Welcome to SkarduBooking.com. By registering your hotel or property on our platform, you agree to the following terms and policies. These terms define the relationship between you as a hotel vendor and SkarduBooking.com, outlining your responsibilities and our commission structure.


1. Vendor Eligibility and Property Listing

SkarduBooking.com is dedicated to connecting travelers with comfortable, safe, and reliable accommodations across the scenic region of Skardu and beyond. To ensure that all listings on our platform uphold a consistent standard of trust, quality, and professionalism, we have established clear criteria for vendor eligibility and property listing requirements. These policies are vital not only for maintaining the integrity of our services but also for helping vendors gain long-term success and customer satisfaction through transparent and professional conduct.


A. Vendor Eligibility Criteria

When you register a property on SkarduBooking.com, you are declaring that you are legally and contractually permitted to do so. Vendors must meet one of the following two criteria:
1. Property Ownership: You are the legal and rightful owner of the hotel, guesthouse, or other type of lodging that you wish to list.
2. Authorized Representative: You are officially authorized by the legal owner (through documented approval or employment contract) to manage the listing, handle customer communication, receive payments, update property details, and make policy decisions regarding cancellations, refunds, or pricing.

We reserve the right to request supporting documentation to confirm either ownership or authorization at any time. Examples may include:
• Property ownership certificate or lease agreement
• Authorization letter from the property owner
• CNIC/National ID or business registration documents
In cases where the documentation provided is insufficient, suspicious, or unverifiable, SkarduBooking.com may suspend the listing until verification is completed. Listings submitted under false identity or without appropriate permission will be permanently removed, and the responsible party may be blocked from further use of the platform.


B. Responsibility and Representation

Once you have been approved as a vendor, you are fully responsible for all information and commitments related to your listing. You are acting not only as a service provider but also as a brand representative for your accommodation. Therefore, your conduct, communication, hospitality, and fulfillment of bookings all reflect on both your property and SkarduBooking.com.

Misrepresentation, failure to respond to guest inquiries, poor hospitality, or failure to fulfill confirmed reservations are serious violations of trust and may lead to disciplinary action, including delisting.


C. Property Listing Requirements

Your property listing is the first point of contact between you and potential guests. For this reason, it must be complete, accurate, and professionally presented. A strong, honest, and visually appealing listing will improve your chances of being selected by travelers.

When creating your listing, you are required to provide the following:
1. Property Details
• Property name and type (hotel, resort, homestay, guesthouse, etc.)
• Physical location with precise address, district, and GPS coordinates if possible
• Local attractions or landmarks near the property
2. Room and Facility Information
• Total number of rooms available
• Room types (e.g., single, double, family suite)
• Number of beds, maximum occupancy per room
• Attached or shared bathrooms, hot water, heating/cooling systems
3. Amenities and Services
• Free or paid services such as Wi-Fi, parking, breakfast, laundry, room service, TV, transport
• Accessibility features (for elderly or disabled guests)
• Recreational options (e.g., garden, terrace, mountain view, barbecue area)
4. Photos
• Upload high-quality, original images of each room, washroom, common areas, and surrounding view
• Do not use misleading stock images or photos of unlisted parts of your property
• Images should be bright, clear, and updated regularly if renovations or changes occur
5. Pricing and Charges
• Per night room rate
• Charges for extra guests or services
• Whether rates include taxes and service fees
6. Availability Calendar
• Keep your calendar updated in real time to avoid overbooking
• Block dates when the property is closed or fully booked
7. Policies
• Check-in and check-out times
• Cancellation and refund policy
• House rules (e.g., no smoking, no pets, child restrictions)


D. Information Accuracy and Regular Updates

Once your listing is live, you are responsible for ensuring all details remain accurate. Information that becomes outdated can cause confusion, customer dissatisfaction, and damage your credibility.

You are expected to:
• Update room availability regularly
• Adjust seasonal pricing as needed
• Add new photos or services if you renovate or upgrade
• Update cancellation policies based on business decisions or health regulations

Failure to maintain current information may result in negative guest experiences. SkarduBooking.com reserves the right to:
• Contact vendors with frequent inconsistencies
• Pause or suspend listings with outdated or misleading information
• Delist properties with repeated violations or guest complaints


E. Verification Process

To protect guests and maintain the quality of our platform, SkarduBooking.com conducts verification procedures on all property listings. This may include:
• Manual review of the submitted information
• Review of uploaded photographs
• Contact with the vendor for clarification
• Online or onsite verification if required
The approval process typically takes 24–72 hours. In some cases, delays may occur if documents are missing or inconsistent.

