Technical
How do I install the app?
Depending on your phone’s operating system, you’ll need to download the correct version of the app..
Once the app is installed, you can create your account, using your email address as your username and creating your preferred password.
At this point, simply verify your account via a link we’ll send you to your email address and you can start using the app right away!
I have not received the account activation email
Please, check your spam folder. Sometimes it happens that our verification email is considered spam by some systems. Make sure that you have entered the correct email address with no typos.
I am getting an error message while using the app, why?
Please check your internet connection.
If the problem persists, please contact us at support@youbid.app
We always try to make sure that our app works perfectly on all devices, but you may receive an error message. We will solve the problem as soon as possible.
About YouBid
How does YouBid for Hotels and B&Bs work?
You decide where to go using our search system or within a certain radius from your current location, then you decide the TOTAL BUDGET you are willing to spend (e.g. budget for 3 double rooms for 6 days). You decide when to go, how many people, what kind of rooms you want and star rating of the structure. Then, if you want, you choose the services you want (e.g. swimming pool, parking,…), set the duration of the bidding period (max 2 hours) and send your request!
When the bidding period is over, you will receive the offers coming from various hotels. From that moment you have one hour to choose an offer (only if you want!) and pay for it.
Upon payment the booking will be officially accepted by the hotel. That’s it!
Am I forced to accept any of the offers that I receive from the hotels?
No! The system gives you and hotels maximum freedom. You are not forced to accept any offer, as hotels are not forced to reply to your bid request.
When will my credit card be charged?
Once the bidding time that you have set (from 30 minutes to 2 hours) has expired, you will have 60 minutes to choose an offer and pay. If you choose an offer (remember: you are not forced to choose any), then you will be redirected to our payment gateway to complete the transaction. Your card will be charged immediately after you have completed the payment process.
NOTE: if you fail to choose an offer and pay within the above mentioned 60 minutes timeframe, the offers you have received will no longer be valid, but there will be no penalties on you. You will simply have to create a new bid.
Will the offers that I’ll receive include taxes?
Yes and no.
They will include all the standard taxes (VAT, GST, sales taxes,…) but not local tourist taxes.
Those are normally paid at the hotel counter, and are almost impossible for us to calculate as they are often decided by each city council and are based on the age of tourists, number of tourists, number of nights and so on.
The good news is: they are usually very small fees!
In which currency do I have to pay?
You will be paying in hotel currency (e.g. hotel in Italy means you will pay in Euros).
UPDATE: we are implementing a system to allow you to display the prices in any currency of your choice to have a reference, but the actual payment will always be in the currency specified by the hotel.
Why do I have to have my GPS turned on?
For two reasons. The first one is that we need to know where you are when you use your current position to look for accommodation. The other is that we must comply with the laws of many countries, so we need to know if you are on the territory of one of those countries.
Where are the hotels located?
Right now in Sri Lanka, shortly after Sri Lanka we will include Italy and Poland. Then we are developing our network through Europe, Central Asia and Indonesia. We are constantly working on our network of hotels!
Can I be refunded if I have to cancel my booking?
We are currently operating on non refundable payments basis.
Will I receive "opaque" offers?
NO. You will know the hotel name/location before accepting any offer.
Which are the accepted payment methods?
Currently we accept credit card payments only.
For any doubt or question you can contact us at support@youbid.app