When to create a block vs. when to create a $0 booking or $1 per night quote? The options and scenarios are so varied but the choice is ultimately up to the OwnerRez user.
Quotes allow a guest to follow the standard OwnerRez checkout process. Using OwnerRez quote acceptance ensures you've got a signed renter agreement, payment is taken, automatic emails are sent and scheduled, and security deposits are scheduled. Need more clarification? See our Why you should create quotes instead of bookings support article.
There is no current way to create a $0 dollar (your currency may vary) booking in OwnerRez but there are some workarounds to accomplish this. We're sure that users have developed tons of ideas over the years. If you've created a good process, let us know so we can include it! Here are just a few options.
Blocked-Off Time
Blocking off time on your property calendar helps designate specific time periods allotted for maintenance or construction projects, owner stays, etc. Users should note the following.
- No triggers will run.
- No automated guest messaging will occur.
- No guest credit card information will be captured.
Convert to a Booking
But users can also convert the blocked-off time to a booking which then allows for individuals staying at your property to still have a full guest experience.
- Your regular personalized and automated guest messaging based on triggers will run.
- Guest credit card information may be captured for a future payment or security deposit hold.
From the blocked-off time, users can select Booking (or Quote) from the Convert To drop-down list.
On the Convert to Booking page, users can
- Enter the Guest Info
- In the Charges section, users can Uncheck the Create default charges checkbox so the guest receives no charges.
- In the Payments and Security Deposit section, users can choose to Uncheck the payment and security deposit reminder emails.
Click Convert.
As you can see, users still have the option to capture guest credit card information for a future payment or security deposit hold in this scenario.
$0 Bookings
Creating $0 bookings can be favorable when you want to offer the full guest experience to individuals staying at your property or for owner stays. Users are essentially creating either a quote or booking and then deleting the booking charges.
- Your regular personalized and automated guest messaging based on triggers will run.
- No guest credit card information will be captured for a future security deposit hold.
From a Quote
Creating $0 or $1 per night quotes (or any other amount) is useful because users can still offer a free or almost free vacation for individuals staying at your property while still having the full guest experience that includes renter agreements and the following.
- Your regular personalized and automated guest messaging based on triggers will run.
- Capture all guest and credit card information for possible payments and/or a future security deposit hold.
Create a Quote > Convert to a Booking.
On the Create Booking From Quote page, users should pay close attention to the Send Emails Now section. Be sure to uncheck the Send booking confirmation to the guest unless they are fine with the guest seeing the initial booking charges. Click Save.
Delete the Charges by navigating to the Booking Charges > Change Charges.
Users can click on the trash icon at the right of the item charges. Click Save.
From a Booking
Creating $0 booking from a booking is essentially the same process as creating a $0 booking from a quote. Users are just bypassing the Convert to Booking process as shown above. Users can manually create the booking, paying close attention to the Send Emails Now section and then deleting the booking charges.
Still unsure? See our Why you should create quotes instead of bookings support article.