If your property is found to have false, exaggerated, or missing information during or after listing approval, the following actions may be taken:
• Request for correction with a deadline
• Temporary removal of the listing
• Permanent ban for fraudulent intent


F. Prohibited Listings

SkarduBooking.com does not allow the listing of:
• Properties under legal dispute or litigation
• Properties that violate local zoning, tourism, or safety laws
• Shared rooms with no privacy or hygiene standards
• Properties operated without official permission
We reserve the right to report illegal activity to relevant local authorities.

Listing your property on SkarduBooking.com is not just about advertising rooms — it’s about entering a professional partnership. Vendors are expected to operate with transparency, integrity, and hospitality. In return, we provide a reliable platform to grow your business, reach more travelers, and build your reputation.
By complying with these eligibility and listing guidelines, you ensure a better experience for your guests, better ratings and reviews, and long-term success on the platform.


2. Commission Structure

The commission structure is a vital part of the agreement between vendors and SkarduBooking.com. It outlines the financial relationship that allows us to maintain, promote, and operate the booking platform while ensuring that property owners and managers receive the value they deserve. This section explains in detail how commissions are calculated, why they are charged, and the terms and timing of deductions.

By listing your property with SkarduBooking.com, you agree to a transparent, seasonal commission model that reflects the platform's operational commitments, promotional efforts, and service offerings.


A. Purpose of the Commission

As an online marketplace connecting travelers with accommodations in Skardu and nearby regions, SkarduBooking.com provides more than just a listing space. Our platform includes:
• A well-optimized website with regular updates
• Paid and organic marketing campaigns across social media and search engines
• A secure booking engine and payment gateway
• Customer service support for both guests and property owners
• Automated confirmation systems and guest messaging tools
• Seasonal promotions and travel blogs to boost visibility

All of these features come with associated costs, and the commission structure is how we cover these operational expenses while providing you with access to a consistent stream of potential guests.


B. Seasonal Commission Rates

To ensure fairness and flexibility based on market demand, SkarduBooking.com operates on a seasonal commission model. The structure is designed to account for both the higher demand during peak travel months and the comparatively lower occupancy rates during off-season periods.

1. Peak Season Commission – 15%

During the peak tourist season, a commission rate of fifteen percent (15%) is charged on each confirmed booking. This season typically spans the summer months — from June through September — when domestic and international travelers visit Skardu in large numbers.
This 15% commission applies to:
• The total booking amount per stay (excluding applicable government taxes or service fees)
• All room categories and guest counts
• All types of promotions offered via the platform during peak months

2. Off-Season Commission – 20%

In the off-season, when tourism slows down (typically October through May), a commission rate of twenty percent (20%) applies per confirmed booking.

While this rate is slightly higher, SkarduBooking.com significantly increases its marketing efforts during the off-season to help vendors continue attracting guests. These efforts include social media promotions, seasonal discounts, email marketing, and destination campaigns, all of which are covered under the off-season commission fee.


C. Commission Coverage

Your commission fee covers a wide range of services aimed at improving visibility, managing guest bookings, and enhancing your brand's credibility. These include:
• Online exposure and SEO ranking:
Your listing appears in search engine results and on our homepage and category pages.
• Customer support services:
24/7 assistance for guests and vendors to resolve issues and answer inquiries.
• Booking and calendar management:
Automated tracking of availability, check-ins, check-outs, and payment status.
• Marketing efforts:
Paid advertising, destination blogs, festival campaigns, and social media storytelling.
• Security and transaction management:
Our secure payment system ensures guests can book safely and vendors get paid on time.


D. Commission Calculation and Transparency

The commission is calculated as a percentage of the total booking value, excluding:
• VAT or sales tax
• Any city taxes or tourism levies
• Optional add-on services charged by the vendor outside the platform
Example Calculation:
If a guest books a room for 3 nights at PKR 5,000 per night (total PKR 15,000), during peak season:
• Commission = 15% of 15,000 = PKR 2,250
• Vendor payout = PKR 12,750 (before applicable taxes or bank deductions)
You can view your commission breakdown for each booking through your vendor dashboard, which updates in real-time and provides complete transparency on payouts, deductions, and timelines.


E. Biweekly Commission Collection

To ensure timely and organized commission processing, SkarduBooking.com follows a biweekly collection schedule. This means:
• First Cycle: Covers all bookings made or completed between the 1st and 15th of the month.
• Second Cycle: Covers bookings from the 16th to the end of the month.

