Frequently Asked Questions Features, setup, troubeshooting, advantages… you have questions? We have answers.
General questions
Ease of use
Application content updates
PMS, POS connectivity... and billing
External services, partners and commissions
Guest App or tablet?
Dashboards
Automation
Demos, examples and client feedback
Rolling out to hotels in the same group
Restaurant-specific questions
Questions on the business end
General questions
Who is Bowo?
Created in February 2017, Bowo is a French startup that develops bespoke applications for hotels, restaurants and other hospitality professionals, to help enhance the client experience and increase establishment revenue, simply and 'smartly'.
Who are Bowo's solutions for?
They are mainly intended for hotel and restaurant owners, whatever their size. However, our expertise in hospitality issues and our ability to tailor solutions to specific needs mean we can develop solutions for other players, such as Nice Airport or the many SPAs that we work with, for example.
What does Bowo have that its competitors don't?
Our plus point: our applications are tailor-made. We develop your application according to your specific needs and characteristics. Anything is possible for our team of developers. As a result, Bowo is now the most complete solution on the market when it comes to the traveller's experience - because we take into account the specificities of each customer. But don't just take our word for it, ask for a demo. And while you're at it, compare us on design too :)
Is it a white label solution?
Can anyone use the application?
Practical, ergonomic and intuitive, the application is suitable for both young and old, for the tech-savvy and those who are less familiar with technology.
Ease of use
How can I give my guests access to the application?
There are several possible scenarios. - If Bowo is connected to your management software (PMS), then as soon as they make a reservation, your customers will receive an e-mail or SMS inviting them to discover your Guest App. - If not, access is possible by simply scanning a QR code during their stay. The advantage of the Guest App is that there is no need to download anything! - If you choose a tablet rental solution, the application comes pre-loaded on the secure tablet.
Is it difficult for our staff to set up?
We have designed Bowo to keep things simple for your staff, allowing them to concentrate on more important tasks. The learning curve is short, each employee is guided step by step, and we're here for you if help is required.
How can I change the content of my application?
Like many hotel software solutions, we have a Back Office that makes you self-reliant. Change the colours, the room service menu, add products to your shop... you are in control of your content, at all times! We've worked hard to provide you with an intuitive and easy-to-use system, but we're here to help if you need us.
How are languages handled?
The Guest App is available in several languages. The guest can access it in his preferred language and can switch from one language to another at the click of a button! And if the hotel owner decides to change the menu, the translation is automatic and instantaneous: a little proofreading ensures the consistency of your information. Want more? We can provide professional translations.
What do I do if I have a technical problem?
Application content updates
How easy is it to change the information and menus in the Guest App?
Can I choose the places of interest in the City Guide?
Can I give specific access to my team?
PMS, POS connectivity... and billing
Is there a connection API?
Are there any additional costs for the integration of additional external services?
We can add other external services to your application in the form of widgets at no cost. However, in the case of integration via API, we would first have to carry out a feasibility study to estimate possible costs.
Do you manage billing in the PMS/POS?
We interface with most of the PMS on the market and many POS. Invoicing possibilities will mainly depend on the software you use: some allow data to be written by solutions like ours and others do not. If the systems are compatible, billing will be written directly on the customer's invoice. Please contact us or your PMS/POS manager to find out more. We don't connect to your system yet? Don't worry, we can carry out the necessary development work if required.
Is the solution secure?
Your Guest App is totally secure thanks to an authentication token per guest and per stay. Each of your guests has access to their own application, ensuring information and communications are totally personalised. Bowo continuously carries out security audits and intrusion tests to guarantee a secure solution.
How do I connect the room automation to the Guest App?
We take care of everything! Provide us with the contact details of the various service providers (home automation, network, etc.) and we will get in touch with them to carry out a feasibility study to set up the connection and make it available to your guests.
External services, partners and commissions
How can we generate additional income?
I can't find my partner in the list
Is it possible to earn commissions on the sales of external services?
Yes, there are two scenarios. With the partners who are already on our list, you can display prices that take into account the additional margin. For other partners, it is up to the hotelier to negotiate directly with the partner in question.
Guest App or tablet?
I already have a website, what else does the Guest App provide?
Your website presents your establishment to a wide audience. The web-app allows you to create an individual experience for each guest. Through it, your guest can prepare their stay, book activities or get in touch with the staff directly. You can send them notifications or personalised offers. Unlike the website, data from the app gives you a better understanding of the customer journey. Finally, with the app, you can manage your content independently, without having to go through your web agency.
What about the tablet in the room? Is this a good solution for my hotel?
It all depends on the hotel! At Bowo, we like to offer tailor-made solutions. For small independent hotels, the Guest App solution, which is less expensive and easy to set up, is no doubt more suitable. For the more structured, "upmarket" hotels (4/5 stars), we recommend installing the tablet with technology solutions to fit your establishment's positioning. The figures speak for themselves: 90% of travellers use our solution during their stay.
Dashboards
What metrics can I access from the back office?
You have access to everything you need to manage your solution: percentage of active travellers, average usage duration, which services are used, the time of day your customers are logged in, and much more. This data will help you adapt the solution to the way your customers use it.
Automation
What devices can the solution control?
Almost any connected object you can think of! Video projectors, speakers, lights, ventilation, air conditioning, lifts... And many more! We deal with hotel automation systems on a case-by-case basis, so feel free to suggest your ideas, we'll be happy to study them.
Do you do all the installation yourselves?
I don't know a hotel automation provider, how do I go about it?
Don't panic! We have already worked with many providers that we can recommend to you depending on your needs. However, if none of our suggestions suits you, we can look for the perfect partner for your hotel together.
Can my client control the equipment in other rooms?
Demos, examples and client feedback
What is the feedback from guests?
Can we have an example of a Guest App to present to our staff?
Rolling out to hotels in the same group
We have several hotels: can we do "multiproperty" with the Bowo solution?
How long does it take for Bowo to be rolled out to all our hotels?
Whether you have 3 or 20 hotels, we can develop several applications at the same time. Deployment time depends mainly on the connectivity possibilities and the responsiveness of the staff in each hotel. This is why your project manager will draw up a precise and personalised schedule at the start of the project.
Restaurant-specific questions
Can customers pay for their order directly via the app?
Can customers place orders directly from the application?
How can I change the menus and prices if my menu changes?
Text, photos, prices: thanks to our back office, you can modify the content of your application yourself. We train your staff to manage this back office, so that you can use it independently.
How do I get the free QR code?
We can create a QR code that centralises all of your menus etc. on the same platform, free of charge and within 48 hours. To submit your request, prepare your PDFs and fill in this questionnaire: it will take you less than 5 minutes.
Questions on the business end
Is there a free trial period?
No, there is no free trial of our complete solution. However, we do offer a free QR code that brings together all your digital menus (menus, room directory, etc.) so you can make them available to your customers. Functionality is limited, however. To request your QR code, click here.
Can I buy à la carte features? What if I need custom development?
Yes, additional features can be added to your shopping cart with add-ons. In fact, custom development is our specialty. For example, for one of our clients we made it possible to call a lift from the Guest App. Contact us at hello@bowo.fr to send us your needs.
What happens after I place an order?
For each new project, a project manager will accompany the hotelier during every stage of the partnership. A kick-off meeting will be organised to better understand your specific issues, your needs, your processes, the key parameters of your application and to define together precise objectives. We establish a schedule including development time and the final installation date. We decide together on the frequency of follow-up meetings. The Bowo team will accompany you throughout the development of the product, from the application structure through to the final design details.