Key Property Management System Features To Look For

The first feature you should look for is a good inventory management system. The guest experience starts with a prospect’s first contact. If you can’t help potential guests find units online, or quickly search your inventory when you have them on the phone, you’re already negatively impacting your guest’s experience.
Make sure your system has a good email trigger function. Excellent guest experience is about effective communication – before, during and after their stay. Make sure your system offers automated triggers. Some systems let you send emails, but don’t offer automation, so you’ll need to manually send emails every day which is time-consuming, and easy to overlook.

Make guest communication as easy as possible. Make sure your system offers email automation and set it up properly. Automating your email responses will free up your time to spend on guest engagement, instead of sitting in front of a computer screen sending email. Set it up once, and it does all the work for you.

Integration With Other Programs

Another important function your PMS should include is easy email integration with other programs. For example, keyless lock systems, or business partners like Xplorie. Your email can help with a lot of management functions your business requires. Your property management system should integrate with your website, inventory searching, your OTAs and your accounting system. Filters and real-time data are both important.

Today, almost every vacation starts with online research. Your prospects are comparing rates, units, and making reservations online. If you’re down to just a couple of units and it says that an agent will call, your customer will move on to your competitor’s property. Provide a calendar with real-time data so they can see your availability in real time and book their stay, right now, instead of waiting for a callback to make a reservation. Your property management system should integrate with your online booking system to provide real-time open units, as well as up-to-the-minute pricing. Provide customers with the ability to book their stay, when they’re on your site, and then follow-up with a phone call. Remember, you’re competing with Air BnB and other online sites that offer this new technology. If you’re working with an antiquated system, you’ll lose out!

Make Sure Your PMS Is Mobile Friendly

Today, we’re all on the go, especially if you manage multiple properties. You need access to real-time information to keep handling reservations while your handling other property management issues. Power in your hands will give you an edge over your competition. If you’re currently using a platform like HomeAway’s dashboard, you need to consider getting a full property management system to run your business. Especially if you’re growing your vacation property rental business by adding additional properties. A dedicated PMS allows you to do more. It’s a cost-effective investment that will not only enhance your guest’s experience, but it will also directly, positively affect your bottom line.