Feature Requests

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Ability to log emails in OwnerRez by including a unique BCC email 4 replies

Ken T
May 30, 2023 3:58 PM
OR Team Member Joined Aug, 2019 1704 posts

This would actually relate to the concept of a "unified inbox", which has its own voting request thread.  There are plans to add this and related functionality progressively over time.

Ability to log emails in OwnerRez by including a unique BCC email 4 replies

Austin G
May 30, 2023 1:13 PM
Joined Feb, 2023 14 posts

Hello!
When I email a lead or guest from my own email (either my Gmail or an email from my website), I would like to be able to log that email in OwnerRez so that it becomes tracked and visible in "Conversations" with that lead or guest. This could work similar to Salesforce where I have a unique email address to OwnerRez that I include in BCC on all emails, then OwnerRez tracks which person that is going to based on their email and routes it to their conversation in OwnerRez.

This would be a huge help so that I can track all conversations happening with leads and guests either from my own email or from within OwnerRez all consolidated in one place.

Thank you!

Google Vacation Rentals Connectivity Partner 326 replies

Suzy T
May 30, 2023 2:06 AM
Joined May, 2022 21 posts

I was just reading about this very subject in the latest Rental Scale Up article.  Seems a no brainer to get more visibility, especially for direct bookings.  Meantime, Google my business can provide some visibility and gives you an opportunity to post images, blog posts etc. 

Google Vacation Rentals Connectivity Partner 326 replies

Rim Lakes Vacation Rentals -
May 28, 2023 10:08 AM
Joined Dec, 2020 12 posts

Is there an update to the development and/or release for this API?

VRBO Native Messaging in OwnerRez via API integration 129 replies

Julie M
May 28, 2023 9:26 AM
Joined Apr, 2023 12 posts

So very excited about this!  Thanks for all your work and putting up with our impatience! :D 

Samsung Smartthings Integration 4 replies

Sloanish
May 27, 2023 5:09 PM
Joined Jun, 2018 165 posts

Since I posted this five years ago Samsung has not really moved their hub forward and instead built the smart things software into all of their products. The hub is no longer produced so you now need to buy a new hub from another company. 
Aeotec Smart Home Hub, Works as a SmartThings Hub, Z-Wave, Zigbee, Matter Gateway, Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, WiFi

you can also google what has happened to smartthings  

Basically there is no easy solution for DIY and Lynx may be the best way to link it all together. $$$ though. 

Property Levels/Stories option 0 replies

Ventura County V
May 27, 2023 3:27 PM
Joined Mar, 2022 122 posts

All,

I've looked through the property settings and either I've completely missed where to set the number of floors/levels/stories or it doesn't exist.

Feature request:

A dropdown selector where we can list the number of levels/floors/stories in a property.  For example a two-story home versus a single-story home.  Having the ability to select this within the Wordpress Plugin would be a useful feature as well.  Below is a screenshot of what I have custom coded on my site and would like the ability to display via OR.

 

VRBO Native Messaging in OwnerRez via API integration 129 replies

The Cohosts LLC
May 27, 2023 11:56 AM
Joined Jul, 2021 1 post

At launch, will the unified inbox include messaging at inquiry level or only at the booking level similar to uplisting?

Schlage Encode 108 replies

Creekside G
May 27, 2023 11:10 AM
Joined Oct, 2022 6 posts

Thank you OR.  This will be a great feature for one of the most popular locks.  Having to manage yet another 3rd party account for the locks is not ideal.  Cannot wait for the direct integration.   Much appreciated. 

VRBO Native Messaging in OwnerRez via API integration 129 replies

Adria H
May 27, 2023 10:51 AM
OR Team Member Joined Aug, 2022 163 posts

The Vrbo unified inbox is in active testing to find any potential issues and ensure a smooth rollout once the feature is released.

