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undersea

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Just read an article (philly paper) that Canadian visits are down, due to drop in value of Canadian dollar. They are apparently 11% of the Jersey Shore business.
Curious (more for those in the north) if you do anything specific to target Canadians, experiences servicing them, dealing with French speakers, etc...
 
We don't generally do anything special. A good chunk of French-speaking Canada also speaks English, so no worries. Same thing goes for Europeans. At least one person in the party speaks well enough to have a conversation.
 
We accept cheques drawn from Canadian banks, as long as they are notated "US funds." Our banks takes care of the exchange and we get the full amount. Of course, we also accept MC, Visa, etc... from Canadian guests....
 
We don't generally do anything special. A good chunk of French-speaking Canada also speaks English, so no worries. Same thing goes for Europeans. At least one person in the party speaks well enough to have a conversation..
Sometimes it's the Americans who have trouble speaking well enough!
 
We accept cheques drawn from Canadian banks, as long as they are notated "US funds." Our banks takes care of the exchange and we get the full amount. Of course, we also accept MC, Visa, etc... from Canadian guests.....
Where do you find people... especially Canadians who even WRITE cheques anymore?
We won't use our CC in the us at all unless it's a chip terminal. We pay cash.
 
We never had a problem with them. We usually skip a deposit and let them pay on arrival in cash or card. It's easier.
 
We take CC deposits. Have never seen a check..
I would only take a check from truly repeat customers, or in rare circumstances if I think it is the only way I would get paid. For example, if they paid online with echeck, at least 2-3 weeks ahead so I know it clears.
I have had significant problems with tenants and checks occasionally. Only take money orders, and they do it happily. Hard to prove a bad check, in spite of what people might tell you.
Try using a check to rent a car!!!
 
Until recently, Canadian guests constituted 15% of our guests (we're only 5 miles from the border as the crow flies). That number has dipped to around 10% as the Canadian dollar grows weaker.
Two years ago, the Canadian dollar was worth about $1.10. Last year they traded at par. Now, it's about $0.75. That means our rooms are more expensive to our Canadian guests, and we try to take that into account by promoting things like a free bottle of wine in their room (with Canadian taxes, it almost makes up for the exchange rate differential).
On the plus side, when the missus and I go across the border for dinner, we get a 25% American Discount!
 
Until recently, Canadian guests constituted 15% of our guests (we're only 5 miles from the border as the crow flies). That number has dipped to around 10% as the Canadian dollar grows weaker.
Two years ago, the Canadian dollar was worth about $1.10. Last year they traded at par. Now, it's about $0.75. That means our rooms are more expensive to our Canadian guests, and we try to take that into account by promoting things like a free bottle of wine in their room (with Canadian taxes, it almost makes up for the exchange rate differential).
On the plus side, when the missus and I go across the border for dinner, we get a 25% American Discount!.
PhineasSwann said:
Two years ago, the Canadian dollar was worth about $1.10. Last year they traded at par. Now, it's about $0.75. That means our rooms are more expensive to our Canadian guests, and we try to take that into account by promoting things like a free bottle of wine in their room (with Canadian taxes, it almost makes up for the exchange rate differential).
Interesting thought (wine). Just in the last year or so, PA allowed innkeepers to provide a complementary bottle of wine. Think it might need to be local or something, would have to check.
 
We take CC deposits. Have never seen a check..
I would only take a check from truly repeat customers, or in rare circumstances if I think it is the only way I would get paid. For example, if they paid online with echeck, at least 2-3 weeks ahead so I know it clears.
I have had significant problems with tenants and checks occasionally. Only take money orders, and they do it happily. Hard to prove a bad check, in spite of what people might tell you.
Try using a check to rent a car!!!
.
One and a half months left in our fourth season managing this business, and we have only had two checks bounce during our tenure, and both guests made good. Our guests generally are making their reservations (with a 25% deposit) many months in advance, so plenty of time for their first check to clear.
Before we took over, the previous managers only accepted cash or checks. We are now using the Square (and PayPal for online reservations), so we can process a credit card if necessary, but we still express a preference for payment in cash or by check (and we don't take cards over the phone, only online invoices or in person).
But more and more of our guests are choosing to use their credit card, so we are thinking of upping our rates to cover the fees, and offering a discount for cash or check payments (our state doesn't allow us to charge a credit-card surcharge, even though government offices themselves do!)
 