Commission deductions are applied during each cycle, and reports are generated for vendor review. You’ll receive an email or dashboard notification summarizing:
• Total number of bookings
• Total commission charged
• Net amount to be disbursed
• Payout date


F. Payment Deductions and Invoicing

The commission is automatically deducted from the total booking amount before payouts are issued. You do not need to pay anything separately — our system calculates and withholds the correct amount during payout processing.

In addition:
• A digital invoice is generated for every commission deducted.
• These invoices are accessible through your dashboard and can be used for tax reporting or accounting purposes.
• If any taxes apply to the commission itself, it will be clearly mentioned in the invoice.


G. No Hidden Fees Policy

SkarduBooking.com is committed to fair and ethical pricing practices. Our platform has:
• No registration fees
• No listing charges
• No hidden deductions
The only fee you are responsible for is the agreed commission per booking, which is calculated based on actual reservations confirmed through our platform. We do not charge for cancellations (if done by the guest according to your policy) or for listing edits and updates.


H. Commission Disputes and Resolution

While our platform is designed for accuracy, we understand that errors can occur. If you believe there has been a mistake in the commission charged, you can:

• Contact our vendor support team within 7 days of the commission invoice.
• Provide proof of the issue (e.g., incorrect booking price, cancellation, or guest no-show).
• Allow up to 72 hours for review and resolution.
If approved, the disputed amount will be refunded in your next payout cycle or adjusted in future commissions.


I. Policy Amendments

SkarduBooking.com reserves the right to revise its commission structure to reflect market conditions, operational costs, and business growth. However:

• You will be notified at least 14 days in advance of any rate changes.
• No changes will be applied retroactively to already-confirmed bookings.

The commission structure of SkarduBooking.com is designed to be simple, fair, and results-driven. By aligning our earnings with your success, we maintain a mutual incentive to attract more guests, improve guest satisfaction, and grow your business. Our seasonal rates, transparent deductions, and biweekly payment system ensure that you can focus on providing excellent service, while we handle the rest.


3. Payment and Payouts

At SkarduBooking.com, we believe in building long-term relationships with our vendors through reliable, efficient, and transparent financial practices. As a hotel or property owner, you are entitled to receive payments for all confirmed bookings made through our platform, less the applicable commission. This section explains how customer payments are collected, how and when payouts are made to vendors, what responsibilities vendors hold regarding financial information, and the procedures to address any potential issues.


A. Guest Payments – How SkarduBooking.com Collects Payments

All guest bookings made through SkarduBooking.com are processed through our secure online payment gateway. This system is integrated with local and international banking partners to support a wide range of payment methods, including:

• Debit/Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard)
• Bank transfers
• Mobile wallet systems (e.g., Easypaisa, JazzCash)
• Other local payment methods as available

When a guest completes a booking:

• The full booking amount (room rate + taxes + service charges, if any) is collected upfront by SkarduBooking.com.
• This ensures that the booking is valid, confirmed, and secured.
• The vendor is notified of the booking along with all guest details and check-in information.

SkarduBooking.com holds this amount in escrow until the guest checks in, ensuring financial safety for both parties. In case of no-shows or cancellations (as per the vendor’s cancellation policy), refunds or adjustments are processed accordingly.


B. Vendor Payouts – Your Earnings from Each Booking

Once the guest has checked in and the booking is successfully fulfilled, SkarduBooking.com processes the payout to the vendor. This payout is the total booking amount minus the applicable commission. The payout includes:

• The agreed net room rate
• Any applicable extras if booked and paid through the platform
• Taxes (if passed to the vendor) based on your configuration

We aim to make vendor payments seamless and consistent, allowing you to focus on guest satisfaction and property management.


C. Payout Schedule – Biweekly and Monthly Options

To streamline financial operations and ensure regular cash flow for our vendors, we offer two payout schedules:

1. Biweekly Payout System (Default)

• Payments are processed twice a month, covering the following periods:
o Cycle 1: 1st to 15th of each month
o Cycle 2: 16th to end of the month
• All bookings completed in each cycle (i.e., check-in and check-out during that cycle) are included in that period’s payout.
• Payouts are initiated within 3–5 business days after the close of each cycle.

2. Monthly Payout (Optional)

• For vendors who prefer fewer transactions, we offer a monthly payout option.
• In this case, all bookings completed between the 1st and last day of the month are processed together in a single payout.
• The payout is typically released within the first week of the following month.

You may choose or change your payout frequency preference by updating your vendor profile or contacting our support team.


