How does the Payment Gateway credit card facility work? (for owners/managers)

This article is for: Managers

*** NOTE: The Payment Gateway is currently only available for Bookabach NZ owners/managers ***

Click here for general information about the Payment Gateway.  This help article describes the specific details of how the Payment Gateway works.

Once you’ve opted into the Payment Gateway, your listing will display the Safepay credit card payment icon.  You receive a booking request (or Question which you convert to a booking) as usual.  When you Accept the booking, credit card payment instructions are automatically included in the footer of your acceptance email.  Renters can also make a credit card payment by going to the “Bookings” page of their “My Bookabach” account.  The booking status is automatically updated to “Confirmed” when the initial credit card payment (deposit) has been made.

We’ll let you know by email when payments are received, and automatically record the payments against the booking.  You can view your funds held in Trust by going to Payments > Trust Account.  These funds become available to you for draw down 48 hours after the stay has completed, and this is to allow for bank processing and any last-minute changes to the booking.

Once you’ve given us draw-down instructions, you can choose to have the whole draw-down process happen automatically as and when funds become available.  Plus, if you manage multiple properties you can define different draw-down accounts on different properties and have us disperse funds on your behalf.

You can disable the Payment Gateway on a “per property” or “per booking” basis, if you would prefer people to use Internet Banking (domestic residents). 
To disable the facility on a property, go to Property Settings > Preferences. 
To disable on a booking, un-tick the credit card payment check-box in the opened booking.

I want to use the Payment Gateway but it says I don’t qualify. Why?

This article is for: Managers

The following qualification criteria applies for using the Payment Gateway credit card facility:

1) You must have your Rental Terms defined in the Bookabach system. Without these we don’t know anything about your Payment Terms (what amounts to expect and when to expect them) or your Cancellation Terms (what to charge and what to refund at any point in time). To correct this problem set-up your Rental Terms on Bookabach.

2) Your Rental Terms must be validated, workable and reasonable.  It’s not acceptable, for example, to expect 100% up front and charge 100% on cancellation.  To correct this problem review your Rental Terms.

3) You must have been using Bookabach for 60-days or longer*.

4) You must have three (3) or more positive feedbacks from rental transactions*.

5) You must have a 90% or better positive feedback rate*.

This qualification criteria helps us manage the risk of potential fraudulent use of the facility.

*THESE APPLY AS OF 15-JAN-2013

How do Bookabach Gift Vouchers work? (for owners/managers)

This article is for: Managers

Bookabach Gift Vouchers provide a way to pre-purchase accommodation on Bookabach (not currently available on Bookastay Australia or Pacifica websites).  Vouchers are paid for by credit card and the voucher is sent by email as a PDF attachment.

- Guests redeem their Gift Voucher online (via the “Bookings” page of their “My Bookabach” account) once they have an Accepted/Confirmed booking with associated charges.  This means that in order to accept funds via a Gift Voucher you must: a) Have Accepted their booking; and b) Have indicated a total charge (by converting a quote to a charge or overriding the quote and indicating an amount).

- Payment by Voucher automatically Confirms the booking.  You’ll receive an email indicating that a voucher has been redeemed on the booking.

- The funds associated with the voucher payment are held in the Bookabach (safepay) Commercial Trust Account. Funds can be viewed online at Payments > Trust Account* and are available for drawdown 48hrs after a stay has completed.

To enable us to transfer the payment from our Trust Account after drawdown, please enter your bank account details by going to My Settings > Bank accounts.

Your standard terms of trade (Rental Terms) apply as they relate to cancellation charges. There are no costs associated with accepting Gift Vouchers.

* You must have Quotations and Payment Tracking enabled to view your Trust Account transactions. See this help article for more info.

How can I offer AA Smartfuel discounts on my listing?

This article is for: Managers

Bookabach provides AA Smartfuel discounts as an additional marketing incentive on the Top-500 Performing Properties.  The Top-500 Performing Properties are automatically determined each week.  They are the top Performance Plan listed properties with the highest success fee spend over the past 12-months.

