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A channel manager is software that creates a connection between online booking platforms such as Bedandbreakfast.eu, Bedandbreakfast.nl, Booking.com, Expedia, Trivago, HRS, Airbnb, etc. Your own hotel website can also be linked. A channel manager allows you to synchronize all incoming bookings across these platforms. So, regardless of where a room is reserved, it is directly blocked on all other platforms. How such software works and what the possibilities and benefits are for you, you can read in this article.
- How does a channel manager work?
- Every hotel needs a channel manager
- Channel manager for a B&B?
- What channel managers are there?
- What does a channel manager cost?
- Try a free channel manager
How does a channel manager work?
A tool that should not be missing at a hotel, regardless of the number of rooms or apartments. Even B&Bs benefit from it, as it rarely happens (and is not advisable) that you are only bookable through one channel. You need to link each booking provider to your channel manager once, and then all reservations are synchronized. This prevents double bookings, as fully booked rooms will automatically be blocked on all external providers. But also think about rates and packages. A good channel manager allows you to manage everything through one overview and not have to log in separately for each provider.
Every hotel needs a channel manager!
The old stamp, a saying we still encounter occasionally. It works fine, and you don't feel like a channel manager. Yet the chance is very high that you are using a "type" of channel manager, whether self-made or perhaps in Excel or even with pen and paper. You need an overview of bookings for your bookkeeping, and you also want to know the availability for yourself. Of course, you are prepared for the arrival of your guests. And you can't do that without an agenda. The visual layer of a channel manager is actually nothing more than such an agenda with all your bookings. But then streamlined to your workflow and underlying connections with all your booking platforms. The necessary administrative exports and calculations. The idea that you lose control or that a channel manager is cumbersome almost always disappears once you work with it for a while. Give it a try!
Channel manager for a B&B?
Certainly, in our opinion, yes. Although manually updating incoming bookings is somewhat less time-consuming when dealing with just one or a few providers. But a double booking can't always be completely ruled out if you update it manually (due to time differences between the booking and your manual update with other channels). In addition, a channel manager can also enable you to try out some extra booking providers. Handy, as this expands your reach and you might use providers that charge a lower commission percentage. Once linked, you don't have to worry about it anymore.
What channel managers are there?
The supply is growing, and that can make the choice difficult. However, a few tips on what you can pay attention to when making the right choice. Firstly, look at what type of customers a channel manager caters to. Software for large hotels is often more expensive and too complex. As a B&B, you don’t deal with separate levels for the technical department, cleaning crew, and reception. On the other hand, a larger hotel wants management authorization to see certain data that others have nothing to do with. There are often some references to find or this can be deduced from the text regarding what segment the provider targets. Another important aspect, in our opinion, is support. Some providers do not offer unlimited support, work solely through contracts or hourly rates, or are unavailable on weekends. It is important to inquire about what the contact options are during and outside office hours. Your hotel runs 24/7! Lastly, user-friendliness is also an important aspect. It is advisable to first test for a month for free. It's a waste to pay setup costs and a subscription while it turns out to be unsatisfactory after a while. More and more channel managers offer a free trial so you can get used to it and see if it suits you.
What does a channel manager cost?
Our opinion is that every hotelier, regardless of the number of apartments or rooms, should be able to use a channel manager. An affordable price for software that can help you move forward. Be careful of the pitfalls when searching. Look for potential extra fees for support, one-time setup costs, and additional charges for connections with channels. At MyTourist, we aim to make this as clear as possible: you pay a fixed and attractive monthly fee per room per month. All-inclusive, without pitfalls and an unlimited number of channels with extensive and rapid support. Experience it for free and sign up for a trial month. Or contact us if you prefer a personal presentation, where we would of course be happy to brainstorm with you.
Try a free channel manager
Curious about the possibilities, functioning, and benefits of a channel manager? Try the MyTourist Channel Manager for free and without obligation. Equipped with all the personal support you need and possibly a free tour of the possibilities. Get acquainted with the simplicity and power of an accessible system for your accommodation.
