Group & Multi-Unit Bookings - Handle Large Parties
Group & Multi-Unit Bookings
When groups want multiple rental units, RecSystems lets you manage everything in one reservation. Whether it's a family reunion renting five kayaks or a corporate event with multiple boats, group bookings keep things organized.
Ways to Book Groups
Option 1: Quantity Field
For identical units, increase the quantity:
Example: Group needs 5 kayaks
- Select: Single Kayak
- Quantity: 5
- One line item, tracks 5 identical units
Benefits:
- Simple and clean
- One price × quantity
- Easy to understand
Option 2: Multiple Items in Cart
For different units, add each separately:
Example: Group needs pontoon + 2 jet skis
- Add: 24ft Pontoon (qty: 1)
- Add: Jet Ski (qty: 2)
- Three total units in cart
Benefits:
- Mix different equipment
- Individual pricing
- Flexible combinations
Creating Group Bookings
From Dashboard
- Go to Bookings → New Booking in the navbar
- Add first unit with dates
- Set quantity if multiple identical
- Add additional units if needed
- Enter customer info (one set for group leader)
- Process payment (one transaction for all)
Customer Self-Service
Customers can:
- Add multiple items to cart
- Adjust quantities
- Complete one checkout
- Receive one confirmation
Managing Group Bookings
Single Order View
All items appear in one cart/order:
- Same confirmation number
- Same customer info
- Same payment
- Individual line items listed
Individual Tracking
Each booking item tracks separately:
- Individual status
- Separate check-in/out
- Own notes if needed
Check-In for Groups
All Together
If everyone arrives together:
- Open the group's cart
- Review all items
- Check in all at once
- Process as unit
Staggered Arrivals
If arriving separately:
- Open the group's cart
- Check in individuals as they arrive
- Others remain Reserved
- Track progress
Example:
- 10:00 AM: Pontoon group arrives → Check in pontoon
- 10:15 AM: Jet ski riders arrive → Check in jet skis
- Status shows: 2 of 3 checked in
Pricing for Groups
Base Calculation
Pontoon (1): $350
Jet Ski (2): $150 × 2 = $300
Add-ons: $50
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Total: $700
Volume Discounts
If configured, price rules can offer group discounts:
- 3+ units: 10% off
- 5+ units: 15% off
See Dynamic Pricing for setup.
Split Payment Tracking
While RecSystems processes one payment, you can:
- Note who paid
- Track internal splits
- Use for group billing
Add-Ons for Groups
Per-Booking Add-Ons
Some add-ons apply per booking:
- Cooler: Each group member might want one
Per-Unit Add-Ons
Some add-ons tied to unit quantity:
- Insurance: Automatically matches unit count
Group-Wide Add-Ons
Some add-ons work for whole group:
- Photography package
- Guide service
Common Group Scenarios
Family Reunion
Request: 10 kayaks for 3 hours
Solution:
- Single Kayak, Quantity: 10
- All same dates/times
- One family member books
- One payment, one confirmation
Corporate Event
Request: 3 pontoons for team building
Solution:
- 24ft Pontoon, Quantity: 3
- Consider add-ons (coolers, catering)
- Invoice to company
- Multiple contacts possible
Mixed Group
Request: Different equipment types
Solution:
- Add each type separately
- Pontoon (2)
- Jet Ski (4)
- Kayak (6)
- All in one cart
Partial Overlap
Request: Some all day, some half day
Solution:
- Create separate bookings
- Or use cart with different items/times
- Manage as related bookings
Tips for Large Groups
Communication
- Get one point of contact
- Confirm details in writing
- Send reminder to group leader
- Have backup contact
Preparation
- Reserve equipment early
- Brief staff on group
- Prepare in advance
- Have backup plans
Check-In
- Designate check-in area
- Have waivers ready for all
- Consider group safety briefing
- Assign equipment efficiently
Documentation
- Note group size and composition
- Track any special arrangements
- Document condition of all equipment
- Get group photo (with permission)
Handling Issues
Partial No-Shows
If some don't arrive:
- Wait reasonable time
- Contact group leader
- Cancel unused portions per policy
- Adjust as appropriate
Late Additions
If group wants to add more:
- Check availability
- Create additional booking
- Link to group if helpful
- Process separate payment if needed
Early Returns
If some return early:
- Process their return
- Others continue as normal
- No impact on rest of group
Troubleshooting
Can't book enough quantity
- Check unit quantity in system
- Verify availability for all
- May need to split into separate bookings
Group wants separate receipts
- Primary confirmation goes to booker
- Can forward or share
- Receipt shows all items
Pricing seems wrong
- Check each item's price
- Review add-ons applied
- Look for discount rules
Related Articles:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book multiple units for a group?
Can I check in group members separately?
How does pricing work for groups?
What if only part of the group shows up?
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