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How to Manage Bookings

Master the art of vacation rental booking management with TrueBookings. Learn to handle reservations, guest communication, and maximize your rental income.

1

Access Your Booking Dashboard

Your booking management starts in the admin dashboard:

  • Log in to your TrueBookings admin panel
  • Click on the "Bookings" tab to see all your bookings
  • View booking details including guest info, dates, and payment status
  • See booking status: confirmed, checkin, checkout, completed, or cancelled
  • View how much you'll earn from each booking
2

View Your Bookings

All bookings are automatically confirmed when guests complete payment:

  • Automatic Confirmation: Bookings are automatically confirmed when payment is successful - no approval needed
  • View Booking Details: See guest information, check-in/check-out dates, number of guests, and total amount
  • Check-in Management: Mark bookings as checked in when guests arrive
  • Check-out Management: Mark bookings as checked out when guests leave
  • Complete Bookings: Finalize completed stays
  • Cancel Bookings: Cancel bookings if needed (guests will be refunded according to your cancellation policy)
3

Use the Messages Tab

Communicate with guests using the Messages tab:

  • View Conversations: See all guest messages in one place
  • Reply to Guests: Answer questions about your property
  • Check-in Instructions: Provide detailed check-in information (key location, access codes, parking details)
  • House Rules: Share property rules and guidelines with guests
  • Local Recommendations: Suggest nearby restaurants, attractions, and services
  • Handle Issues: Address any concerns or special requests
4

Guest Communication Best Practices

Effective communication builds trust and reduces problems:

  • Quick Response: Respond to inquiries within 2-4 hours
  • Professional Tone: Be friendly but professional in all communications
  • Clear Instructions: Provide detailed check-in instructions and house rules
  • Local Recommendations: Share local attractions, restaurants, and activities
  • Emergency Contact: Provide your contact information for urgent matters
5

Pre-Arrival Preparation

Prepare for guest arrivals to ensure smooth check-ins:

  • Property Inspection: Check that everything is clean and in working order
  • Welcome Message: Send a personalized welcome message 24-48 hours before arrival
  • Check-in Instructions: Provide clear directions, key codes, or meeting instructions
  • Emergency Information: Share local emergency contacts and your availability
  • House Rules Reminder: Gently remind guests of important rules
6

During Guest Stay

Maintain good relationships while guests are staying:

  • Check-in Follow-up: Ensure guests arrived safely and everything is satisfactory
  • Be Available: Respond quickly to any questions or issues
  • Respect Privacy: Don't intrude unless there's an emergency
  • Problem Resolution: Address any issues immediately and professionally
  • Local Tips: Offer additional recommendations if guests ask
7

Post-Checkout Management

Complete the guest experience after checkout:

  • Thank You Message: Send a personalized thank you message
  • Review Request: Politely ask for a review if the stay went well
  • Damage Assessment: Check for any damage and address with guest if needed
  • Security Deposit: Process any security deposit refunds promptly
  • Future Bookings: Invite satisfied guests to book again

💡 Pro Tip: Quick Responses

Use the Messages tab to quickly respond to guest inquiries. Keep common responses ready (like check-in instructions, house rules, and local recommendations) to copy and paste for faster communication.

8

Handle Cancellations and Refunds

Manage cancellations professionally and fairly:

  • Review Policy: Understand your cancellation policy and communicate it clearly
  • Clear Communication: Explain your cancellation policy clearly to guests
  • Document Everything: Keep records of all cancellation communications
  • Professional Response: Handle cancellations professionally and promptly
  • Re-booking Assistance: Help guests find alternative dates when possible
9

Monitor Your Bookings

Track your booking management:

  • Booking Status: Monitor all bookings and their current status
  • Guest Communication: Track your response times to guest messages
  • Booking Volume: Keep track of how many bookings you receive
  • Guest Information: View guest details including number of adults, children, infants, and pets
  • Special Requests: Review any special requests from guests