--- title: "Difference Between \"Model\" and \"Category\" Availability | Rently Centro de Ayuda" description: At Rently, for the convenience of our users, unless you have a very large fleet, we recommend working with availability by model. However, this doesn't mean that you can't sell to customers by categor --- [Skip to content](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/difference-between-model-and-category-availability-rently-centro-de-ayuda#main-content) - [English](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/difference-between-model-and-category-availability-rently-centro-de-ayuda) - [Español](https://help.rentlysoft.com/cuál-es-la-diferencia-entre-disponibilidad-basada-en-modelo-y-categoría) - [Português - Brasil](https://help.rentlysoft.com/pt-br/cuál-es-la-diferencia-entre-disponibilidad-basada-en-modelo-y-categoría) English Show submenu for translations ![rently .jpg\]](https://help.rentlysoft.com/hs-fs/hubfs/rently%20.jpg?height=40&name=rently%20.jpg) Open main navigation Close main navigation - - [English](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/difference-between-model-and-category-availability-rently-centro-de-ayuda) - [Español](https://help.rentlysoft.com/cuál-es-la-diferencia-entre-disponibilidad-basada-en-modelo-y-categoría) - [Português - Brasil](https://help.rentlysoft.com/pt-br/cuál-es-la-diferencia-entre-disponibilidad-basada-en-modelo-y-categoría) English Show submenu for translations - Go to rentlysoft.com Go to rentlysoft.com All the solutions in one click! - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Rently Help Desk](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en?hsLang=en) 2. [RentlySoft](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en) 3. [USE OF THE SOFTWARE](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#use-of-the-software) # Difference Between "Model" and "Category" Availability | Rently Centro de Ayuda At Rently, for the convenience of our users, unless you have a very large fleet, we recommend working with availability by model. However, this doesn't mean that you can't sell to customers by category even if you have a system based on model availability. Most of the reasons for a rental to choose availability by category can still be accommodated with a model-based system: **a) Changing the Booking Model:** In Rently, it is possible to change not only the vehicle of a booking, even the model or category itself while maintaining or adjusting the price. [![](https://help.rentlysoft.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/downloads.intercomcdn.comio7381681379acf297d81213d2e3df2d5d8image-1.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/738168137/9acf297d81213d2e3df2d5d8/image.png?expires=1737046800&signature=c1b4894258bfc02d9f49c09a2a5aa9af88f6bfaa9589a01c860d5b9cd06bba7e&req=cyMvF892nIJYFb4f3HP0gGKGZlfoyBe5bPqfHghfgvfmBbXRXIQoMEmdULve%0A2ngD21GietJbLmzbLQ%3D%3D%0A) You can even make changes mid-reservation, even after the vehicle has been delivered. For more information on changing vehicles, click here. [https://help.rentlysoft.com/es/articles/7045741-cambio-de-categoria-modelo](https://help.rentlysoft.com/es/articles/7045741-cambio-de-categoria-modelo?hsLang=en) **b) Offering a Category Rather Than a Model:** The objective here is usually to have the flexibility to provide the customer with any vehicle within the chosen category. While our system operates on model-based availability, we can configure options to say "or similar" to show it in Web Page. This informs the customer that they may not necessarily receive that exact model. [![](https://help.rentlysoft.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/downloads.intercomcdn.comio73817432031202beb09671b03bba2d910image-1.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/738174320/31202beb09671b03bba2d910/image.png?expires=1737046800&signature=f59a6cb70948ea72a99f1ecf7bc63f1672ab27f9aa62c44a4a7e6e093c6d09a7&req=cyMvF856noNfFb4f3HP0gDde%2BhMbr0yW5i7uwXtvx3rOLMc5CiUhq8IsgZC0%0A9hzxRAfp%2BtK5DD2ftQ%3D%3D%0A) **c) Pricing is Defined by Category:** In Rently, you can set prices based on categories while still using a model-based availability system. [![](https://help.rentlysoft.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/downloads.intercomcdn.comio862781315ce564c5caadad6c6c3a0d4cbimage.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/862781315/ce564c5caadad6c6c3a0d4cb/image.png?expires=1737046800&signature=2459f9d02babaa904a27a23a1e39a25b814e53c95b1627b91cd78e3c4f9d2721&req=fCYlEcF%2FnoBaFb4f3HP0gIA8yyPMH%2BFd29D8wjFfIXBqjhBnrTRMBdN5mqOB%0APRXHiUkLU%2FOl9yd0Mg%3D%3D%0A) **What's the Difference Between "Model" and "Category" Availability?** **a) Assigning Vehicle**: When working by category, reservations are created without a specific vehicle assigned. The vehicles remain unallocated until assigned. [![](https://help.rentlysoft.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/downloads.intercomcdn.comio862806815094071a6640c9cc31d5c28d4image.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/862806815/094071a6640c9cc31d5c28d4/image.png?expires=1737046800&signature=9eddaca1d7436b9d1a9e2046f74a80810f49026631826842b12f985af5b7c39d&req=fCYlHsl4lYBaFb4f3HP0gDPn3SVe%2BQ1BxSzypwO9rRmtTLx374acGisXShmb%0AvGfmYv%2BSAPEzLmosiA%3D%3D%0A) In contrast, when working by model, you need to select a vehicle at the time of booking creation. However, you can change the assigned vehicle at any time to one that is available. [![](https://help.rentlysoft.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/downloads.intercomcdn.comio86280292985e31c388233ea8cd5626e4fimage.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/862802929/85e31c388233ea8cd5626e4f/image.png?expires=1737046800&signature=1f3664876b3463a9692e9f6171e0a102471a8fd768d40594247e941eabf7e5c0&req=fCYlHsl8lINWFb4f3HP0gIStoxrGgGvAph3%2Fvn8d7xuf34QJRL69iF6jpjQb%0AjILob0GBxtuXnph4pw%3D%3D%0A) If needed, you can also unassign the vehicle and leave only the category. [![](https://help.rentlysoft.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/downloads.intercomcdn.comio86280834889287e70bf99c3fc14b5a3b7image.