There is no charge to you, the owner or manager, if your property is shown offering AA Smartfuel (we pay the associated marketing costs). Offering this additional incentive on your listing is our way of saying thanks - and congratulations on having a Top-500 Performing Property!

To determine whether you have a Top-500 Performing Property go to Listing > Listing Performance.

I manage multiple properties.  How do I order a printed sign for each property?

This article is for: Managers

Every printed sign displays a unique website link (URL) to your Bookabach listing.  If you have a number of bach listings with Bookabach it is important that each sign is customised for the appropriate bach.  To order a sign for each of your properties:

1. Go to http://manage.bookabach.co.nz, log in and go to the Resources page (Manage > Resources).
2. Select the bach you want the sign for from the “Select bach” box.
3. Follow the link to order your sign.  This will take you to the Sabre Signs website where your order will be taken.
4. To order a sign for a different bach, return to the Resources page, select another bach and repeat step three.

This will ensure you receive the correct printed customised signage for each property.

Can I change from one plan to another after I’ve registered?

This article is for: Managers

Yes, you can move from one plan to another at any time.

If you are moving from the Subscription Plan to the Performance Plan, the remaining value of your subscription will be credited to your Bookabach account. You will need to pay any additional amount required to bring your account to the minimum start-up credit. Note that you will not be charged success fees on bookings you’ve received prior to moving to the Performance Plan.

If you choose to move from the Performance Plan to the Subscription Plan you will need to purchase a new 1-year subscription and pay any additional amount required for this. Note that you are obligated to pay the success fees associated with any Performance Plan bookings you have received up until your move to a different plan since you received the marketing benefits while on this plan that led to you receiving these bookings.

To change from one plan to another:

1)  Go to http://manage.bookabach.co.nz and log in
2)  Go to My Account > Properties, expand the Property you want to change (by clicking the green arrow).
3)  Click the “Change Plan” link. 
4)  Select the new plan, then follow the prompts from there.
-OR-
Go to Property Settings and follow steps 3 and 4 above.

How can I integrate Bookabach/Bookastay into my website?

This article is for: Managers

Bookabach provides both Widgets and an API for integration.  Refer to:

Article: Got a website? Use our web-widgets

Article: Property Managers: Use our API

How does Bookastay/Bookabach order (rank) properties on the website?

This article is for: Managers

The default order (or ranking) of listings on any page is dictated by a property score calculated using a number of factors:

1) Rental contact’s feedback: One point is awarded for each item of positive feedback received related to the management of this property over the past 24 months

2) Loyalty: Two points are awarded for each year the property has been actively listed.

3) Success fee: Available only on Performance Plan listings: One point is awarded for every 20c over the base-level success fee rate.

4) Checklist complete: 20 points are awarded if the Dashboard page Checklist related to the property and rental contact is complete.

Properties are ranked by score in descending order (highest scoring first).  If multiple properties have the same score, the oldest listing appears first.

To view your property score and ranking go to Listing > Listing Performance.  NOTE: We reserve the right to add criteria and modify this ranking calculation over time and without notice.

I own or manage apartments.  Can I list my properties on Bookastay/Bookabach?

This article is for: Managers

Bookabach has been specifically designed for renters to view and request a booking for independent holiday houses and holiday homes, i.e. for a common-occupancy dwelling, and not to promote a branded total complex.  As such, our reservation engine currently lacks the ability to offer multiple room inventory within a single listing.

We do support Apartment and Flat/Duplex as an accommodation category, but if you choose to list under this category we require a single listing per apartment (in order to show accurate availability and tariff information), even if the property descriptions and photographs are identical.

How do I order a printed sign for my bach?

This article is for: Managers

Printed signs are a great way to promote your bach to foot- and road traffic and encourages renters to choose your place next time they’re in the area.

We have entered into a supply agreement with Sabre Signs (Christchurch).  The signs are custom printed in colour on 420x300mm durable Forex plastic (3mm) and include the custom link to your bach listing on the website.

