News
Keep up to date with the latest news
Updates to List All Beds
Included:
- Static Header
- Highlighted weekend days
- Footer - the new footer note (similar to the calendar view) shows you at a glance if there are any allocated/unallocated beds allocated to a specific room type
Booking History records more
We are pleased to report the booking history functionality can now record more changes than ever before.
New changes include the ability to store:
- Changes made to guest details tab
- Edits/Deleting Notes
- Check in/Check out/Re-Check in Void function
Report Enhancements
As requested we have added extra options into some of backpack online's reporting facilities.
Marketing Report / Booking Analysis report filtered by booking source: If no booking source is saved in the booking process, they will be grouped as N/A to ensure all bookings are accounted for through the report.
Mailing List The mailing list now has a booking source column, helping to further identify your guests. Reports/ Listings/ Mailing List
backpack online 'Best Online/Desktop Application'
Hostelworld.com's property management system backpack online beat off stiff competition in London at the annual Travolution awards 2009 to pick up the award for "Best Online/Desktop Application".
Commenting on the category, Travolution said "The winner showed a clear understanding of how to aggregate content and help partners in what is a difficult market to crack. The tools created are incredibly useful for accommodation owners to the extent that it would appear difficult for them to revert back to their previous processes".
Gillian Lennox, Product Manager for backpack online is quoted as saying "We're absolutely delighted to have picked up this prestigious award. It's a fantastic achievement and reward for all the hard work we have put in to making Backpack Online what it is today. To have beat off strong competition from Air France and Lastminute.com, it demonstrates the strength of our product and shows that not only are we world leaders in consumer website development, but also world leaders in the property management space".
Room type descriptions are live on Hostelworld.com
Through backpack online you can add more information about the room types you are selling and this will be reflected on Hostelworld.com
To add details about room types in backpack online:
Click Settings -> Room Setup -> Room Types -> Edit Room Type -> Select Type -> Click Additional Information -> Fill in details -> Click Save
Once the room description is approved by your buddy, you will then be sent an email to say that room descriptions is now live.
To ensure accuracy of all room descriptions, we will delete any previously added (prior to 1st September 2009) room type descriptions that you may have added.
PCI & backpack online (Updated 14th August 2009)
Hostelworld.com Ltd has rolled out changes to all system ensuring we are PCI compliant with international regulations (https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/ ). The changes affect credit card entry, storage and accessibility through all Hostelworld.com Ltd products, including backpack online.
PCI & Quick Guide
- You can only enter VALID credit card details to backpack online
- If you do not have a valid credit card number you can enter the word "none"
- All cards must have the card holder's name
- PCI will not allow the storage of invalid card numbers.
- If your profile does not allow you to retrieve/edit credit card information the Master profile in your property must change your profile
- If you enter the incorrect password 3 times you will be locked out of BPO
- All passwords must be reset every 90 days
- Master users in each property can reactivate users and update passwords through Settings > User Setup > Edit User
A Master user is authorised to assign credit card access and user setup to all other profiles/users: Settings > User Set Up > User Profile > Edit Profile
Once someone is granted credit card access or user set up privileges they must reset their password on next log in. All passwords must contain a minimum of 7 characters, a combination of numbers/letters
Every 90 days ALL users must reset their passwords and will be prompted to do so. On the prompt you must enter your old password, your new password and verify the new password. The new password cannot be one of the last 4 you used, must contain a minimum of 7 characters and a combination of numbers/letters.
If you enter the incorrect password 3 times you will be locked out of BPO. Master users in each property can reactivate users and update passwords through Settings > User Setup > Edit User
We strongly recommend that all properties have a minimum of 2 users set up to ensure someone can reset log ins if there is a failed attempt
If you are operating your property through Group backpack online, all Supervisor users in your Group system have Master privileges
Click for backpack online PCI User Guidelines
NEW Feature
Edit Rates ModeIn the Bill of each booking, "Edit Rates Mode" appears for all Master profile users
To change the rate of a particular night/row of the bill
Tick this box
Select the row you want to edit the rate
In the pop up enter the new rate*
Click Update
All changes are recorded in the Booking History as p.p. (Per Person)
*Please note: this rate will be for the row, not per person
This option can be restricted by profile through Settings > User Setup > User Profile > Edit Profile
It is listed as Edit Rates
Earn money through backpack online!
Book Ahead
The new Book Ahead option in your backpack online on the left hand panel allows you to generate more money.
Book Ahead your customers next bed using this button or the pop up on opening a Hostelworld.com booking and we will pay you back 30% of the 10% deposit.
This payback will be part of your regular booking engine payback. If you don't currently have our booking engine and would like to be part of this programme please contact your buddy.
Set this up through backpack online > Settings > Extras > Book Ahead - tick the enable box.
Book InsteadRecommend other properties on your booking engine and earn 30% of the 10% deposit that customer pays.
In the event that your property is full you can encourage your guests to book elsewhere. You will get commission through your payback.
Set this up through your Inbox > Marketing > Book Instead - select 3 properties of your choice.
