How Can I Avoid Overbookings?
Even though the availability is synced between Sirvoy and the channels almost instantaneously, there is always a small risk of double bookings when the same physical room is made available on multiple booking channels simultaneously. Here are some things that might lead to overbookings, thus also providing a guide on how to avoid them:
- Simultaneous bookings. Though rare, two sources could book the last vacant room simultaneously.
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Incorrect room type mappings
- If a single channel room type has multiple different rates, each rate should be mapped to Sirvoy room types containing the same units. Otherwise, availability will not update correctly and overbookings are likely.
- To easily manage this, create duplicate room types in Sirvoy for each different channel room type rate.
- Rooms in multiple channel room types. If multiple Sirvoy room types have the same room and are mapped to different channel room types, it will create a discrepancy in room count. To offer the same room at different rates, use channel rates, not channel room types.
Example: You have one channel room type called “Double Room”, but you want to give it three rates: default, breakfast included, and free cancellation.
- In Sirvoy, create one room type called “Double Room” and include units.
- Duplicate it twice to create new Room Types and name them “Double Room – Breakfast” and “Double Room – Free Cancellation.”
- Map the channel room type’s three rates to the three new Sirvoy room types you just created.
All three will share the same units and availability will be updated accurately.
- Change of room in the Sirvoy booking, to one from a different room type than the originally booked one. Because such a change is not reflected on the channel booking, this might in some cases lead to availability discrepancy between Sirvoy and the channel which, in turn, can lead to an overbooking. Room type changes should therefore always be made on the channel’s end.
When an overbooking occurs, the booking channel will expect you to promptly inform them so that, depending on your agreement, the partner service of the channel can help find a solution as soon as possible. To avoid overbookings to the furthest extent possible, you could choose to exclude a limited number of rooms from being shared with booking channels.