What a channel manager is and how it prevents double bookings
A channel manager is software that synchronises your property's availability calendar in real time across all OTA platforms (Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, VRBO, etc.). Without one, managing availability manually across several platforms is a recipe for double bookings — the worst situation for a host: two guests booked for the same dates on two different platforms.
When a channel manager is really needed
If you rent on just one platform (only Airbnb, for example), you do not need a channel manager. The need arises when you are present on 2 or more OTAs at the same time: the risk of double bookings grows exponentially, and manually updating calendars on every platform after each reservation is highly error-prone and very time-consuming. Beyond managing 2-3 properties across multiple platforms, a channel manager becomes almost mandatory.
The best channel managers for short-term rentals
The main options on the Italian market: Lodgify — comprehensive, including channel manager, direct website and PMS; from around €12/month. Smoobu — excellent for those getting started, with a simple interface; from around €20/month. Hostfully — more geared towards property managers with multiple units. Guesty — an enterprise solution for those managing 10+ units. The choice depends on the number of properties, the platforms used and the budget.
Channel manager vs manual management: the numbers
A double booking on Airbnb entails the obligation to cancel one reservation with significant penalties (full refund to the guest, Airbnb penalty, possible account suspension). The average cost of a double booking easily exceeds 200-500 euros between refunds and penalties. A channel manager at €20/month pays for itself by preventing just one double booking a year.
The best channel managers for short-term rentals: comparison and prices
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Content reproduced from the current YouBnB website for this preview. Figures, returns and regulatory information have not been verified or updated in this version.