D. Payout Methods – Getting Paid Securely

SkarduBooking.com currently offers the following payout methods:

• Bank Transfer (Preferred):
o Direct transfer to your local Pakistani bank account.
o Requires accurate account number, account holder name, bank name, branch code, and IBAN.
o Fastest and most reliable option.
• Mobile Wallet Transfer:
o For vendors without a bank account, we offer transfers via local mobile wallet services.
o This is available for small vendors and requires valid CNIC and mobile number registration.
• International Bank Transfer (On Request):
o For vendors based outside Pakistan (rare), we support limited international bank payments with additional verification and charges.

All payout transactions will include a downloadable payment slip or digital invoice that can be used for accounting or tax filing.


E. Vendor Responsibilities – Providing Accurate Payment Information

It is solely your responsibility as a vendor to provide and maintain accurate and up-to-date payment details in your profile. SkarduBooking.com is not liable for:

• Payouts sent to incorrect bank or wallet numbers
• Delays caused by incomplete or outdated banking details
• Payments rejected due to mismatched names or blocked accounts

You can update your payment details anytime through your vendor dashboard. However, updates made during an active payout cycle may only apply from the next cycle forward.


F. Payment Errors or Delays – What to Do

We strive for 100% accuracy in all financial transactions, but technical or banking delays may occasionally occur. If you do not receive your payout on time:

• Wait for 2 additional business days in case of banking delays.
• Check your account for errors or rejections.
• Contact SkarduBooking.com support with your vendor ID and relevant details.

If the delay was due to a mistake on our end, we will reprocess the payment at no cost. If the issue is due to incorrect vendor information, the correction may take an additional cycle.


G. Handling Cancellations, No-Shows, and Refunds

In cases where a guest cancels a booking, the payout to the vendor will be handled based on the vendor's cancellation policy:

• Flexible Policy: Full refund to the guest if canceled within the allowed time; no payout to vendor.
• Moderate Policy: Partial refund to guest; partial payout to vendor.
• Strict Policy: No refund; full payout (minus commission) to vendor.

No-shows without valid cancellation are also processed according to your listed policy. You are responsible for keeping your policy clear and updated, as this directly affects how refunds and payouts are handled.


H. Currency and Transaction Charges

All transactions are conducted in Pakistani Rupees (PKR). For international vendors or guests paying in other currencies, the conversion is handled by the payment processor or bank.

SkarduBooking.com does not charge additional transaction fees beyond the agreed commission. However, your bank may charge fees for receiving payments, especially for international accounts. These charges are outside our control.


I. Financial Transparency and Record Keeping

You can access full financial reports through your vendor dashboard, including:

• Booking histories
• Payout summaries
• Commission breakdowns
• Downloadable invoices for each transaction

These tools help you maintain transparency in your business operations and can support your financial planning and tax reporting.


J. Fraud Prevention and Financial Security

To protect all parties:

• We use SSL-secured payment processing systems.
• Vendor earnings are held in a secure escrow account until the guest checks in.
• Suspicious or fraudulent payment activity is flagged and investigated.

Any attempt to manipulate payment systems, create fake bookings, or receive payouts for non-existent stays will result in account termination and possible legal action.

At SkarduBooking.com, we aim to ensure that your earnings from confirmed bookings are paid to you accurately, on time, and securely. Our biweekly and monthly payout systems are designed to offer flexibility, and our vendor dashboard provides complete transparency. By keeping your payment information accurate and staying informed about your cancellation policies and earning cycles, you can enjoy a smooth and rewarding partnership with our platform.


4. Cancellation and Booking Commitments

In any hospitality business, trust and reliability are key components of guest satisfaction. At SkarduBooking.com, we are committed to maintaining high standards in booking integrity—for both guests and vendors. This section outlines your responsibilities as a property owner or manager when it comes to handling confirmed bookings, honoring guest reservations, managing cancellations, and upholding booking commitments. Clear and fair cancellation policies and responsible conduct in handling bookings ensure long-term success and prevent disputes, penalties, and account deactivation.


A. Honoring Confirmed Bookings – Your Legal and Ethical Responsibility

When a guest books a room through SkarduBooking.com and receives a confirmation email, it is your legal and ethical responsibility to honor that reservation. A confirmed booking constitutes a contract between you (the vendor) and the guest. The guest has committed to paying for a stay at your property based on the information you have provided—including price, room type, amenities, check-in/out times, and location.

You are obligated to:
• Ensure that the room is available, clean, and ready upon the guest's arrival.
• Provide all services and amenities promised in your listing.
• Have staff present and prepared to welcome the guest and assist with check-in.
• Not cancel the booking without justifiable cause (see section below).

Failure to honor a confirmed booking can result in a severe breach of trust and damage to both the guest experience and the reputation of SkarduBooking.com. Such violations will be taken seriously and may result in account suspension, listing removal, or penalties.