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/862808348/89287e70bf99c3fc14b5a3b7/image.png?expires=1737046800&signature=a84491a70df09e7185057a43101543d419cfe16466731c1e30526757213a84fe&req=fCYlHsl2noVXFb4f3HP0gJrTi%2FzTYnXaTc2RDbXz%2FLnazDbb0hdHdse%2B8EGn%0A0%2FOGEi48RjKQZO4%2FMw%3D%3D%0A) **b) Dashboard:** The dashboard displays bookings over time for each license plate. When creating a new booking, either manually or through the web, it won't appear on the dashboard until a vehicle is assigned when working by category. [![](https://help.rentlysoft.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/downloads.intercomcdn.comio73819370581a37b9eb1dbd0bc43cb4837image-1.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/738193705/81a37b9eb1dbd0bc43cb4837/image.png?expires=1737046800&signature=692fcf56a7bbfd08f694f22d6bb3522e9cb346e07d9f71bc74600db3a1ef3c81&req=cyMvF8B9moFaFb4f3HP0gIw9hSbjR0QE32uf3%2Fy%2BqAVUR48ztK1cyPHo%2FWTi%0A5kpPQAkgp3A1q6mILg%3D%3D%0A) In contrast, with model availability, the system calculates the most suitable vehicle for the new reservation and assigns it, making it visible on the dashboard from the start. [![](https://help.rentlysoft.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/downloads.intercomcdn.comio738194628f7da678a7267f6422f5da52bimage-1.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/738194628/f7da678a7267f6422f5da52b/image.png?expires=1737046800&signature=52b5209d4b5362c43699fcbf397fc6693d2004171dbb688a4f9f1098c86a9b3e&req=cyMvF8B6m4NXFb4f3HP0gLRC66W9d0YWjvIYAf2uhKo7I7sKv8%2BXUctmSXKF%0A72MQJridkhYqd3J3%2Fg%3D%3D%0A) **c) Web Presentation:** When working by category, search results on the website will show the primary model for each category. [![](https://help.rentlysoft.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/downloads.intercomcdn.comio862814930aeb821723ab9c70dff4c4701image.png)](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/862814930/aeb821723ab9c70dff4c4701/image.png?expires=1737046800&signature=49a9aeff67260bcc2a255cbf48698189310432b8f32aaff25ff62a4483c6e87e&req=fCYlHsh6lIJfFb4f3HP0gP2TQqlg06gpxHzZ67lI8yeZGASd5Fpqexv63Wzm%0AJJ%2BclHpu%2FoESBe6VuQ%3D%3D%0A) In contrast, when working by model, more options will be displayed, including each available model.   For more information on how availability by model or category is handled when integrated with brokers or OTAs, you can check this other guide: [view guide](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/availability-by-model-or-by-category-when-integrated-with-brokers/otas?hsLang=en).   - [RentlySoft](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#main-content) - [SYSTEM CONFIGURATION](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#system-configuration) - [USERS](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#users) - [ROLES](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#roles) - [GENERAL CONFIGURATION](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#general-configuration) - [BRANCH OFFICES](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#branch-offices) - [CARS](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#cars) - [BOOKINGS](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#bookings) - [CASH REGISTER](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#cash-register) - [ADDITIONALS](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#additionals) - [RATES](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#rates) - [TEMPLATES](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#templates) - [CUSTOMERS](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#customers) - [MAINTENANCE SERVICES](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#maintenance-services) - [REPORTS](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#reports) - [TAXES](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#taxes) - [FINES](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#fines) - [USE OF THE SOFTWARE](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#use-of-the-software) - [PAYMENTS](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#payments) - [OVERSOLD](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#oversold) - [AUTOMATIC NOTIFICATIONS](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#automatic-notifications) - [INCIDENT MANAGEMENT](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#incident-management) - [SECURITY](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#security) - [AXLE](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#axle) - [Agency Settlement](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/rentlysoft?hsLang=en#agency-settlement) - [BuilderDuck](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/builderduck?hsLang=en#main-content) - [First steps](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/builderduck?hsLang=en#first-steps) - [Set up your company branding](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/builderduck?hsLang=en#set-up-your-company-branding) - [Customize your page](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/builderduck?hsLang=en#customize-your-page) - [SEO](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/builderduck?hsLang=en#seo) - [Booking and Checkout Pages Configuration](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/builderduck?hsLang=en#booking-and-checkout-pages-configuration) - [Blog](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/builderduck?hsLang=en#blog) - [Advanced settings](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/builderduck?hsLang=en#advanced-settings) - [File Manager](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/builderduck?hsLang=en#file-manager) - [App In & Out](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/app-in-out?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Configuration](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/app-in-out?hsLang=en#configuration) - [Integrations - Brokers](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/integrations-brokers?hsLang=en) - [Web Site](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/web-site?hsLang=en#main-content) - [PAYMENT SYSTEMS](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/web-site?hsLang=en#payment-systems) - [promocion](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/web-site?hsLang=en#promocion) - [Genius](https://help.rentlysoft.com/en/genius?hsLang=en) [![Rently](https://help.rentlysoft.com/hubfs/rently%20logo.svg "Rently")](http://www.rentlysoft.com) Help desk rentlysoft.com Copyright © 2026, Rently Software LLC