Best Channel Manager in 2020
BEST CHANNEL MANAGER IN 2020
CHECK OUT WHAT ARE THE BEST CHANNEL MANAGERS IN 2020
Finding the right one channel manager It is not an easy task for your business given the huge number of products you can find in the current market. Understandably, there are so many channel managers and PMS system which you can find because anyone who manages more than two accommodation units on two or more channels will eventually feel the need to help with the day-to-day tasks that this type of business requires.
A true channel manager is definitely becoming a key resource for renters who want to stay relevant and compete in today’s market.
For those who aren’t too familiar with channel management and PMS systems, here’s a brief explanation. Channel Manager is software for effective sales management on many online distribution channels. This task is especially demanding for larger hotels and multi-properties with hundreds of rooms. The tool eliminates the need to manually change availability and stock prices on all portals - updates are made instantly and automatically everywhere. This is the most important feature of any channel manager, but there are so many other things to consider when trying to find the right one for your business.
Some of the most important criteria are the following:
Channel Manager system users are better ranked on booking portals such as Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, Homeaway,…
CONNECTION
You definitely want a Channel Manager that has many OTAs available for connectivity, and it is especially important to have the main ones (Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, Homeaway, ..)
USER SUPPORT
Implementing Channel Manager can be a difficult task if you are left to your own devices. So try to find one that has a support team that is always available and ready to help.
CHANNEL MANAGER FUNCTIONALITY
If you are an expert, you will surely look for a more sophisticated tool that can help you stay ahead of the competition. There are many Channel Managers that are the perfect tool for small private owners who have basic functionality and that’s perfectly fine, but anyone who is a professional in this business needs Channel Managers with more advanced features.
BASIC FUNCTIONALITIES
The basics of Channel Manager functionality are primarily calendar synchronization and busy. Without this part, no tool can be considered a Channel Manager.
We don't mean that iCal links, but every Channel Manager must have official links to the largest booking portals such as: Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, HomeAway.
In addition to calendar changes and occupancy, the basic function of the tool should certainly be the ability to change prices with the ability to manage price differences from portal to portal.
This means that if you want to earn € 100 for a certain day, Channel Manager must be able to send a different price to each portal depending on their percentage and business model.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONALITIES
A very large range of functionalist, we can consider under the advanced functions of Channel Manager. Some Channel Managers have the ability to modify images and descriptions, some the ability to create multiple price lists (especially popular for hotel systems).
Then from the advanced functions we can single out automatic pricing, automatic generating email answers to guests, invoicing, down payment, synchronization with your website.
So, when choosing a Channel Manager for yourself, be sure to pay attention to what Channel Manager has to offer and actually what you need in business. Keep in mind that as much as Channel Manager-and you are looking for, you will have to pay attention to several things, to make everything work properly. In addition, you will need to adjust the system and data at least once a year.
However, all these functionalities help you to be much more efficient and professional, and to work with minimal errors during the season.
PRICE OF CHANNEL MANAGER
Price is always an important criterion. Some Channel Managers have a fairly flexible determination model price so keep that in mind when looking for the right channel manager.
However, two basic Channel Manaager billing models have emerged in the market:
- Percentage of received reservations (Maximum percentage: about 3%)
- Fixed monthly amount per number of apartments (Maximum price around 10 € / month for 1 apartment)
Above these prices, you should not pay more, and you can count on these prices when you do the cost-effectiveness calculation of your Channel Manager.
Of course, the model is your choice because it depends on your capabilities and business model. Be sure to ask your Channel Manager about both options when making your selection, and make a decision based on which model you want to work with.
CONNECTION TO SMART LOCKS
In recent times more and more, today's guests are looking for flexible check in. Slowly but surely, smart locks they are slowly entering everyday use.
The ability of the Channel Manager to generate an automatic PIN for the reservation and to send it to the guest himself is something that significantly elevates you above the others. Such systems are in principle extremely profitable, because already in the first season they generate more arrivals, more overnight stays and thus your income increases.
When choosing a Channel manager, be sure to pay attention to whether there is integration with smart locks and what kind. How many such installations do they have? Check with existing users if everything is OK and if they really have a quality and reliable system.
Let’s check out some of the best Channel Managers and PMS currently available and what their basic features are.
PMS connectivity Google Analytics integration
Supports multiple currencies Inventory management
Two - way integrations Unlimited channels
Multilingualism Centralized user and role management
Bulk update Self-mapping channel
Derived price lists Yield rules
Channel Analytics CRM system
PMS connectivity Built-in accounting
Reservation management Payment processing
Availability by price type Automatic channel update
Booking engine | PMS interface
Increase / decrease rate per channel Prices by type of exchange rate
Prices by room type Sales / availability overview
Booking information is available for any channel
PMS connectivity Analytical dashboard
Multi - currency support Inventory management
Two - way real - time integrations Multilingualism
Official API Links Multilingualism Portal for owners
Increase / decrease rate per channel PMS interface
Booking engine | Booking information is available for any channel
Analytical control panel Advanced invoicing system
Payment processing Mobile application | Guest portal
Whichever Channel Manager you choose, your life will be greatly facilitated.
Below are the biggest changes you can expect in your business by choosing any of these Channel Managers.
One application for all OTA and other channels, which saves a lot of time.
Stock and pricing information is always updated with a single click on all platforms, and excessive posting is eliminated.
Guest personal data is automatically added to the PMS.
Much less likely for human error thanks to automation.
Anyway, good luck in finding the best Channel Manager. We hope this helps you.
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