Frequently Asked Questions for Charter Operators

Booking Manager is a complete solution for charter fleets, from global distribution network for online booking to back office solution for office organization, invoicing, boat maintenance, check-in and client communication. With so many features, new clients often ask these questions on their journey to full usage of the System.

Q: What is exactly Booking Manager? What can it do for my Fleet?

A: Booking Manager is a world leading yacht charter software and online booking network for charter fleets and agencies. Fleets enjoy the benefit of finding new clients through the largest worldwide network of charter agencies and all users of the System save significant amounts of time and money by automating their common office tasks.

Q: Will my fleet automatically be visible and bookable for all agents?

A: Once your fleet is published in the System in  real-time all agents that have access to Booking Manager Portal will immediately see your fleet and be able to book it. Of course at all times agencies and fleets have full control which partners they work with by disabling unwanted companies.

Q: I would like to have availability on request, is it possible?

A: Yes, this is possible however it is not recommendable. Booking Manager is a real-time system, which means that agencies expect the boats to be directly bookable for their clients. If a fleet is not bookable in real-time it generally gets much less bookings from agencies. Those boats are listed in bottom of the search results and are not visible in the connected agencies' websites.

Q: Do I need to contact agencies that are using the API or Search Widget to publish my fleet on their websites or it will automatically appear?

A: Generally no, your boats are automatically visible to agencies via API and Search Widget, so they appear automatically. However some agencies decide not to publish the fleets automatically on their websites so you might have to contact them. To help you with the introduction, once your fleet is activated in the system Booking Manager sends a newsletter to all agencies with the basic information about your boat, destination and company.

Q: Can I choose which agency I want to work with?

A: Of course, you can decide not to work with a specific agent via your private address book. You can also control which websites can display your fleet in an easy way via the Booking Systems/Distribution window.

Q: What is the agency commission?

A: The agency commission is the percentage that the charter operator grants to the agent for their work in finding client. Each charter fleet decides on a commission policy for their own fleet.

Q: What is the usual percentage of agency commission, for sailboats, motor yachts etc.?

A: Each operator has the possibility to set its own percentages. In the Mediterranean for example,  the commission for a bare boat charter is between 15% and 20% while for a crewed yacht it ranges between 10% and 15%. Booking Manager System supports different commission percentages per boat, per type, per product and per country.

Q: Do list prices need to include taxes (VAT) and agency commission?

A: Yes, all the prices must calculate in all taxes and agency commission. For transparency reasons prices displayed in the system always need to be end client prices.

Q: How will I know that I received a booking/option?

A: You will receive an email notification when an option or a booking is confirmed. Of course all bookings and options are recorded by the system in real time and can be managed on the reservations list, on the booking sheet and on the main screen of your Local Application

Q: Can I offer my boat on multiple bases?

A: Yes, Booking Manager gives you the possibility to have the same boat shown in multiple alternative bases. Also the system tracks the locations of the boats at any given time so it is not possible to book the boat from the wrong base.

Q: What are the prices for your services?

A: Prices depend on the size of your fleet and the level of service that you use. For example for the distribution service we charge a small transaction fee only if you receive a booking directly from the network. On the other hand if you use the functions of the back office we charge fixed fees. For detailed information about our services, the best thing is to talk to us directly (email info@booking-manager.com) and in personal conversation we will be happy to guide you through the possibilities of Booking Manager and find the appropriate package for your fleet.