📌 This article answers the following questions:
- How can I mark up my prices on Booking, Airbnb or Expedia to offset commission charges?
- How do I set up SmartConnect from my elloha calendar?
- Does SmartConnect apply to all my sales channels?
- How do I set a mark-up as a percentage or a fixed amount per channel?
Why is this important?
Protect your net income with SmartConnect.
Sales channels (OTAs) charge a commission on every booking made. SmartConnect allows you to automatically adjust your rates to offset these costs and maintain a constant net income:
Passing on commission: automatically increase your selling prices on platforms to cover service fees.
Revenue harmonisation: receive the same net amount, whether the booking is made directly or via a third-party channel.
Automation: rates updated on your calendar automatically incorporate these adjustments.
Follow the step-by-step guide
Step 1: Go to your calendar
To begin, go to the Schedule menu on the left-hand side of your screen, then select the Availability & Prices tab
Step 2: Set the rate surcharge
Next, click the Actions button, then select SmartConnect under ‘Other actions’.
Set the surcharge amount as you wish, channel by channel, either as a percentage or a fixed amount, depending on your strategy. This feature applies exclusively to channels connected via XML (Booking, Airbnb, Expedia, etc.), i.e. those for which elloha automatically transmits your rates in real time.
💡 Tip:
Apply a mark-up of 10–12% via SmartConnect for your third-party distribution channels. This setting allows you to:
Boost your direct sales with more competitive rates on your website; offering attractive rates enhances the ‘billboard effect’ in your favour
Anticipate the discounts applied by the platforms
Maintain control over your distribution and limit price discrepancies
Step 3: Confirm the changes
Finally, click the Apply button. Your changes will take effect immediately.
