Random Sort (with prioritization)

Random Sort allows properties to be dynamically shuffled within defined buckets. While the order changes on each page load, the logic behind the grouping is fixed:

Sort Logic (when Random is Enabled):

1. Preferred + Ecommerce + Available
   Properties that are Preferred, connected, and available are shown first. Randomized within the group.

2. Ecommerce + Available
   Connected properties that are available but not marked Preferred.

3. Referral + Lead Rate
   Non-connected properties with pricing shown.

4. Referral + No Rate
   Referral properties with no pricing.

5. Unavailable / Sold Out
   Properties without availability, even if Preferred, are shown last.

Real-Time Availability Behavior

Because some third-party systems take longer to return data, a property may be temporarily marked as unavailable at page load. If updated availability arrives after render, the property will be updated in place (status and pricing), without shifting its position on the page. This ensures stability for the traveler.

Setup

1. Set “Random” as your sort preference in Booking Engine Settings.
2. Optionally tag properties as “Preferred” to elevate their position.

Why Use Random Sort?

• Balanced exposure for suppliers
• Prioritization of real-time availability
• Traveler-first experience with stable rendering

Manual Sort

As an alternative to Random Sort, Manual Sort gives you full control over property display order on the Search Results Page (SRP). Use it when consistency matters — especially for prioritizing host hotels or high-value lodging partners. A few system behaviors are worth knowing, outlined below.

Sort Logic (When Manual is Enabled)

1. Properties display in the order defined in the Ripe admin dashboard.
2. Unavailable properties (sold out or no availability returned) are automatically pushed to the bottom — regardless of manual rank. This keeps bookable inventory front and center while still representing full supply.
3. No additional grouping or randomization is applied.

Rate loading can affect sort position. To protect page load speed — particularly on mobile — the SRP renders before all third-party rate calls complete. Properties that haven't returned availability yet are treated as unavailable and sorted to the bottom. If rates come back on a secondary call, the property card updates in place. The page does not re-sort or reshuffle, by design — moving cards after a user has started browsing creates a disorienting experience.

Setup Instructions

1. In Booking Engine Settings, set sort preference to "Manual."
2. Under the Properties tab, drag and drop listings into your preferred order.
3. For affiliate sites, the sort defaults to the main engine order. Override it in Affiliate Settings by reordering properties for that specific instance.

Best Use Cases

• Official host hotels, sponsors, or top-performing properties
• Consistent supplier visibility across an event window
• Setting clear stakeholder expectations during high-volume periods

What Manual Sort Does Not Do

• Does not re-sort in real time based on availability (though unavailable properties still move to the bottom)
• Does not introduce randomization or bucketed logic like Random Sort

Manual Sort is the right choice when curation and consistency define the traveler experience.