| Table of Contents | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Objective
The purpose of this document is provide a high-level overview of the commonalities, and differences, between configuring channels with the new Boost interface.
What Gets Configured
All configurations are done on a channel-by-channel basis. That means things like fees, taxes, and amenities will have to be setup for each channel (i.e. if you are distributing to 3 channels, you will map amenities 3 times). When making configurations changes, you are only impacting one channel at a time.
How To Get Started
Check out this How to Get Started document for an introduction, and some general information about the new Boost interface.
Once logged in, select your channel:
Channel-By-Channel Configurations
For each channel you will see a common set of tabs that need to be configured on the left hand side of the page. In the upper left corner you will see what channel you are currently configuring.
Channel specific Settings will include things like Merchant Name, Accepted Payment Types, Booking Policy’s, etc.
Payment Schedule
HomeToGo and VRBO are the only channels that permit a customized payment schedule
There is a maximum of 5 payment selections, i.e. 25% at time of booking, 25% 60 days prior to arrival, 25% 30 days prior to arrival, 25% 7 days prior to arrival
More common choices are 50% at time of booking, 25% 30 days prior, 25% at check in
A client may also set up an individual payment plan at the listing level vs at the channel setting level
These Fee Mapping, Tax Mapping, and Amenity articles will further outline some of the considerations for completing those configurations.
Fee, Tax, and Amenity mappings will be done at a global level, meaning these are settings that impact all listings distributed on that channel. Some settings like booking policies, content, and price modifications can be modified under the Listings tab for individual, or groups, of units. This article here will outline more information about these sorts of bulk configuration settings.
Best Practices for Channel Configuration
Booking Lead Time (Booking Lead Time Hours)
This setting will only be needed if you are trying to override what you have set in your PMS. If no value is set, Boost will default to the booking lead time pulling from your PMS.
In order to accept bookings in Boost - Boost must be set EQUAL or MORE RESTRICTIVE than your PMS
If Boost is set as LESS RESTRICTIVE, this can cause bookings to fail
For example if you have your Boost settings set at 2 days notice and your PMS is set for 3 days notice, this may cause a booking failure.
NOTE: For clients using rate management platforms such as RevMax or Beyond Pricing, please note that your booking lead time settings will override your PMS settings