What is a rate multiplier?
A rate multiplier allows you to adjust your rates before sending them to a channel (OTA). A rate multiplier can be used to account for taxes and commissions, ensuring the price displayed on the channel is correct.
A rate multiplier can be set up for each supported channel in the channel settings: Distribution > Channels > click on the channel > Channel settings tab > Rate multiplier.
When to use a rate multiplier
Most channels don't need a rate multiplier because the rate that you set in your Inventory grid is usually the same as the advertised rate on the channel.
For example: if your rates in your Inventory grid include taxes and commissions ("sell" rates), and the channel also expects rates that include taxes and commissions, you don't need a rate multiplier.
When a rate multiplier may be needed:
Your rates set in your Inventory grid include taxes and commissions ("sell" rates), but the channel expects rates without taxes and commissions ("net" rates), as the channel directly adds them on top of the net rate received. In this case, you could use a rate multiplier to remove taxes and commissions before sending rates to the channel. For example, set it at 0.9 (to remove 10% taxes/commissions).
Your rates set in your Inventory grid exclude taxes and commissions ("net" rates), but the channel expects to receive rates including taxes and commissions ("sell" rates). In this case, you could use a rate multiplier to add taxes and commissions before sending rates to the channel. For example, set it at 1.1 (to add 10% taxes/commissions).
Set up a rate multiplier for a channel
To set up a rate multiplier for a channel:
In Channel Manager, go to the Channels tab.
Click on the channel and click Configure.
Go to the Channel settings tab.
Enter a value into the rate multiplier field. You can use the simulator to see how your rates will be adjusted and sent to the channel.
If required, add rate multiplier overrides for specific date ranges.
Click Save.
Note:
The rate multiplier value can have a maximum of 18 digits.
Remember: a rate multiplier of 1.0 has no effect on your rates.
Rate multiplier override for specific dates
If needed, you can override an existing rate multiplier to a different value for specific dates.
In Channel Manager, go to the Channels tab.
Click on the channel and click Configure.
Go to the Channel settings tab.
Under the existing rate multiplier, click Add rate multiplier override.
Select the date range.
Enter the override value.
Click Save (maximum 5 overrides allowed).
Check your channel rates
Once you have set up a rate multiplier, check that your rates are displaying correctly on the channel.
Note: rates in your Inventory grid will show your rates without the Rate multiplier applied. Use the simulator tool to check how the rate multiplier will affect final channel rates.
If you have set up a rate multiplier, and your channel rates are incorrect, check:
Does the channel expect to receive inclusive or exclusive rates of taxes and commissions?
What is the tax and commission percentage? Is the rate multiplier value correct to reflect this?
Is the rate multiplier necessary for the channel, and if it is, is it set to the correct value?