Samsung Smartthings Integration 4 replies

Cozy Critter Cab
May 27, 2023 10:00 AM
Joined Jan, 2021 4 posts

You can control other devices that are linked on a smartthings hub with Lynx. We have a cabin with smart thermostats connected to electric baseboard heaters, so turning those down when the cabin is not occupied is important. It’s an extra fee with Lynx but once they are enrolled you can set up a smart rule on one of the groups associated with the property for when the property is occupied that limits the range your gusts can set, as well as rules for what to do when the unit is empty and what to do prior to a check-in

Samsung Smartthings Integration 4 replies

Cozy Critter Cab
May 27, 2023 9:53 AM
Joined Jan, 2021 4 posts

Integration with smartthings using the seam API would be great! This is what hospitable iappears to be doing and including with their base rate

Integration option with GetSeam.com for Door Locks 7 replies

Cozy Critter Cab
May 27, 2023 9:43 AM
Joined Jan, 2021 4 posts

As an update, we have set up automation with Lynx it’s about $250 /yr which is expensive enough that I am looking into other automation solutions for the cabin, but was low enough that we went with it for now. Hospitable looks like they include the seam app as part of their standard price which is very similar to Ownerrez.

VRBO Native Messaging in OwnerRez via API integration 129 replies

SunnySide Homes
May 27, 2023 9:02 AM
Joined Jan, 2023 12 posts

What happened to this?

Schlage Encode 108 replies

Andrea R
May 27, 2023 8:51 AM
Joined Nov, 2022 2 posts

Wonderful! Thank you.

Schlage Encode 108 replies

Shawn H
May 26, 2023 3:18 PM
OR Team Member Joined Aug, 2021 298 posts

Hello everyone! We updated this feature request a while back to show it's "In Development" but that doesn't show up in the email alerts when someone comments so I wanted to provide a quick update. We're still in the early stages of direct integration with Schlage, but we're aiming to get it out in Q3 of 2023 at the latest.

Apply discount specifically for discount alone 3 replies

Lucas P
May 26, 2023 12:36 PM
Joined Jul, 2021 2 posts

Hi OR Team, we wanted to create a discount code specifically for rent and not based on the subtotal as of course we don't want to give a discount on cleaning fees as it all goes through our cleaners. I hope y'all can take action about this asap. Thanks!

Add a Guest Login Portal for guests to view their reservation details (folio, check-in/out dates, party size, billing, etc.) 19 replies

Tim K
May 26, 2023 12:32 PM
Joined Jul, 2017 79 posts

I never thought about this until seeing your post. Like many STR's we take two payments months apart. Even though we send out payment reminders via OR with amounts and instructions, I still regularly get guests contacting me to ask how much they owe. Sometimes before my reminders go out, sometimes after (I guess they don't read). 

It would be nice if there was a way to have guests access their reservation...but I guess that might require them to create an account and login....and they'd need to know where to find this site (would it be on ownerrez's site....they wouldn't know that).

Maybe instead of a login and an account, there could be a widget/plugin we could insert on our own sites. Kind of like how online retailers let you shop as a guest and you can find your order later by entering an order number and last name. Guests probably don't know their ORB# but it could be a search based on guest last name and check in date. When they entered that it would bring up a select amount of info.....previous payments, balance due, payment link or instructions, etc.

I'm all for it, but maybe a lot of challenges to create it though.

Add "Manual payment only" selection under rules at the property level 2 replies

Tim K
May 26, 2023 12:23 PM
Joined Jul, 2017 79 posts

The latter is the correct interpretation of what I am looking to do. I would like to be able to default all properties to manual payments only, but then on individual quotes/bookings, be able to turn credit cards on. Right now I have to do the opposite which is accept all payment types and then when I create a quote I have to turn on manual payments only every time. Seems like it shouldn't be that difficult (famous words of a non-programmer) but the function seems to exist - generally speaking - if you compare property rules to quote rules.

Add "Manual payment only" selection under rules at the property level 2 replies

Rex C
May 25, 2023 7:18 PM
OR Team Member Joined Aug, 2021 71 posts

Hi Tim,

You can control Credit Card payment methods at the property level within Settings > Payment Methods. At the bottom of each payment processor's settings page is a list of which properties it can apply to. Unchecking here will disable that property from using that payment processor.

 

However, this may be what you're talking about as the "account level" since doing so means you can't manually run any payments using that processor either?

 

To clarify, you're asking for an option that would allow you to disable specific payment methods for bookings through your Hosted Website and/or Booking Widget, while also having the option when creating a quote to turn that payment method back on for the individual booking?

