Setting Base Rates#

Base rates are the foundation of your pricing. They're the standard prices customers pay before any dynamic pricing rules, discounts, or promotions are applied.

How Base Rates Work#

In RecSystems, pricing is connected through:

Unit + Timeslot = Base Price

Each unit can have different prices for different rental schedules:

• 22ft Pontoon + Half Day = $200
• 22ft Pontoon + Full Day = $350
• 24ft Pontoon + Full Day = $450

Setting a Base Rate#

Step 1: Go to the Unit#

Navigate to Account → Fleets in the navbar and click on the unit you want to price.

Step 2: Find the Timeslots Section#

Scroll down to the Timeslots section on the unit detail page.

Step 3: Add a Timeslot#

Click Add Timeslot and select which rental schedule this price applies to.

Step 4: Enter the Price#

Enter the base price in dollars:

• $200.00 for a half-day rental
• $350.00 for a full-day rental

Step 5: Save#

Click Save to apply the pricing.

Pricing by Duration Type#

Fixed Timeslots#

For timeslots with one set duration, enter a single price:

Flexible Timeslots#

For timeslots with multiple duration options, enter a price for each:

22ft Pontoon - Flexible Schedule:

This lets you offer volume discounts for longer rentals.

Pricing Multiple Units#

Different units can have different prices for the same timeslot:

Full Day Rental Schedule:

Set prices based on:

• Unit size and features
• Market demand
• Operating costs
• Competition

Pricing Strategies#

Cost-Plus Pricing#

Calculate your costs and add margin:

Operating cost: $100/day
Desired margin: 60%
Base rate: $100 ÷ (1 - 0.60) = $250/day

Market-Based Pricing#

Research competitors and position accordingly:

• Premium: 10-20% above market
• Competitive: At market rate
• Value: 10-20% below market

Duration-Based Discounts#

Encourage longer rentals with progressive discounts:

Longer rentals = lower per-hour rate

Updating Prices#

To change a base rate:

1. Go to the unit's detail page
2. Find the timeslot connection
3. Update the price
4. Save changes

Note: Price changes affect new bookings only. Existing bookings keep their original price.

Price Entry Tips#

Use Whole Numbers#

• $350 instead of $349.99
• Cleaner, easier to calculate

Round to Psychologically Appealing Numbers#

• $295 (just under $300)
• $199 (just under $200)

Consider Total After Fees#

If you have platform fees or taxes, consider the final price customers see.

Common Pricing Patterns#

Boat Rentals#

Powersports#

Equipment#

Base Rates vs. Dynamic Pricing#

Base rates are your standard prices.

Dynamic pricing adjusts those prices based on:

• Day of week (weekends higher)
• Seasonal demand
• Last-minute discounts
• Early-bird specials

Base rate × Dynamic pricing rule = Final price

See Dynamic Pricing Rules for more.

Troubleshooting#

Unit isn't showing up for booking#

• Verify timeslot is connected
• Check that a price is set
• Ensure unit is published

Wrong price appearing#

• Check which timeslot customer selected
• Verify base rate is correct
• Look for dynamic pricing rules applying

Can't add a timeslot to a unit#

• Create the timeslot first
• Ensure unit exists and isn't archived
• Check permissions

Related Articles:

• Understanding Pricing
• Dynamic Pricing Rules
• Setting Rental Schedules