B. Managing Overbookings – Avoiding Double Reservations

Overbooking occurs when a vendor accepts more reservations than the actual number of rooms available. This often happens due to failure to update room availability across multiple platforms or accepting offline bookings without syncing them with the online calendar.

To avoid this:
• Regularly update your availability calendar on SkarduBooking.com.
• If you list your property on other platforms (e.g., Booking.com, Airbnb, etc.), use a channel manager or manually update all calendars.
• Close booking dates once full capacity is reached to prevent excess reservations.

Overbooking leads to guests being denied accommodations upon arrival, which may result in refunds, compensation to guests, and account penalties. Vendors who demonstrate a pattern of overbooking may be temporarily or permanently suspended from the platform.


C. Vendor-Initiated Cancellations – Policy and Penalties

While we understand that emergencies or unavoidable situations may arise, vendor-initiated cancellations (i.e., the vendor cancels a confirmed booking) are highly discouraged. Cancellations from your side can severely affect the guest’s travel plans and reflect poorly on our platform.

If you must cancel a booking:
• You must inform SkarduBooking.com immediately via your vendor dashboard or support team.
• Provide a valid and documented reason for the cancellation (e.g., damage to the room, property closure, medical emergency, etc.).
• SkarduBooking.com will evaluate whether the reason is acceptable and take appropriate action.

If the cancellation is not justified or if such cancellations occur frequently:
• You may receive a warning or monetary penalty.
• The guest will be offered a full refund or an alternative accommodation.
• Your property listing may receive lower visibility or be suspended temporarily.

Examples of unacceptable cancellation reasons:
• A better-paying offline booking
• Failure to update your calendar in time
• Personal travel plans or staffing shortages


D. Guest-Initiated Cancellations – Respecting Your Policy

Guests may cancel bookings based on your listed cancellation and refund policy. It is your responsibility to clearly define this policy on your listing page and ensure it is fair, transparent, and complies with platform standards. Common types of policies include:

• Flexible: Full refund for cancellations up to 24–48 hours before check-in.
• Moderate: Partial refund (e.g., 50%) if canceled within a few days of check-in.
• Strict: No refund for cancellations made within 7 days of check-in.

SkarduBooking.com processes guest cancellations according to the policy you define. If a guest cancels after your deadline has passed, and you have a strict policy, you are still entitled to receive your payout (minus commission), unless:
• You voluntarily waive the fee
• Exceptional circumstances apply (e.g., natural disasters or government restrictions)


E. No-Shows – Guest Fails to Arrive

A no-show occurs when a guest fails to check in on the reserved date and does not inform you or SkarduBooking.com in advance. If your cancellation policy does not allow refunds in such cases, you are entitled to receive your payout as scheduled.

We recommend:
• Waiting at least 12–24 hours after the check-in time before marking a booking as a no-show.
• Attempting to contact the guest by phone or email.
• Reporting the no-show via your vendor dashboard.

If the guest provides proof of unavoidable circumstances, SkarduBooking.com may intervene and adjust the payout fairly.


F. Handling Cancellations Gracefully – Best Practices

Cancellations are a part of the hospitality business, but how you manage them speaks volumes about your professionalism. Here are some tips for handling cancellations with grace:

• Communicate early: If a cancellation is unavoidable, notify the guest and SkarduBooking.com as early as possible.
• Be empathetic: Guests may cancel due to emergencies. Show understanding and flexibility where reasonable.
• Offer solutions: Propose new dates or discounts for future stays if the guest cancels.
• Keep a record: Maintain documentation of all cancellation-related communication for clarity.


G. Rebooking Assistance by SkarduBooking.com

In the event that a guest’s confirmed booking is canceled by the vendor, SkarduBooking.com will step in to protect the guest’s interest. This may include:

• Offering a full refund
• Helping the guest find alternative accommodation
• Covering the price difference, if needed, at the vendor’s expense (in cases of vendor fault)

Repeated need for SkarduBooking.com intervention due to vendor mismanagement may result in listing demotion, suspension, or termination.


H. Changes to Bookings – Date or Room Adjustments

Vendors may occasionally need to make minor changes to a booking, such as shifting the guest to a similar room due to maintenance. If so:

• The new room must be of equal or higher value than originally booked.
• The guest must be informed in advance and consent to the change.
• No additional charges should be applied unless agreed upon.

Unauthorized changes or downgrades may lead to guest complaints and penalties.


I. Special Circumstances – Natural Disasters, Emergencies, and Force Majeure

In situations beyond control—such as landslides, floods, health pandemics, political unrest, or transport disruptions—SkarduBooking.com may waive cancellation penalties for both guests and vendors. We prioritize guest safety and vendor fairness, and each case will be assessed individually.