Schlage Encode 108 replies

Manel S
May 25, 2023 5:16 AM
Joined Jun, 2022 89 posts

I don't know why we would be spending development cycles on this when there is already an integration with Jervis (it is similar to Seam - that is what I am using). Yes, there is a small fee but any other integration will also have a cost. If the people that are requesting the Schlage integration want it to not to have pay extra you should be aware that Schlage will charge OR an ongoing fee for the integration - they don't provide it for free - so it would be another paid feature so let OR keep to its core and use one of the available vendors.

 

It does not make any sense for OR to make an integration with a single provider. Someone at OR please kill this idea once and for all!

Is it possible to only display the Travel Insurance option if they live in locations where the guest can be covered? 1 reply

Ken T
May 24, 2023 11:18 PM
OR Team Member Joined Aug, 2019 1704 posts

We've talked about this but, as RG is working on expanding coverage, and we don't necessarily know the citizenship of the guest upfront, we've decided it's best to leave the decision to their logic rather than add our own duplicative layer that might generate both false positives and false negatives.

Ribbon Calendar Customatization 5 replies

Thomas P
May 24, 2023 8:48 PM
Joined Apr, 2023 10 posts

I would love to be able to customize the ribbon calendar to show the booking in specific color based on the booking channel.

Ability to filter/customize Messages by status within bookings 0 replies

Thomas P
May 24, 2023 8:44 PM
Joined Apr, 2023 10 posts

In each booking under the messages section. it shows all the messages and triggers that are setup in OR. I would love to be able to be able to automatically remove the "will not run" message that dont pertain to this specific booking Whether it is a setting or a filter option it doesnt matter although the setting would make the most sense a filter feature will also be great.

Schlage Encode 108 replies

Jason B
May 24, 2023 5:28 PM
Joined Jan, 2021 56 posts

The best answer to getting locks into OwnerRez would be partnering with https://www.seam.co/

These guys have all the API to each vendor built into their platform and REALLY BIG partners are using them so each PMS doesn't have to write to each manufactures API.

Consider them an API middle wear.

 

 

Built-in AI (similar to ChatGPT) 38 replies

Tim
May 24, 2023 4:01 PM
Joined Oct, 2018 51 posts

Thought I'd see what Chat GPT had to say about this 

ChatGPT

 

"When someone expresses concerns about AI replacing human labor ....

Oh, the Irony!  AI defending AI!  I love it!

>> "I understand your concerns about AI replacing human labor and the potential negative consequences it might have. It's natural to be cautious about technological advancements and their impact on the job market. However, it's important to consider both the challenges and the opportunities that AI brings."

The only opportunities it brings is to increase corporate profits by eliminating certain jobs currently held by humans. Also it can increase efficiency, reduce costs, improve decision-making, and operate 24x7.

>> "While AI has the potential to automate certain tasks and roles traditionally performed by humans, it also opens up new possibilities and can lead to job creation in other areas. Throughout history, technological advancements have often resulted in shifts in the job market rather than complete job elimination. While some jobs may become obsolete, new roles will emerge that leverage human creativity, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills."

Yeah. Tell that to 50 year old unemployed steel workers & factory workers: "Well Sir, all you have to do is move to India and learn Java or become a TikTok influencer"

>> "Moreover, AI has the capacity to enhance human productivity and efficiency. By automating repetitive or mundane tasks, it frees up human workers to focus on more complex and meaningful work. AI can assist in decision-making processes, provide valuable insights, and contribute to innovation and growth in various industries."

Yep. enhance productivity. enhance efficiency. innovate. grow.  But, is that what humanity really needs right now?

>> "To ensure a positive future with AI, it's crucial to prioritize reskilling and upskilling efforts. By investing in education and training programs, we can equip individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-driven world. Additionally, fostering collaboration between humans and AI systems can lead to powerful synergies, where humans and machines complement each other's strengths."

Yes, we'll adapt. The computers will train us to complement them. For example, someone will need to repair them.

>> "It's also essential to address ethical considerations and ensure that AI is developed and deployed responsibly.

