- What is a holiday let channel manager?
- A channel manager connects your holiday let to multiple booking platforms - like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo - from a single dashboard. When a booking comes in on one platform, your availability is automatically updated across all the others, preventing double bookings.
- What's the difference between a full sync and an iCal connection?
- A full sync connection shares availability, pricing, property content, and booking data directly between Bookster and the channel in real time. An iCal connection syncs availability only, with a short delay. Where available, full sync is recommended - it gives you more control and faster updates.
- Will the Channel Manager prevent double bookings across Airbnb, Booking.com and other OTAs, and keep prices/availability fully in sync?
- No system is perfect, and no matter what any salesperson says, there is always risk of double booking.
However, the risk of double booking is greatly reduced when using a Channel Manager, particularly using a connection with 'two way synchronisation' (also known as 'Direct Connection').
This connection is least risky, as the Channel pushes the booking information to the Channel Manager almost instantly when a booking is made, and the Channel Manager then pushes these blocked dates to the other Channels.
- Does it cost extra to list on marketing channels?
- Bookster charges a fee based on the booking value on both 'Full Sync' and 'Partial Sync' marketing channels while 'Availability Sync' channels are free to use.
- Do you integrate with any other channel managers?
- Bookster integrates with Rentals United - so you can list on their range of niche and specialist marketing channels.
- Is there an additional cost to list on Rentals United channels?
- Bookster will charge a fee as usual. Rentals United also charges for the use of their service. Please visit www.rentalsunited.com for up to date pricing.
- Will I get double bookings if I list on multiple channels?
- Not if your channels are connected through Bookster. When a booking is confirmed on any channel, Bookster immediately blocks those dates everywhere else. This is the core reason most hosts use a channel manager once they're listed on more than one platform.
- Do I need a channel manager if I'm only on Airbnb?
- If you're only on one platform, a channel manager is less critical but most hosts find they want to diversify over time. Starting with a channel manager in place means you can add new channels instantly without any risk of double bookings or manual calendar management.
Also, your own website is a 'Channel' so having a Channel Manager will avoid double bookings when guests book though your own website.
- Can I set different prices on different channels?
- Yes. Bookster lets you publish pricing to channels that support it, and you can apply adjustments by channel. This means you can account for commission differences or run channel-specific promotions without affecting your base rates elsewhere.
- How long does it take to connect a channel?
- For full sync channels, setup typically takes a few minutes once you have your account credentials for the relevant platform. iCal connections are near-instant.
For at least your first direct connection Bookster's onboarding team will guide you through the connection step by step.
- Is a channel manager suitable for a single property, or just agencies?
- Bookster works for individual owners with a single property as well as agencies managing large portfolios. If you're listed on more than one platform (or plan to be) a channel manager saves time and removes the risk of manual errors regardless of how many properties you have.
