By Two ways for guests to book
The classic checkout
Search, choose rooms, add extras, pay. The step-by-step flow everyone knows, with the card taken at booking.
Booking by chat
Guests say what they're after in their own words, typed or spoken. The assistant finds the stay and books it, once it has confirmed who they are by email or WhatsApp.
Why direct bookings are worth the effort
Every OTA booking costs you its commission, and until the guest arrives they belong to the OTA, not to you. A direct booking costs you the card fee, and you can talk to the guest from the moment they book.
Our direct booking savings calculator works out what moving some of your OTA bookings to direct is worth, at your own commission rate.
What makes guests actually book direct
By the time a guest finds your website, they've usually already seen you on an OTA. Your booking site has to be at least as easy.
Real availability and prices
The same calendar the OTAs follow, so whatever the guest sees, they can book.
Few steps, on a phone
Dates, rooms, extras, payment. Most people book on their phone, so it has to work there first.
Payment up front
The card is taken when they book, so the booking is secured.
Answers before they commit
Unsure guests ask questions. An assistant that answers and books in the same conversation keeps them on your site.
Something extra for booking direct
Extras that are only available on your own site give guests a reason to come to you.
Questions
Do I need a separate booking engine?
No. The booking site is part of Vector Guest and books straight onto the calendar the OTAs follow.
How do guests pay?
By card, through Stripe, when they book.
Can guests add extras to their stay?
Yes. Any services you offer can be added during checkout.
Related
- Direct booking savings calculatorWork out what moving a share of OTA bookings to direct bookings is worth in a year, from your own revenue, commission rate and cost of taking a direct booking.
- Channel managerYour availability, rates, minimum stays and stop-sells on Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia, with their bookings and messages back in Vector Guest, via Channex.
- Guest messagingAnswer WhatsApp, email, Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia messages from one inbox, with AI-drafted replies and messages that go out at the right moment of a stay.