To order a sign:

1. Go to http://manage.bookabach.co.nz and log in.
2. Go to Resources.
3. Click the “Order a sign” button in the “Order a sign for your bach” area.

Signs cost $19.99 (incl. packing and shipping) and are typically delivered within a week.

If you have an order enquiry, or need to follow up regarding a sign shipment, please contact Sabre Signs directly on 0800 722 737.

What are the key differences between the Performance Plan & Subscription Plan products?

This article is for: Managers

The Performance Plan is a pay-on-success based service. So you pay for confirmed rental bookings that go ahead - and only after the stay has completed.  Additionally, the Performance Plan allows you to increase your exposure by nominating higher than base-level success fees. When you nominate a higher success fee this contributes to your “score” which dictates your “ranking” on Bookabach - where your property appears on the search results pages[1].

The alternative Subscription Plan is an annual subscription-based service where you pay a fixed fee for listing on the website. There are are some differences in the listing itself, for example, the Performance Plan listings are featured listings and are eligible to offer AA Smartfuel incentives for rental guests (conditions apply).

Also, there are some difference in how properties are marketed.  Performance plan listings:
* are shown on affiliated websites (channels)
* are featured randomly on the Bookabach home page
* are featured randomly in deals newsletters
* are used in any other push marketing campaign opportunities

Notes:
[1] Other factors effect your ranking including quantity/quality of member feedback.

Why do you charge an activation deposit to list on Performance Plan? How is this deposit used?

This article is for: Managers

Bookabach operates a credit/debit account for each member. When you list a property on Performance Plan we charge a deposit in order to get your listing up and running. This deposit is non refundable. It becomes a credit in your Bookabach account to be used against future success fee payments. You will not need to top-up your account until this deposit runs out.

Asking for a deposit prevents people (mainly software and web developers) from playing with the website and adding bogus listings. It also creates a sufficient barrier to entry to ensure that someone who is listing takes enough time to create a viable listing - one that’s capable of attracting enough interest to perform well.

I operate a Bed and Breakfast. Can I list on Bookastay/Bookabach?

This article is for: Managers

While historically Bookabach NZ had supported Bed and Breakfast as an accommodation category, this category is no longer accepted on Bookabach, Bookastay Australia or Bookastay Pacifica. 

Bookabach has been specifically designed for renters to view and request a booking for independent holiday houses and holidays homes, i.e. for a common-occupancy dwelling.  As such, our reservation engine currently lacks the ability to offer multiple room inventory within a single listing.

When and how are Performance Plan success fees charged?

This article is for: Managers

Success Fees will be charged to your Bookabach account the day after the final nights stay. Bookabach does this using booking information from your Bookabach Calendar. 

You will need to top up your Bookabach account once it goes into negative balance.  You can do this using your Credit Card, or by paying by Internet Banking or Cheque.  Please allow up to 5-days for processing of all payments other than Credit Cards.

If you have a last minute cancellation, or if there are last minute changes to the booking arrival and/or departure dates, you can update Bookabach with these changes by editing the booking at any time up to when the booking was originally scheduled to complete. 

If the booking completes as originally schedule and your Bookabach account is debited the success fees (for Performance Plan) there is a $10 administration charge associated with any transaction reversal as it requires manual processing.

Why do you not support feedback for externally added rental bookings?

This article is for: Managers

We only support feedback on transactions made via the website, i.e. Bookabach bookings and questions made via a property listing page on the website.

Sorry, but we can’t allow feedback from externally added bookings as it would open the feedback system to potential abuse.

I can’t find my property on Realestate.co.nz.  Why isn’t it there?

This article is for: Managers

Bookabach and Realestate.co.nz have a joint marketing partnership that sees Bookabach holiday home listings published on the Realestate.co.nz website under the Homes for Rent > Holiday Homes category.

