As an Airbnb host or vacation rental owner, the last thing you want to happen is to have double bookings. This occurs when two guests book the same dates for your property, leading to the potential for lost revenue and unhappy customers.
Double bookings can be especially frustrating if you use multiple booking channels like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. But fear not; there are ways to reduce the likelihood of this happening. In this article, we’ll share some tips for lowering double bookings on Airbnb and other channels, such as:
Syncing Calendars Across Channels
One of the easiest ways to reduce double bookings is by syncing your calendars across all booking channels. You can use channel manager software like Lodgify, which syncs all your calendars in real time, preventing the possibility of a double booking. This means that when you receive a booking on one channel, the other calendars will automatically update, showing that those dates are no longer available. This way, you don’t have to worry about manually updating each calendar, saving you time and reducing the likelihood of errors.
Setting Minimum Night Stays
Another way to reduce double bookings is by setting minimum night stays. For example, if you only accept bookings for a minimum of two nights, this automatically blocks off your calendar for single-night bookings. This reduces the possibility of a guest booking one night and leaving a gap in your calendar that could lead to a double booking. Setting minimum night stays also allows you to maximize your revenue by ensuring that each booking is for a minimum amount of nights.
Using a Channel Manager
If you’re managing multiple properties across different booking channels, it might be worth investing in a channel manager. This software allows you to manage all your properties and bookings from one central dashboard. You can add new properties, update pricing and availability, and receive bookings all in one place. A channel manager also helps to reduce the risk of double bookings by syncing all your calendars in real time, as mentioned in the first tip.
Blocking Off Dates Manually
If you receive a booking outside of your booking channels, for example, through direct contact with a guest, you’ll need to manually block off those dates on your calendars. This can be done through Airbnb or other booking channel’s calendar functions. It’s essential to do this as soon as possible to reduce the likelihood of another booking coming in for the same dates. If you’re using a channel manager, it’s still a good idea to double-check that the dates are blocked off on all channels.
Using Automated Messaging
Another way to reduce double bookings is by using automated messaging. This allows you to send a message to guests as soon as they book, reminding them to check their dates carefully and confirming that they have secured the correct dates. You can also use automated messaging to send reminders to guests before their arrival to ensure that they have all the information they need. This helps to reduce the likelihood of guests showing up on the wrong dates, which can lead to double bookings.
Keeping Your Calendars Up to Date
Finally, it’s important to keep your calendars up to date. This means updating your calendars as soon as you receive a booking and blocking off dates as soon as you know they’re unavailable. If you have other commitments that take you away from your vacation rental, it’s essential to have someone who can update your calendar for you. You can also use calendar sync software to ensure that your availability is up to date across all channels.
Conclusion
Reducing double bookings on Airbnb and other channels is essential for maximizing your revenue and keeping your guests happy. By syncing your calendars across channels, setting minimum night stays, using a channel manager, and so on, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of double bookings. These tips will help you to run your vacation rental business more efficiently, reduce stress, and keep your guests coming back for more.
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