By building custom enquiry fields in Access Collins, you can create enquiry forms on your website that are unique to your brand and requirements to capture valuable customer data.
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Here are examples of partners with a customised enquiry form:
Set up a custom enquiry field
ā ļøImportant: To see the Organisation settings, you need to be able to manage booking rules and have access to all sites.
As an admin, you can create a custom enquiry form by following the steps below:
Click Settings, then click Organisation.
Click Enquiries.
Select Enable Enquiries, then click Add a field.
Fill in the details:
Field Label: Name your new field.
Fields Name: This automatically populates; it's used for your website.
Field Type: Select the type of answer you need from the customer:
Yes/No.
Free text.
Long text.
Pick one:
Click Show Options, then click Add an Option.
Enter the options, then click Save.
Pick multiple:
Click Show Options, then click Add an Option.
Enter the options, then click Save.
Click Save.
šNote: Field Names must match exactly when used in external form integrations, as they are case-sensitive and distinct from field labels.
Integrate an External Enquiry Form
To integrate an external enquiry form with Collins, follow these steps:
Develop the External Form:
Collaborate with your web developer to build the enquiry form on your external website.
Use the integration/API documentation provided by Collins to configure the form so it posts data directly into Collins.
Map Fields Correctly:
Ensure that the form is configured to post data to the exact Field Names specified in Collins. Field Names must match exactly, as they are case-sensitive and distinct from field labels.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If submissions from your external form are not appearing in Collins or the Enquiry Details tab, follow these steps:
Verify Custom Fields:
Check that the custom enquiry fields exist in Collins and are saved correctly. Navigate to Settings ā Organisation ā Enquiries to confirm.
Check Field Name Accuracy:
Ensure that your developer is posting data to the exact Field Name shown in Collins. Mismatched Field Names are a common cause of missing data.
Review API Implementation:
Confirm that the form is implemented according to the integration/API documentation. Any deviations could result in failed submissions.
Convert an enquiry through the form into a reservation
Once you've entered the fields and completed the development job on your website, customers can raise enquiries through the form.
A new field populates on your booking containing all relevant information provided by the customer when they submitted the form.
You can then convert that enquiry into a confirmed reservation following the steps below:
Click Settings, then click Site and select your site.
Click Enquiries.
Select a booking.
Click the Enquiry Details tab.
Click and change the enquiry status according to your internal processes:
In Progress
Confirm
Reject
Click Save.
Best Practices for Integration
Regularly review your custom enquiry fields to ensure they align with the data you need to capture.
Test the form thoroughly after implementation to confirm that all data is being submitted and displayed correctly in Access Collins.
Work closely with your developer to address any issues promptly and ensure compliance with Collinsā integration guidelines.