5 Reasons Why You Should Invest in a Channel Manager
Hotel channel management software plays an important role in efficiently allocating rates and inventory on multiple OTAs. From beginning to end, the entire process helps properties maximize bookings and ultimately increase revenue. If your property is listed on several OTAs, investing in a channel management software is key to easily distributing inventory and rates on several different sites. But beyond increased bookings, a channel manager can bring a multitude of other benefits, which we have listed below.
#1 Increase visibility
While we don’t suggest putting “all your eggs in one basket” we do operate under the belief that in addition to your direct channels, presence on several OTAs will help to increase your visibility. With a channel manager, you can connect to as many OTAs as you feel are necessary. With rezStream’s Channel Manager connection, you have the ability to connect with over 80 OTAs! Attract potential guests from a broader cross segment of searchers by trying different types of OTAs.
#2 Real-time inventory updates
Never miss an opportunity again, to book a room. Going beyond what a channel manager does for time management, you are also no longer faced with manually updating your inventory on OTAs in real-time. When a room is booked, your inventory is automatically updated across your distribution network and your own website.
#3 No more overbookings!
Effectively prevent overbookings or double bookings when using a channel manager that is connected to your reservation software. A simple manual error can put your business at risk with the mistake of overbooking. By automating your rates and inventory in real-time, a channel manager connection eliminates this potential risk to your business and improves your guests’ overall experience.
#4 Improve efficiencies
With a channel manager, gone are the days of manually entering inventory and rates across your OTAs. Automation allows for a higher level of operational efficiency and rids you of the risk for manual errors and overbookings – freeing up you and your staff’s time to focus on other important tasks.
#5 Seamless PMS integration
The key to running a highly effective and profitable property is the power of connecting a channel manager and a cloud-based property management system. With a cloud-based PMS, like rezStream Cloud, you have a fully-integrated channel management system to effectively manage your rates and inventory.
What to look for when selecting a channel manager
When choosing a channel manager there are several things to look for:
- The number of channels – the more channels you can connect to the more markets you can tap into. Plus, more channel options you have, the better you can choose what’s right for you.
- Accurate reporting – the right channel manager will allow you to easily track and measure the results from each sales channel. This information allows you to see where you are having the most success and where you might need to pull back.
- Customer support – Make sure your property management provider offers excellent support and training to onboard you to your channel manager and help you learn the system and use it to the best of your ability.
- Connection to the cloud – ensure your channel manager offers a connection to a cloud-based reservation software.
rezStream cloud-based PMS with channel manager connection
Our channel manager connection gives you access to over 80 OTA channels! Manage your channels from your reservation software to eliminate the need for you to log into your OTA’s extranet. A good system will give you the flexibility to automatically update rates, update availability, apply minimum night stays, and efficiently open and close inventory. Plus, with many helpful resources, including a support team that is here for you around the clock, rezStream’s cloud-based reservation software is your best choice!
To learn more about how rezStream’s cloud-based reservation software can help your property, request a FREE trial today!