms" of that type availablehelp page for [https://wiki.beds24.com/index.php/Category:Daily_Prices daily prices].
Don't forget to '''SAVE'''!<embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu.be/E4TYnrHwnDA</embedvideo>
== '''Step 2Fixed Prices''' - Set your Prices ==
===Set a simple rate structure===If you Fixed Prices have a simple pricing (eg: one price per room - not per person, no extras or discounts) go 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.can be found but the room is not fully booked*If you want to grant referrer discounts
===Override Dates===Each date can be set to '''BLACKOUT''' in which case it is not available Please find more information on that date or '''EXCEPTION''' in which case it uses the same booking strategy as the property's exceptional periodhelp page for [https://wiki.beds24.com/index. If no override is set (- - - - -) the booking strategy is as defined for the propertyphp/Category:Fixed_Prices Fixed Prices].
To remove a price set it to 0 (numeral zero)'''Combination of Daily Prices and Fixed Prices'''
The price offered <span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}} </span> If you use Fixed Prices you do not need to set up Daily Prices for every day. If required you can use a Daily Price to adjust the guest will be the lowest from your DAILY PRICES and your RATES which match the requested stay periodprices for an individual date or date range.
===Set a flexible rates and discount structure===To set a flexible structure go *You can use Daily Prices to RATES in override the top menu. Multiple rates and discounts may be defined Fixed Price for each rooma few individual dates. When multiple rates exist for a given date the system default will calculate and offer the lowest price that matches your criteriaIf you often adjust prices use Daily Prices only. *You can override this in the rates settings.add a Gap Filler to fill gaps when using daily prices with minimum stays required
When creating multiple rates you would generally set your highest price to always be available and create discounted price rates for longer stays, specific days of the week or date ranges as you require. This way you can create sophisticated rate models<span style="color:#fe746c;“ >{{#fas:exclamation-triangle}} </span> Rules in Fixed Prices have no effect on daily prices.
== '''Adding Rates and DiscountsStep 4'''- Set up payment collection (optional)==You need to connect a payment processor to automatically [[:Category:Payments|collect payments]] in {{#fas: To add a new rate click on cog}} (SETTINGS) >PAYMENTS > PAYMENT COLLECTION. [[Stripe|Stripe]] is our preferred partner which offers the button ADD RATE best functionality.
== '''Copy a Rate:Step 5''' If you want - Set up the Channel Manager (optional)==Set up the [[:Category: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.
== '''Step 3''' - Add your Bookings ==*[[Airbnb_Mapping| How to connect Airbnb]]To avoid double bookings it is advisable to enter the bookings you already have. In CALENDAR you will find a row INVENTORY*[[Booking. The number shows rooms remaining com:_Synchronise_bookings_prices_availability | How to sellconnect Booking. They can be edited com to quickly change your sync prices and availability. Doubleclick ]]*[[Expedia_Mapping | How to connect Expedia to open a popup sync prices and save the changes.availability]]*[[VRBO_Setup | How to connect to Vrbo]]*[[:Category:Channel_Manager| List of all channels with link to detailed setup instructions]]
'To ''Add Bookings''' click on the person+ icon, fill in the information and SAVE. Your booking has now been entered into the system<embedvideo service="youtube">https://youtu.be/_KORtELJyNk</embedvideo>
== '''Step 46''' - Install your Booking Button, Box, Strip, Calendar or one of our other Booking Widgets Enter existing bookings==Booking widgets connect your website To avoid double bookings it is advisable to your booking page. Beds24 offers you a choice including booking buttons, booking boxes, booking strips, calendars. Click on '''SETTINGS''' -> '''BOOKING WIDGETS'''. Choose the widget you want to use. If required you can customise enter the appearance. If bookings you need help please click on the HELP button on the top rights of the widgets pagealready have.
Copy your widget *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 your websiteautomatically 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. *Other bookings can be uploaded as a .csv file from in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES.  *To install manually add or blocked dates click on the booking widgets suitcase icon in the CALENDAR or on your web site "Add Booking" at the top. *If you will do not need the ability actual booking you can adjust the availability in the CALENDAR in the row "Inventory". The number shows rooms remaining to edit sell. They can be edited to quickly change your availability. Double-click to open a pop-up and save the changes. (it is only possible to lower the HTML number based on the value in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) PROPERTIES > ROOMS > SETUP "Quantity of your pagethis type" and any existing bookings). This may involve knowing  == '''Step 7''' - Automate messaging and processes==Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > GUEST MANAGEMENT > AUTO ACTIONS to *set up messaging templates for automatic and manual sending*automatically perform modifications on bookings based on predefined criteria == '''Step 8''' - Customize and connect the passwords booking engine for your web server commission free direct bookings (optional)==Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) BOOKING ENGINE. You have the option to fully customise the look and the ability to transfer content of your filesbooking page. Your web hosting service should be able For an overview of your options please go to provide information and assist you with this[[Customise Booking Page]].
Setting up Booking widgets connect your Beds24website to your booking page.com account There is free if you do it yourselfa choice including booking buttons, booking boxes, booking strips, calendars. Go to {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > BOOKING ENGINE > BOOKING WIDGETS. We can do Choose the setup for widget you for a small one off fee starting from €19want to use. Technical support for If required you or your web designer to integrate can customise the availability calendars and booking widgets into your website is freeappearance. Upon request we can do this for If you as well. Please contact clicking need help please click on the HELP button on SUPPORT in the top menurights of the widgets page.
== '''Step 5''' - Do some test bookings Copy your widget to check everything is workingyour 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. ==
'''Congratulations! You are now receiving on-line bookings.''' New on-line bookings Guests who book directly will be added automatically. You receive a [:category:Confirmation_Messages|confirmation message]] which you can also enter new bookings manuallycustomise the [ in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > GUEST MANAGEMENT > CONFIRMATION MESSAGES.
== '''CustomiseStep 9''' - Download the free Beds24 app(optional)==You have the option Our free App for IOS and Android is there to help you with daily tasks which might need to fully customise be done while away from the look and the content of your booking pagedesk. For an overview on your options please go to [Customise Booking Page[Mobile_App_Android_and_IOS|More information about the app]].
If you want to set refined '''Refined Settings''' like = More functions and options=*Customise the display of the [[Properties/Booking Rules:category:Calendar|Booking Rulescontrol panel CALENDAR]], page in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > ACCOUNT > PREFERENCES. *Customise the display of the [[Properties/Discount CodesPreferences|Discount Codescontrol panel]], [[Properties/Upsell Items|Upsell Items]], use deposit collection through [[Properties/Deposit_Collection]] collect [[Properties/Credit Card|Credit Card ]], [[Rooms/Setup|Room Dependencies]] choose from in {{#fas:cog}} (SETTINGS) > ACCOUNT > PREFERENCES.*When you click on FUNCTIONS in SUPPORT you will see links to the menu on pages of key features and functions or check the leftstart page of this support wiki.

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