Welcome to the InstaManager Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page where you will find clear answers to the most common questions from Vacation Rental Managers looking to switch.
How can Bookt sell the InstaManager Solution for just $1 setup and from $99/month when other vacation rental software companies charge tens of thousands of dollars for their systems?
InstaManager is a true cloud based solution where all integrated software and data is located in our secure, high performance data center. Thus, the cost of launching each InstaManager solution is much lower as there is no complex software and hardware to buy and install, and that major savings is passed along to you. Through the proven "cloud computing" innovation we can support greater and increasing numbers of InstaManagers across the globe and charge each client less while delivering a better Vacation Rental Marketing and Software solution. [Think Apple, Salesforce.com and Amazon.com as other major companies leading the cloud computing revolution.]
How does the monthly billing work?
Your monthly billing statement consists of two components: 1) a base fee of $99/month that starts when you sign up, and 2) a performance-based transaction fee that is calculated on gross booking volume. Unlike other so called success-based software models, the transaction fee is always capped, and will not be greater than $700/month.
How do I pay my monthly fees?
The vast majority of customers provide a valid credit card to cover monthly charges. At the end of each month you will receive a detailed email statement that clearly outlines your charges and balance. Your account will then be charged automatically four days later unless you have any questions or concerns.
While the program does not support monthly invoicing and check payments, you can select the pre-pay plan to cover at least 6 months of estimated monthly charges (and pay using a check, bank wire or PayPal) if credit card payment is not convenient.
Which bookings are included when Bookt calculates the monthly transaction fee?
First, only bookings managed through the InstaManager system that generate revenue for you are included; note that owner or block-out bookings are not included or charged. Second, only bookings that check out in that particular month are included. (In other words, fees are due after the guest has paid you). Also, canceled or bookings that have been changed to a later date are not included.
When does my monthly billing start?
Monthly services are billable from the date they were ordered. Your first month's bill is typically prorated based on number of days in the month you received the service.
How fast can I start using my InstaManager solution?
You will receive access to your new solution and system documentation within one business day after you sign your contract. You will also immediately be able to participate in our regular weekly online training sessions. Configuring and finalizing your solution - including launching your new InstaManager Website, can be done in a couple of weeks, if we receive all required information from you in a timely manner.
How can I transfer my old data to my new InstaManager Solution?
Easy! We have sophisticated tools for importing data and skilled technicians that can help you extract the data from most common property management systems. If you currently have a home-grown system, we can import that data too, provided that you can provide us the data in a standard delimited format or as an Excel spreadsheet.
What does the "unlimited support" really cover?
You can submit as many email and phone requests as you like; we help answer any questions you have about your system and we will investigate and find resolutions for any system problem you may encounter. Every support request is logged and tracked for proper follow up.
Email support@bookt.com or call our support line at 305-760-4576/1-800-941-0868 opt. 2, weekdays between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM EST.
What is not handled by the Support Department?
Custom website design and content changes, custom configuration and consulting, advanced search engine optimization, and other marketing tasks. Those are handled by our Success Department, and additional fees may apply.
Is there training included?
Yes, and not only is it included in the program, it is very comprehensive. You and your staff can take all of our various "live" focused training sessions as many times as you like. To schedule, please click here to review the online training calendar and sign up today for a convenient time for you and your staff.
What kind of system documentation do you offer?
Virtually all screens in your Control Panel have online help that explain the functionality of that page. We also have a comprehensive system manual that you can print, and a handful of videos and getting started guides.
Where can I see the pre-defined designed themes you offer?
You can see a list of our professionally designed vacation rental themes here. The first three can be color matched, so they exactly correspond to any corporate branding you may have.
What customization can I get on a pre-defined design theme?
You can embed your logo, change content and replace images for the top section of the slide show. You can also customize the search features of the site. And, on certain themes you can also change the color scheme.
What if I want a custom design?
No problem. Bookt's skilled web designers can deliver a custom website design - for more details click here.
What if already like my existing web design?
Great! We can transfer that design and content of up to 10 static pages, and still incorporate the dynamic search and booking widgets so your great looking website is now also more effective and useful.
Are your websites SEO friendly?
Yes, of course. Why would anyone purchase a website that wasn't? Learn more about what Search Engine Friendly website technology for Vacation Rentals really means here.
Do you offer advanced SEO services?
Yes, our SEO Gold service is both affordable and effective.
Do I have control over things like Meta Tags and URL formats?
Yes, our SEO editor provides smart defaults but allow you to control the details.
Will I lose my search ranking if I switch to InstaManager?
While the specific rules for how your site ranks relative to others can change at any time, we hardly ever experience this with our clients since the Bookt Platform is built from the ground up to be very search engine friendly. One thing that we recommend for all our clients to do is use the built-in tools to "remap" all the old pages indexed by the search engines to your new site. If you order our SEO Gold service, we will do that for you.
Can I use things like Google Analytics, AdWords tracking codes and Google Webmaster tools?
Yes. In your Control Panel, there is a whole section on setting up these configurations. If you order any of our advanced SEO services, we will handle those settings for you.
Can I use my existing domain with my new InstaManager site?
Yes, of course, and we can help you do the DNS changes.
Can I have more than one domain for my site?
Yes, the built-in domain manager allows you to add an unlimited number of domains.
Do you support Social Media integration?
Yes, we have standardized widgets that allow you to include links to Facebook, Twitter, etc., from your website and emails. We can also help you feed the content from your InstaManager solution (e.g. new special offers) to various Social Media sites.
Can I have a Facebook app or Mobile website?
Yes, we have an exciting upgrade option that offers your guests many different ways to view and book your properties while on the go - learn more here.