The following listings qualify and are automatically supplied to Realestate.co.nz:

* All Performance Plan listings

* All listings from subscribing real estate offices of Realestate.co.nz

If you are a real estate agent AND a subscriber to Realestate.co.nz AND have one or more Subscription Plan listings you would like published then contact support@bookabach.co.nz to have your listings loaded.

If you have a qualified listing but can’t find it on Realestate.co.nz then check your property address (Property Settings > Edit address). We only can supply properties with valid address and post code information. If you’re not sure use the NZ Post address and post code finder to validate your property address.

How do I order a floorplan (PhotoPlan) for my property?

This article is for: Managers

A floorplan on your listing is a superb way to provide far greater detail about the features of your property that cannot always be captured by a normal photo.

Bookabach has partnered with PhotoPlan to provide you with 2D and 3D floorplans of your property, including up to 20 quality photos providing details about room numbers, room size, the flow between rooms and even furniture positioning.

To order a floorplan go to the Rental Resources section of the website and follow the links (My Bookabach > Rental > Resources). Floorplans and photography cost $299* (normally $365).

Bookings are scheduled between 10 October and 20 December in selected areas. Appointments are only available between the advertised dates and are only available in certain locations. Click here to find out when PhotoPlan will be in your area.

Who gets charged Performance Plan Success Fees?

This article is for: Managers

Performance Plan Success Fees are charged the day after completion of a stay.  The Success Fee is charged to the Billing Contact - the Bookabach member who either chose the Peformance Plan for this bach, or changed the Success Fee associated with this bach.

We show the Billing Contact information on the My Bookabach > My Account page.

How do I get my property included in the Weekly Deals newsletter?

This article is for: Managers

On Tuesday of every week we send out a Weekly Deals email to all Bookabach members who have opted in to receive this email.  Weekly Deals emails are generated automatically according to the below rules, so please don’t ask us to include your property.

At the moment there’s only room for 6 properties in this email and we choose these randomly from regions around the country.  To get a chance of being in Weekly Deals:
1) Your listing must be Performance Plan (Subscription Plan properties are excluded from Weekly Deals)
2) You must have one or more Special Deals enabled (last minute, multi-night stay and/or gifts and giveaways).
3) You must have clear availability (no bookings or requests) in the next 7-days.

How do I offer a free gifts or giveaways on my listing?

This article is for: Managers

To add any featured deal or giveaway that is not related to a discounted rental tariff in your listing;

1. Log-in to and go to the Pricing & deals page (Listing > Pricing & deals).
2. Select Set-up special deals.
3. Select ‘add’ to the right side of the "free gifts, giveaways and other offers" box, or ‘edit’ to make changes to an existing offer.
4. Enter the offer description, the approximate value, and select whether you want the offer to expire.
5. Check the ‘show this special offer’ on my listing’ box and submit your changes.

What are Performance Plan Success Fees?

This article is for: Managers

The Performance Plan is a pay-on-success based service. So you only pay for confirmed rental bookings that go ahead - and only after the stay has completed. Additionally, the Performance Plan allows you to increase your exposure by nominating higher than base-level success fees. When you nominate a higher success fee this contributes to your “score” which dictates your “ranking” on Bookabach - where your property appears on the search results pages.

If you have one or more properties listed on a Performance Plan you (or the Billing Contact) will incur success fees.  Here’s how success fees work:

* The per night success fee you have nominated is recorded at the time a booking request is lodged (by your guest).

*  Once a stay is completed we automatically deduct the associated success fee.  This fee is calculated from the number of nights stayed multiplied by the per night success fee you nominated at the time the booking was lodged. 

* The success fees is debited from the Billing Contact’s Bookabach account.  This account will need to be topped-up once it goes into negative balance.

Success Fees are capped at a maximum of 14 nights per stay. It is a requirement that you keep your calendar up to date and Confirm any bookings that go ahead on properties under this plan.

What if I receive a long term rental while I’m on the Performance Plan?

This article is for: Managers

Bookabach charges a maximum of 14-nights success fee on any one booking. On these longer term rentals the success fee is billed after the 14th night stay.