iCal can significantly enhance the management of your property at a local level, streamlining the availability of your listings. Before diving into the process of using iCal, it’s important to understand how it works. iCal offers a 1-way connection, meaning it is not an instant, two-way sync. Because of this, we do not recommend using iCal links for two-way connections, as it could lead to double bookings due to delayed synchronization.
At its core, the iCal link represents the availability for a specific property and can either be imported or exported.
Exporting an iCal Link
Steps to Export the iCal:
1. Go to the Property's Menu and access the Distribution Tab.
2. Click on Export Calendar.
3. Choose between:
Full unavailability: The calendar reflects all blocked dates.
Bookings only: The calendar shows only dates with confirmed bookings.
4. Once selected, copy the iCal link.
5. You can now integrate this link with any of our partners (Read more about that [HERE]).
Importing an iCal Link
Steps to Import the iCal:
1. Go to the Distribution Tab within the Property's Menu.
2. Click on Import Calendar.
3. Provide a name for the calendar, paste the URL, and set the sync frequency.
Practical Use Case of iCal in RentalWise
Let’s take the example of managing a single property with two levels. You may want to make each level bookable separately, as well as the entire property. If a guest books the whole property, the individual levels should be blocked, and vice versa. ( In this scenario, the export option would be Bookings Only )
In this scenario:
Property A = Level 1
Property B = Level 2
Property C = Entire Property
Steps to Sync the Properties:
Export iCal for Property C (the entire property) and import it into Property A and Property B, ensuring you set the fastest sync frequency possible.
Export iCal for Properties A and B and import them into Property C.
Now, when Property A or B gets booked, Property C becomes unbookable, and similarly, if Property C is booked, Properties A and B will be blocked.
Conclusion
Understanding and effectively using iCal synchronization can simplify your property management, preventing overbookings and ensuring seamless availability updates across all your properties. For further details or troubleshooting, explore our additional resources or contact support.