Does the InstaManager solution work for non-US based companies?
Yes. We already have InstaManager Solutions on four continents and 30 countries. Unlike most of our competitors, we have a comprehensive solution that handles web content, currencies, date formats and location-specific business practices (such as per-person pricing).
Can you provide me with a translated website?
Yes and the translated website will be search engine optimized for foreign language queries, have both data and prompts translated, and allow you to add and remove additional language specific pages yourself. Learn more here.
Do you support multiple currencies?
Yes, you can enter your rates in any currency. Those rates will then automatically be quoted in any other commonly used currency, based on today's exchange rate.
I have this specialized rate, fee, rule structure. Can your software support it?
Yes, in most cases our extremely flexible business rule engine can support custom fees, rates, rules regarding deposits, specials, etc. Again, our InstaManagers do business all over the world, and we know that market conditions and practices are different in each locale.
Will I have a lot of problems teaching my reservation staff a new booking system?
No. InstaManager is intuitive by design. Most clients find the switch to be a 1-2-3 process. And our training and support staff is friendly, knowledgeable and experienced in providing a straightforward transition.
I can't allow online bookings for some of my properties. How do I handle that?
Simple - simply mark them as "inquiry only" properties and the travel-shopper will be redirected to a request form instead of the online booking screen.
Why do you keep talking so much about lead management?
Because this is an area where we find most Vacation Rental Managers fail to maximize their sales potential because their current systems prevent them from seeing if leads are followed up, how long it takes, and what the outcome is. Because this information is vital to improving your business, the InstaManager solves this problem and provides you with precise command and control of this critical sales function.
I feel I am losing a lot of booking opportunities because my leads come from all over and it is very hard to track. Can you help?
Yes. Again, this is a very common concern and our tools are designed to fix this problem. For example, you can import and consolidate all leads being sent to you (from all your various third party marketing partners via email) straight into your Control Panel and then track exactly which marketing sources/channels are actually delivering bookings and revenue for you. Knowledge is power!
Why do you offer built-in email marketing tools?
Because, if you use a non-integrated, third-party email marketing tool, you have the constant hassle of transferring new contacts, managing multiple databases, and you lose important marketing information like booking history, guest preferences, and other targeting data points. InstaManager's integrated booking and marketing solution lends itself to a cohesive "target marketing" approach that is proven to be far superior and generates more bookings, especially from past guests.
Is there a limit to the number of email you can send through the email tools every month?
Yes, you cannot send more than 2,500 emails each month without additional fees
Do you support Trust based Accounting?
Yes we do. Rental income is allocated back to owners as per your agreements and you as a property manager can then easily create an owner statement that outlines your charges to each individual owner.
Can I create owner statements with commissions and fees for other types of services?
Yes, the system allows for an easy close-out process each month where all owner statements can be created and reviewed very quickly. Then those statements can either be emailed, generated as a report or be viewed by your owners in the Owner's Extranet.
Can I synchronize my data with QuickBooks?
Yes. If you require this optional service, you can synchronize the accounting data from your InstaManager Solution into QuickBooks to avoid manual data entry.
Do you support integrated payment processing?
Yes, both your website's booking engine and your Control Panel use the same integrated payment processing tools, which are extremely flexible and can be configured in many different ways to support your unique business requirements.
Which Payment processors do you support?
We support Vacation Rent Payment (which is our preferred partner for US-based clients), Authorize.net, FirstData and SagePay.
Can I sell Travel Insurance through my InstaManager solution?
Yes, through our preferred partner Travel Guard we have a completely integrated solution that requires very little effort on your part and can earn you significant additional revenue
What type of computer system do I need to use to become an InstaManager?
No complicated server or network installations. No new hardware to buy. Just a regular computer and an internet connection. That's all you need for more effective operations and big savings.
What about the security of my data?
That's a great and extremely important question. Bookt's systems are PCI compliant and use SSL (secure socket layer) to secure your critical data. Read more here.
Can I easily transfer data in and out of my InstaManager solution?
Yes, your solution comes with sophisticated data import and export tools.
Can I connect my InstaManager solution to the rest of the Internet?
Yes. We have what is called an XML API (Application Programming Interface). This optional service lets you to share your data with whomever you like and allows you to receive bookings through third party partners.
Do you have a referral program for your clients?
Yes we do! In your Control Panel there is detailed information about this program.
What if I am not a current InstaManager client?
If you refer a lodging manager and they purchase a new lodging solution within six months of your referral, we will send you a $100 Amazon Gift Card. All you need to do is email us NOW at friendreferralrewards@bookt.com with their name, email, phone number and website url (if they have one). Send as many "referrals" as you would like! If you are a lodging professional that interact with potential InstaManager clients on a daily basis, let us know, and we can offer even sweeter rewards.
Why do you promote FlipKey and TripAdvisor on this site?
TripAdvisor and its subsidiary FlipKey are strategic partners with Bookt (the company that develops and supports the InstaManager solution). Together we have teamed up to create the best and most costeffective Vacation Rental Software and Marketing Solution in the industry.
How does FlipKey FLEX work?
As the name indicates, FlipKey FLEX is the most accommodating marketing system in the Vacation Rental industry. Your InstaManager Solution feeds your inventory to FlipKey and you get bookings and leads as people find it on FlipKey and TripAdvisor (25 Million monthly visitors). You can flexibly choose between three different models: pay only for bookings, pay for lead inquiries, or pay a flat fee per property you list. Bookt will help you figure out which model is most cost-effective for you. Read more here
Where do I go for more answers to my FlipKey questions?
Read more about FlipKey here.