During such events:
• Communicate clearly with guests and support staff.
• Be flexible with refund or rescheduling requests.
• Provide updates about local conditions affecting check-in.

Honoring confirmed bookings and managing cancellations professionally is the backbone of guest trust and vendor success on SkarduBooking.com. A reliable, responsive, and guest-friendly approach not only improves your reviews and ratings but also ensures long-term visibility and profitability on our platform. By clearly stating and adhering to your cancellation policy, keeping your calendar updated, and respecting booking commitments, you contribute to a thriving, dependable hospitality network in Skardu.


5. Vendor Conduct and Standards

At SkarduBooking.com, we strive to offer travelers a consistently high-quality, safe, and enjoyable experience across all listed accommodations. As a vendor, your behavior, hospitality, and operational standards play a critical role in shaping the guest’s overall satisfaction and in maintaining the credibility of our platform. This section lays out clear expectations regarding vendor conduct, service quality, ethical practices, safety regulations, and compliance with local laws. It also outlines potential consequences of violating these standards.


A. Upholding Professionalism and Integrity

As a hotel or guesthouse vendor, you are expected to conduct your business in a professional, ethical, and guest-centric manner. This includes not only your communication and service delivery but also how you manage online operations such as responding to inquiries, updating listings, and handling complaints.

Core professional expectations include:
• Respectful communication with guests, staff, and SkarduBooking.com representatives
• Honesty in advertising your property, amenities, and pricing
• Timely responses to booking inquiries, guest questions, and support tickets
• Politeness and hospitality during guest interactions, check-ins, and stay duration

Vendors who fail to maintain professional conduct may be subject to written warnings, profile demotion, or account suspension, depending on the severity of the offense.


B. Hospitality Standards – What Guests Expect

SkarduBooking.com guests rely on the platform to find clean, comfortable, and accurately represented accommodations. As a vendor, you must meet and maintain basic hospitality standards to ensure guest safety and satisfaction.

These include:
• Cleanliness: Rooms, washrooms, linens, and public spaces must be cleaned and sanitized before each check-in. Dusty, stained, or unclean environments result in negative reviews and potential suspension.
• Functionality: All advertised services and amenities (e.g., geysers, heating, Wi-Fi, TVs) must be in working condition. Broken equipment or unfulfilled promises are considered serious violations.
• Comfort and safety: Beds must be comfortable; hot water and heating/cooling systems should be operational where needed. Lockable doors, emergency exits, and basic safety features must be provided.
• Hospitality: Guests should feel welcomed upon arrival and supported during their stay. You or a staff member should be present during check-in hours to assist guests and offer guidance.


C. Respectful Treatment of Guests

Vendors are expected to treat all guests with respect, kindness, and cultural sensitivity regardless of nationality, religion, gender, age, or personal appearance. Discriminatory behavior, harassment, or exploitation of any kind will not be tolerated.

Examples of misconduct include:
• Verbal abuse or rude remarks
• Invasion of privacy or unauthorized entry into guest rooms
• Pressuring guests for additional payments not listed in the booking
• Discrimination based on gender, caste, religion, or ethnicity

Any reports of such misconduct will be taken seriously and may result in immediate account suspension, guest refund, and permanent ban from the platform.


D. Dealing with Complaints and Guest Feedback

Negative feedback is inevitable in hospitality, but the way you handle it can either strengthen or damage your reputation. SkarduBooking.com encourages vendors to respond to guest concerns professionally and offer reasonable solutions.

When a guest raises a complaint:
1. Listen and acknowledge the issue without becoming defensive.
2. Offer quick and polite resolution options (e.g., room replacement, cleaning, additional assistance).
3. If the issue is severe or you cannot resolve it, contact SkarduBooking.com support for help.

Responding with empathy and urgency often turns a negative experience into a positive review. Ignoring complaints or retaliating can lead to delisting or penalties.


E. Maintaining an Accurate Listing

One of the most important ways to maintain high standards is by keeping your listing accurate, honest, and up to date.

This includes:
• Photos: Use current, real images of your rooms, property exterior, and amenities.
• Descriptions: Do not exaggerate or list features you cannot provide.
• Availability Calendar: Update regularly to avoid overbooking.
• Pricing: Ensure listed rates match your in-house pricing and seasonal changes are reflected.
• Policies: Keep your cancellation, check-in, and refund policies updated.

Failure to maintain accuracy can result in disputes, poor guest experiences, negative reviews, and account demotion.


