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.
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 incoming bookings
- View booking details including guest info, dates, and payment status
- See how much you'll earn from each booking (Host gets amount)
Use the Messages Tab
Communicate with guests using the Messages tab (since there are no dedicated input fields for check-in instructions in settings):
- 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
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
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
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
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.
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
Monitor Your Performance
Track your booking management success:
- Booking Trends: Monitor when you receive the most bookings
- Guest Communication: Track your response times to guest messages
- Revenue Tracking: Use the Payouts tab to monitor your earnings
- Booking Volume: Keep track of how many bookings you receive
- Guest Satisfaction: Monitor guest feedback through messages
Ready to Start Managing Bookings?
Join thousands of hosts who trust TrueBookings to manage their vacation rental business.
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