Property Management Systems (PMS’s) that integrate a white label channel manager have a significant advantage over their competitors, from building trust and recognition to increasing revenue. But choosing the right platform can pose a great challenge.
Here’s what you should consider when choosing a white label channel manager for your PMS.
What is a Channel Manager?
A channel manager connects property managers with multiple online booking platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. It allows them to efficiently distribute listings across various channels, synchronize inventory, rates, and availability in real-time, and prevent issues such as double bookings.
By automating these processes, a channel manager saves property managers time, reduces manual errors, ensures consistency, and grows their bookings.
What is a White Label Channel Manager?
A white label channel manager like Quick Connect enables you to integrate advanced channel management capabilities into your PMS under your own branding and style. As a property manager, you can then not only manage your properties, but also list them, making you an all-in-one solution with the complete suite of tools property managers need to grow their revenue.
Do I need a White Label Channel Manager?
Here’s why you would greatly benefit from using a white label channel manager:
- Scalability: To grow your PMS, you need to give your property managers everything they need to expand their property portfolio. Offering channel management means they can handle an increasing volume of listings and bookings, which will boost your business growth as well. Plus, offering channel management will draw in new clients.
- Personalized Experience: Use your own branding and personalized user experiences to stand out from the crowd and attract more clients.
- Reduce Operational Costs: If you’re currently managing some of your own direct connection to channels yourself, you’ll know it’s an expensive process. Switch to a white-label solution to cut-down on those costs.
- Efficiency and Time-Saving: Similarly, outsourcing your channel management gives you back the time you need to focus your efforts where they count – improving your PMS.
To explore more reasons why a white label channel manager might be a perfect fit for your PMS, check out our blog post.
How to Choose a White Label Channel Manager
1. Determine Your Needs
Your budget and the channels you are already connected to are important in making an informed decision. Ask yourself what your goal is in using a white label channel manager:
- Do you want to attract more clients?
- Do you want to give your existing clients a better experience, helping them grow by expanding to new channels?
- Do you want to keep up with your competitors who are going the extra mile?
- Do you want to focus on your core business – improving your PMS capabilities – whist leaving the channel management to the experts?
- All of the above?
Once you have a clear idea of what you need, ensure the channel manager connects to the channels that best serve your target audience. If your clients specialize in luxury rentals, consider connections to high-end booking platforms. If they manage budget accommodations, look for channels where these properties thrive.
The platform you choose should adapt to your needs and support you in maximizing bookings for your clients across the most relevant channels. A broader selection of channels means more opportunities for property managers to attract guests from different regions or demographics and expand into new markets, leading to higher occupancy rates and revenue – what’s good for your clients is good for you too!
2. Look for Quality in Channel Connections
Having a broad selection of channels is great, but the quality of those connections is what makes the difference.
The best white label channel managers should guarantee seamless, real-time synchronization across all platforms. They should integrate with your PMS and booking engine and update your availability, rates, and other details in real-time to reduce the risk of double or missed bookings, incorrect pricing, and potentially lost clients.
To assess the quality of connections, look for:
Two-way synchronization
Your channel manager should have two-way synchronization, which ensures that any changes made in the PMS are instantly reflected across all connected channels and vice versa. Depending on the provider, connection speed can range from seconds to minutes.
Trusted recognition
Trusted recognition, such as industry awards or having a preferred partner status with major OTAs like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, is a major advantage over other channel managers. Preferred partner status is awarded to companies that consistently meet or exceed the OTA’s performance standards and demonstrate high-quality connections, reliability, and technical excellence. Using a white label channel manager that holds preferred status means property managers can trust that their listings will perform very well and maintain a competitive edge.
Quick Connect, Rentals United’s White Label Channel Manager smoothly integrates with your PMS and offers near-instantaneous API connections to 50+ channels, giving you access to over 90 channels in total, including localized ones. We have preferred partner status with Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com and have been shortlisted for industry awards. With Rentals United, you have access to the best-performing platforms in the industry and new revenue streams across various markets.
3. Explore How They Will Support Your Growth
Choose a white label channel manager that acts as a true partner in helping your PMS grow. Channel management is not just about maintaining connections; it’s about understanding how to use those connections to drive revenue, increase bookings, and help your property managers grow their portfolio, while you grow your PMS. Find a channel manager with deep industry experience that offers insights and strategies that go beyond basic functionality.
Scalability
Property managers may start with a small number of listings, but as their portfolio grows, the channel manager must be able to handle the increasing volume without sacrificing performance. Scalability is key for supporting the long-term growth of your PMS.
Reputation and Client Reviews
Have a look at client testimonials, case studies, or reviews from other PMS providers and property managers. Positive reviews and a strong reputation in the industry are more likely to deliver reliable service and high-quality support. Reviews can also give you insight into potential challenges or areas of concern, helping you make a more informed decision.
Quick Connect provides tailored advice and insights on how to use our white label channel manager to maximize revenue and grow your business.
4. Check for Comprehensive Channel Manager Features
The purpose of using a white label channel manager is to save your PMS both time and money. A good platform will allow you to grow and attract more clients by becoming an all-in-one solution, saving you the time and money it would cost to create your own channel manager.
It’s important to prioritize a solution that:
- Offers effective reporting and analytics features to track listing performance across multiple channels, giving you the necessary insights to help your clients find the right channels and increase their bookings.
- Allows for customization so you can tailor the look and feel of the channel manager to fit your brand and make it feel like an integrated part of your platform rather than a third-party add-on.
- Is compliant with industry standards for security and data protection, since you will deal with sensitive customer information (e.g., guest data, payment details). The platform should follow General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) guidelines and other local regulations, especially when operating in international markets. Additionally, secure encryption protocols and cybersecurity measures will protect everyone involved from potential breaches.
- Is straightforward, with clear documentation and a predictable timeline.
While some providers might promise lightning-fast integrations, evaluate this claim carefully. It’s better to plan for a more structured integration process to ensure compatibility and success down the line. The channel manager should be easy to implement and shouldn’t require extensive ongoing development or costly upgrades.
Quick Connect offers a comprehensive set of channel manager features and a simple integration process that requires minimal development effort. The process is designed to be as smooth as possible, allowing you to focus on growing your PMS while we handle the heavy lifting.
5. Understand Their Onboarding and Support Processes
When choosing a channel manager, look closely at the onboarding process. Do they offer personalized training, or are you left to figure things out on your own? Are they available to help you resolve issues quickly as they arise?
While 24/7 support is ideal, you may prefer a provider who offers personalized assistance. A channel manager that prioritizes your success will ensure that the transition is smooth, your team is fully trained, and you’re able to get the most out of the integration.
Quick Connect’s highly personal, expert team will be with you every step of the way. We ensure that you and your team are fully equipped to make the most of our integration. You’ll have a dedicated onboarding specialist who knows your business inside out.
6. Check Your Bank for Cost and ROI
Cost is always a consideration, especially for smaller PMSs with limited budgets. While some options might seem cheaper upfront, they may not offer the comprehensive features or support you need to grow your business. On the other hand, investing in a high-quality, reliable channel manager can lead to long-term gains.
When evaluating cost, consider the pricing structure. Are you paying a flat fee, or are there hidden charges for premium features or additional support? Make sure the pricing aligns with your budget while delivering the features you need to grow.
Rentals United’s pricing model is straightforward, with no hidden fees, giving you predictability as you plan your budget.
Quick Connect, Rentals United’s White Label Channel Manager offers all these benefits and more, making us the ideal partner to help you grow your business while providing your clients with the best experience possible.