Generate bookings through partners
Get your booking form on partner websites. Track which bookings come from which partner and set partner-specific retail rates to build in commission.
Why work with partners
Reach customers through hotels, campsites, tourism boards, and partner websites. They send bookings, you handle operations. Everyone wins when pricing reflects the channel.
Understanding pricing terms
Retail rate: The price customers pay when booking.
Net rate: What you receive after partner commission.
Commission: Percentage the partner earns for referring the booking.
Example: €100 retail rate with 20% commission = €80 net rate for you, €20 commission for partner.
How it works
Each partner gets a unique trackable URL. When customers book through that URL, the system automatically:
- Tags the booking with partner identifier
- Applies partner-specific pricing (if configured)
- Shows booking source in your dashboard
- Includes the partner code in your booking confirmation, update, and cancellation emails
Full setup guide: partner bookings
Setting partner-specific pricing
Build commission into retail rates so you receive your net rate automatically:
- Go to pricing
- Choose Slot pricing or Flexible pricing
- Add a condition: "Booked via partner"
- Select the partner identifier
- Set higher retail rate to include commission
Example in Flexible pricing:
Direct bookings:
- Base rate: Duration in hours × €50
- Customer pays €50/hour retail rate
Partner bookings:
- Base rate: Duration in hours × €50
- Additional charge: Duration in hours × €10
- Condition: Booked via partner → "beachhotel"
- Customer pays €60/hour retail rate
- You receive €60, keep €50 net rate, pay partner €10 commission
Pricing strategies
Built-in commission (recommended): Include commission in retail rate shown to customers. Customer pays €60, you keep €50 net rate, pay partner €10. Clean, automated, no invoicing hassle.
Standard rate + separate commission: Keep retail rate the same for all channels. Customer pays €50, you receive €50, then invoice or pay partner €10 commission separately. Better conversion (lower price), more administrative work.
Discount codes: Combine partner tracking with discount codes. Give customers a discount while still tracking which partner sent them.
Commission structure guidelines
20-30%: Accommodations with captive audience (hotel guests, limited alternatives). Higher commission justified by exclusive access to customers.
10-20%: Tourism portals where customers comparison shop. Balance commission with competitive pricing.
5-15%: Marinas and yacht clubs. Premium audience but price-aware, they'll compare options.
Monitor conversion rates. If partner bookings drop significantly, retail rate might be too high relative to direct bookings.
Best partner types
Accommodations: Hotels, B&Bs, campsites near water. Their guests need activities.
Tourism organizations: Official boards, regional portals. High-intent customers researching activities.
Marinas and yacht clubs: Premium audience already on water.
Event planners: Corporate retreats, team building, weddings. Group bookings.
Concierge services: High-end hotels, restaurants. Customers expect curated recommendations.
Track partner performance
Filter bookings by partner in bookings overview:
- Click filter → Partner → Select identifier
- Export to Excel for analysis
- Calculate actual net rates after commission
Identify which partnerships drive real value vs which ones just add complexity.
Getting started
Before approaching partners:
- Calculate your required net rate per booking
- Decide on commission structure (10-20% is typical starting point)
- Set up tracking URLs (see partner bookings setup)
First 2-3 partners:
- Start with standard pricing (no markup yet)
- Test the tracking system
- See actual booking volume
- Calculate real commission costs
After proof of concept:
- Add partner-specific pricing for high-volume partners
- Adjust commission levels based on booking value
- Negotiate better terms with successful partners
Don't overcomplicate at the start. Get a few partners working first, optimize later.