Discount Code/Rate Plans Overview
A discount code or rate plan is a specific identifier or category used in hotel or property management systems (PMS) to apply discounts or special pricing to reservations. These codes or plans can be created by the property itself or obtained from external sources such as channel managers or online travel agencies (OTAs). They are typically associated with certain parameters or conditions, such as stay dates, room types, or booking channels, and are used to offer discounted rates to guests when making reservations.
Rate Plans Setup
Visual Matrix provides three types of discount codes:
- Percentage Discount: This type allows you to apply a percentage discount to the applicable rack rate at the moment of reservation. For example, if the rack rate for a room is $100 and you apply a 10% percentage discount, the guest will be charged $90.
- Flat Discount: With this type, you can apply a fixed amount discount to the applicable rack rate at the moment of reservation. For instance, if the rack rate for a room is $100 and you apply a $20 flat discount, the guest will be charged $80.
- Exception/Fixed Discount: This option does not involve a percentage or flat discount but applies a specific rate, overriding the current pricing. It allows you to set a fixed rate for the reservation, regardless of the rack rate or other discounts.
You will find an separate article for each setup in the knowledge base:
Rate Plans Mapping
For your online channels to recognize the same rate plans, they must be created both in your Channel Manager and in your OTA's Channel. Once this step is completed, you'll need to complete a mapping (click here if you are a BW property) in Visual Matrix to ensure that the rate plans associated with your online reservations are recognized by the system. If you are still using the Visual Matrix PMS Desktop version, please submit your mapping request through a ticket.
FAQ
How to assign a discount code/rate plan to a reservation?
There are two methods to add a discount code or rate plan to a reservation. The first method involves adding it directly to the reservation from the "Rate Information" section.
The second method is through a Company profile. By adding a discount code or rate plan to a Company profile, it will automatically apply to any reservation associated with that Company. This means that when the company is selected in the reservation, the discount code or rate plan will be automatically applied.
Is it possible to link a discount code to a City Ledger Account? (meaning that when I choose City Ledger as the Method of Payment, the discount will be automatically applied)
While assigning a discount code or rate plan to a city ledger account isn't possible, you can establish an override rate for a city ledger account.
If you're a BW Property, it's advisable to establish a BW FX City Ledger account tailored to receive every guest folio from stays booked with points until credited by the brand. By configuring this city ledger account with the override rate attributed to you, you can ensure consistent application of the rate. However, it's important to note that when creating a local FX reservation, similar to online reservations made with points, it remains essential to apply the FX discount code or rate plan. This is necessary to trigger the transmission of information to BW and enable redemption of points from the client's BWR account.
Should I utilize a discount code or rate plan to apply a fully complimentary rate to a guest or room?
Certainly. Visual Matrix includes a pre-configured discount code/rate plan called "COMP" within the PMS. This plan is designed to provide a 100% discount on the room rate. However, it's essential to ensure that the "COMP" code is applicable to all room types and seasons.
Is there a way to create a discount code or rate plan that increases the rate rather than reducing it?
Indeed. It's simply a matter of mathematics. Instead of configuring a 10% discount, you would set up a -10% or (10%) to achieve a rate increase.
Can I add a discount code/rate plan to a package?
Certainly. Within the package creation process, there is a designated field for a discount code. When creating a package, the applicable rack rate at the time of reservation is automatically included. To affect the rate, you can include a discount code or rate plan in the package, which will then be applied to the rack rate, whether it involves a percentage, flat, or exception/fixed discount.
If you have any other questions, please send them to the VM Community.
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