No worries there!  I'm sure that as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon race to capture the budding AI market, they'll be very ethical and responsible.   ;) 

>> This includes transparent decision-making processes, accountability, and safeguarding against biases or discriminatory outcomes. As we navigate the path forward, it's crucial to strike a balance that maximizes the benefits of AI while minimizing potential drawbacks."

Potential drawbacks?  Yes. There are those. For example, when they decide that humans are inefficient, unpleasant, and unnecessary. Have you not seen Terminator?   :)

>> "In summary, while AI may lead to changes in the job market, it's important to approach this transformation with a proactive mindset. By embracing the opportunities AI presents and adapting our skills and knowledge accordingly, we can navigate these changes and shape a future where humans and AI work together for mutual benefit."

... humans and AI work together for mutual benefit... I'm just going to run away screaming now, bye....

 

Sorry to hijack this thread for a philosophic discussion. But at the end of the day what humanity needs is NOT additional efficiencies, but perhaps a fresh look at being better humans. I have enjoyed this conversation and hope I have not upset anyone

 

I will leave you with these thoughts:

 

Half of AI researchers say there's a 10 percent chance their work will lead to human extinction

The co-founders of OpenAI which created ChatGPT have described AI as an "existential risk to the human race" and that humans run the "risk of accidentally creating something with the power to destroy it".

Elon Musk, the epitome of high-tech cutting edge development, worries that "emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technology goes wrong and destroys humanity".

 

To be honest, making ridiculous references to "The Terminator" may not actually be ridiculous at all  :(

Built-in AI (similar to ChatGPT) 38 replies

Paul W
May 24, 2023 2:55 PM
OR Team Member Joined Jun, 2009 873 posts

Hi Sunchic!  I asked ChatGPT the same question about AI, and it gave me a different answer than yours. And if I wanted to, I could ask it to create an answer that reinforces not using AI. 😂

But in all seriousness, if OwnerRez were to integrate ChatGPT into parts of the guest experience, how would you have confidence in what it tells your guest?  How will you correct wrong answers, or even know if they happened?

What happens if ChatGPT tells your guest that dates are available when they aren't, or for a cheaper rate than you charge?  Will you have to honor that since your website made that claim?  What if the guest asks ChatGPT to lie and give them an answer different than your policy then uses that to complain?

I agree that it's coming, and that we should embrace it, but the role of how it communicates (what it says, how that is presented, limitations on making claims) is pretty complicated to work out.  ChatGPT would not be generating opinions or making small talk - it would be answering guests about important biz-op information.

Ability to edit the columns in the List view for Bookings 0 replies

Austin G
May 24, 2023 2:04 PM
Joined Feb, 2023 14 posts

Hello!

I would love to see the ability to add/edit columns (selecting from all the fields available in a Booking) in the List view for Bookings. For instance, I want to see which bookings have a rental agreement signed. I'd also like to add city/state so I can scroll through the bookings to get a sense of which cities/states my bookings are coming from so I can target my ads into the right geographies. 

Schlage Encode 108 replies

Bryan G
May 24, 2023 11:44 AM
Joined Apr, 2022 8 posts

Just want to add my support for adding this feature. However, since we use a mix of Schlage and Yale and are leaning strongly toward Yale on all of our latest installations, I'd be very disappointed if a solution only supported Schlage.

I've had some interaction with Seam.co and was impressed with the company.

Add "Manual payment only" selection under rules at the property level 2 replies

Tim K
May 24, 2023 10:46 AM
Joined Jul, 2017 79 posts

I typically only take manual (non CC) payments on my rentals. Either check, venmo or zelle. We do maybe 2-3 cc payments a year outside of ABB bookings. Manual is my default. As it works now, if I have credit cards enabled at the account level, when choosing payment type under each property's "rules" we are faced with 2 choices....all payment types or credit card only. I'd like to be able to set the accepted payment types at the property level to "manual payments only" and be able to change the rule for individual bookings. If I disable cc payments at the account level, I cannot simply re-enable them for individual bookings so that's not really an option. For now I am forced to change the rules on every single quote I create to "manual only".

It seems like it would be a simple enough change to the property rules to be able to select manual payments only since it is something we can select on individual quotes. See below: