Using a Channel Manager for Your Vacation Rentals
Are you a vacation rental owner, or property manager? If so, learning about
channel management could help simplify your day to day responsibilities.
Previously, channel managers were often associated with hotels. Yet, today
that’s no longer the case. Vacation rental managers are exploring the benefits
of having a channel manager.
What does a channel manager do?
Channel managers keep vacation rental information updated across all channels. In this way, the daily operations of managing a rental or multiple rentals for the property owner, becomes easier.
Traditionally, hotels would use channel managers to list their inventory of rooms with Online Travel Agencies (OTAs). And they would continually update the hotel’s room availability. So, when a guest booked a hotel room through Expedia, the availability across all other channels such as Priceline, and Booking.com, would also have to be updated.
As I’ve discussed in other articles, keeping an accurate calendar for your vacation rentals is critically important. This step alone can help widen your sales funnel, thereby giving your rental more opportunities to get booked.
How does a channel manager work?
Essentially, a channel manager sets up, maintains, and updates your vacation rental listings in a property management software (PMS). The software enables your listings to be visible on several online channels. Using this software also let’s you update pricing in one place, so that information is consistent across all channels. The same is true for setting your availability, adding new pictures, and updating property descriptions. One of the biggest benefits to using a channel manager is achieving more bookings with less work.
When guests book your vacation rental through one of your channels, the booking itself takes place on the vacation rental platform. Then, when you log into your property management software, you’ll find all reservations in one place.
How to find a good channel manager
When seeking out a good channel manager look for ones that offer more than just calendar syncing. Here are some helpful tips while doing your research.
Number of channels.
In the case of channels, having more is better. But, rather than using only the big vacation rental listing sites, use some other niche sites to expand your reach.
Training and customer support.
Working with a channel manager reduces much of the legwork involved in vacation renting. But there should also be additional services offered when you have questions or need further clarification on a topic.
Consistent revenue.
Working with a channel manager should improve your bookings. If you aren’t hitting your desired numbers, consider selecting a different channel manager.
Direct integrations.
Channel managers add lots of value in the area of verified APIs, which are referred to as “direct integrations.” APIs are important because they allow for better software communication. Ask potential channel managers if they offer this feature.
Should I use a channel manager for my vacation rentals?
If you are looking for ways to save time and increase your bookings, then a channel manager could be what you need. Having the ability to list your properties on multiple channels, update your rates and availability in one place, can be a huge benefit. Particularly if you’re doing all the work yourself and feel overwhelmed. If you go this route, remember that channel management typically means instant booking, similar to a hotel. So, if you’re okay with that, contact a few companies to see if a channel manager is right for you.
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Ryan Gravel
Ryan Gravel is an American real estate broker and developer. He began his career at a young
age working for his family owned construction company.
After graduating college at the University of Central Florida with a degree in business,
Ryan set out to find untapped prolific markets around the world. His search landed him in
Playa del Carmen, Mexico where he founded Virgin Realty Mexico and co-founded the Saatal
Development Group one of the fastest growing development companies in the Riviera Maya.
With extensive market knowledge, professionalism, etiquette, innovation and integrity Ryan
is known as one of the most highly respected real estate advisors in the region.