F. Adherence to Local Laws and Licensing

All vendors on SkarduBooking.com are required to comply with local, regional, and national laws and regulations governing the operation of accommodations. These include but are not limited to:

• Business registration and tax compliance
• Tourism department licensing (if applicable)
• Health and hygiene laws
• Labor and employment laws for staff
• Noise and zoning regulations

It is your responsibility to ensure your property is operating legally. If SkarduBooking.com receives reports of illegal operations, unsafe practices, or license violations, your listing may be deactivated until compliance is proven.


G. Fire, Safety, and Emergency Compliance

Safety is a top priority for SkarduBooking.com and its users. Your property must be equipped with basic safety features to protect guests during their stay.

These include:
• Fire extinguishers placed in accessible locations
• Emergency exit signs and stairway access
• First aid kits
• Clear emergency contact information for guests
• Regular maintenance to prevent electrical or plumbing hazards

Properties that lack these safety elements or fail to respond to emergencies effectively may be subject to guest refunds, delisting, and negative platform review.


H. Behavior Toward Platform Representatives

In addition to treating guests respectfully, vendors must also maintain professional and cooperative communication with SkarduBooking.com staff and field representatives. This includes:

• Responding promptly to support messages or verification requests
• Allowing property inspections (virtual or in-person) when required
• Providing truthful information when resolving guest issues

Threats, harassment, or abuse toward platform staff will result in immediate removal from the platform.


I. Continuous Improvement and Guest Ratings

SkarduBooking.com supports vendors who take guest feedback seriously and continuously improve. Higher guest ratings lead to better search rankings, more bookings, and access to special promotional features. You can boost your performance by:

• Encouraging guests to leave honest reviews
• Tracking your average review score
• Making improvements based on recurring feedback
• Offering small gestures like complimentary tea, welcome notes, or local maps
Strive for a minimum average rating of 4.0 out of 5 to maintain high visibility on the platform.


J. Violations and Penalties

SkarduBooking.com monitors guest reviews, complaints, and booking activity to identify vendors who may be violating conduct standards. The following are potential consequences:

• Warning Notice: For first-time or minor violations
• Temporary Suspension: For repeated complaints or policy breaches
• Permanent Ban: For serious issues such as fraud, guest harassment, or unsafe environments
• Legal Reporting: In cases of harassment, discrimination, or criminal activity

All decisions are taken after investigation and may involve communication with guests and vendors. Vendors have the right to request clarification and appeal decisions, where applicable.
By upholding SkarduBooking.com's vendor conduct and service standards, you are not only protecting your reputation but also contributing to a trusted and vibrant local tourism network. Clean, honest, guest-friendly accommodations attract better reviews, higher occupancy, and long-term success. In return, we remain committed to supporting you with visibility, tools, and guidance to grow your hospitality business professionally and ethically.


6. Termination

The partnership between SkarduBooking.com and a hotel or guesthouse vendor is built on mutual trust, performance, and compliance with the platform’s standards and policies. While we aim to foster long-term, productive relationships with all vendors, there may be situations where the business relationship needs to end. This section outlines the terms under which the agreement between a vendor and SkarduBooking.com may be terminated, either voluntarily by the vendor or by the platform due to breach of terms, misconduct, inactivity, or other justified reasons. It also clarifies the consequences of termination, the handling of pending payments, and the conditions for reinstatement.


A. Understanding Termination

Termination refers to the deactivation, suspension, or permanent removal of a vendor’s account and listing from SkarduBooking.com. It ends the vendor’s ability to:

• Receive new bookings
• Access vendor dashboard tools
• Receive support as a listed partner
• Collect future payouts through the platform

Termination can be initiated in one of three ways:
1. By the vendor (voluntary termination)
2. By SkarduBooking.com (due to violation of policies or platform standards)
3. Mutual agreement (in special circumstances)

Each of these scenarios has distinct procedures and outcomes, which are explained below.


B. Voluntary Termination by the Vendor

As a vendor, you have the right to deactivate your property listing or close your vendor account at any time, provided you give SkarduBooking.com sufficient notice. The process includes:

1. Notice Period: Vendors are expected to provide at least 15 days’ notice before deactivation to allow time for final bookings to be honored and active listings to be paused responsibly.
2. Pending Bookings: All confirmed bookings must either be fulfilled or canceled in line with your existing cancellation policy. If bookings are not fulfilled, you may be required to refund guests or face a deduction in your final payout.
3. Written Request: Termination must be initiated through an official email or dashboard request with clear intent and reason.
4. Verification and Closure: Once verified, your listing will be deactivated, and your account closed. Any pending payouts will be processed as per the biweekly schedule, after deducting applicable commission and fees.

Voluntary closure of an account is generally penalty-free, provided there is no misconduct, fraud, or pending dispute with a guest.


C. Termination by SkarduBooking.com

SkarduBooking.com reserves the right to terminate any vendor account under the following conditions:

1. Violation of Terms and Conditions
If a vendor violates any of the platform’s core policies—such as:
• Providing false information in listings
• Repeated cancellations or overbookings
• Non-payment of due commissions
• Misconduct toward guests or SkarduBooking.com staff
• Refusal to honor confirmed bookings

…we may suspend or permanently terminate the account. Violations may lead to immediate deactivation, especially in severe cases involving fraud or guest safety concerns.

2. Guest Complaints and Low Ratings<br> If your property receives:
• Frequent complaints from guests
• Consistently low review scores (below 3.0 average)
• Negative attention for cleanliness, behavior, or service
SkarduBooking.com will first issue warnings and offer guidance for improvement. If no action is taken or if poor performance continues, your listing may be removed to protect guest experience and platform credibility.

3. Inactivity or Abandonment
If you do not:
• Respond to bookings or inquiries for a prolonged period (30+ days)
• Update availability or pricing
• Fulfill any bookings for over 90 days
Your account may be marked as inactive and scheduled for removal. Before termination, we will attempt to contact you via email or phone. Failure to respond may result in automatic deactivation.

4. Legal and Regulatory Non-Compliance
If your property:
• Is operating without proper registration or licenses
• Is found to be in violation of local tourism, zoning, or health laws
• Is under investigation or legal action

…SkarduBooking.com has the right to suspend or terminate your listing until full legal compliance is achieved.


D. Process of Termination

The termination process typically involves the following steps:

1. Initial Review: Upon identifying a violation or receiving complaints, the platform conducts an internal review.
2. Notification: The vendor is issued a formal warning, request for explanation, or direct termination notice depending on the severity of the issue.
3. Vendor Response: In most cases, vendors are given 72 hours to respond, except in urgent cases involving fraud or safety risks, where termination is immediate.
4. Deactivation: Once the decision is final, your listing is removed from public view, and account access is restricted.
5. Final Settlement: Any pending payments are calculated and paid after deduction of commissions, refund costs (if applicable), and any penalties or adjustments.

Vendors whose accounts are terminated may be blacklisted and prohibited from creating new listings unless reinstated through an appeal.


E. Refunds and Guest Compensation After Termination

In cases where your account is terminated and you have:

• Unfulfilled bookings
• Active guest reservations
• Ongoing disputes

SkarduBooking.com may issue guest refunds or provide alternate accommodations. In such cases, you may be held financially responsible for the refund amount or the cost of relocation. These amounts will be deducted from your pending payout or charged via invoice.


F. Reinstatement or Appeal Process

We understand that some issues leading to termination may be accidental or solvable. In cases of minor or first-time violations, vendors may:

• Request a reinstatement review
• Submit documentation or proof of resolution
• Agree to improved service commitments
If approved, your account may be reactivated with conditions, such as temporary performance monitoring, probationary listing, or guest follow-up.

However, reinstatement is not guaranteed, especially in cases involving:
• Fraud
• Harassment or discrimination
• Repeated misconduct or guest safety violations


G. Data Retention and Recordkeeping

Following termination:

• Your listing and personal details are archived securely in our system for compliance and recordkeeping.
• Guests who previously booked your property may still leave reviews (where applicable).
• Your financial history and payout records remain available for a limited period (up to 12 months) for your access.


H. Recommendations Before Termination

If you’re considering closing your vendor account, we recommend:

• Fulfilling all existing bookings
• Requesting closure during the off-season, to minimize disruption
• Downloading all financial and booking records
• Updating your guests and staff in advance

These steps help ensure a smooth and conflict-free exit from the platform.

Termination of a vendor agreement is not a decision we take lightly. Our goal is always to support responsible and reliable property owners who provide high-quality service to travelers visiting Skardu and the surrounding areas. However, we must also protect the trust and safety of our guests and uphold the platform’s reputation. By maintaining high standards, communicating professionally, and responding promptly to concerns, you can enjoy a long-term, successful partnership with SkarduBooking.com. If termination does become necessary—either by choice or by policy—we aim to handle the process fairly, transparently, and professionally.


If you require assistance or have questions regarding these terms, please get in touch with our vendor support team at info@skardubooking.com.
Thank you for partnering with SkarduBooking.com. Together, we aim to promote sustainable tourism and authentic experiences in Gilgit-Baltistan.