Until recently, Canadian guests constituted 15% of our guests (we're only 5 miles from the border as the crow flies). That number has dipped to around 10% as the Canadian dollar grows weaker.
Two years ago, the Canadian dollar was worth about $1.10. Last year they traded at par. Now, it's about $0.75. That means our rooms are more expensive to our Canadian guests, and we try to take that into account by promoting things like a free bottle of wine in their room (with Canadian taxes, it almost makes up for the exchange rate differential).
On the plus side, when the missus and I go across the border for dinner, we get a 25% American Discount!.
PhineasSwann said:
.... Now, it's about $0.75.....
That's a dream... now it's about 70c on the dollar. My travel is going east or west because of it. Can't afford the US at the moment.
 
Ahh, but on the other side of the 'coin'....
I've seen an upswing in American visitors this year. They're surprised that our province is so huge--they expect to be able to see everything in one week. I love them. They are so chatty and when they meet a fellow 'merican at our place, they act like long lost relatives. Very easy to please and they love everything. I do my best to be accommodating because I would love their repeat business, if possible.
 
Ahh, but on the other side of the 'coin'....
I've seen an upswing in American visitors this year. They're surprised that our province is so huge--they expect to be able to see everything in one week. I love them. They are so chatty and when they meet a fellow 'merican at our place, they act like long lost relatives. Very easy to please and they love everything. I do my best to be accommodating because I would love their repeat business, if possible..
that's so cool. it is the best feeling when the guests enjoy each others' company!!
 
We take CC deposits. Have never seen a check..
I would only take a check from truly repeat customers, or in rare circumstances if I think it is the only way I would get paid. For example, if they paid online with echeck, at least 2-3 weeks ahead so I know it clears.
I have had significant problems with tenants and checks occasionally. Only take money orders, and they do it happily. Hard to prove a bad check, in spite of what people might tell you.
Try using a check to rent a car!!!
.
One and a half months left in our fourth season managing this business, and we have only had two checks bounce during our tenure, and both guests made good. Our guests generally are making their reservations (with a 25% deposit) many months in advance, so plenty of time for their first check to clear.
Before we took over, the previous managers only accepted cash or checks. We are now using the Square (and PayPal for online reservations), so we can process a credit card if necessary, but we still express a preference for payment in cash or by check (and we don't take cards over the phone, only online invoices or in person).
But more and more of our guests are choosing to use their credit card, so we are thinking of upping our rates to cover the fees, and offering a discount for cash or check payments (our state doesn't allow us to charge a credit-card surcharge, even though government offices themselves do!)
.
There is a lot of venom out there for businesses (except gas stations, for some reason) that try a CC "surcharge." Much better to price it so there is a discount for cash (or debit cards, which for the most part are lower fee).
I think places that refuse credit cards would be astonished at how much business they lose over the long haul. Personally, I pretty much avoid places that refuse cards (except Aldis, where I use debit card reluctantly). Yes, someone forked over the cash. But one cannot tell if they decided not to return or refer others because of this antiquated payment method.
 
We take CC deposits. Have never seen a check..
I would only take a check from truly repeat customers, or in rare circumstances if I think it is the only way I would get paid. For example, if they paid online with echeck, at least 2-3 weeks ahead so I know it clears.
I have had significant problems with tenants and checks occasionally. Only take money orders, and they do it happily. Hard to prove a bad check, in spite of what people might tell you.
Try using a check to rent a car!!!
.
One and a half months left in our fourth season managing this business, and we have only had two checks bounce during our tenure, and both guests made good. Our guests generally are making their reservations (with a 25% deposit) many months in advance, so plenty of time for their first check to clear.
Before we took over, the previous managers only accepted cash or checks. We are now using the Square (and PayPal for online reservations), so we can process a credit card if necessary, but we still express a preference for payment in cash or by check (and we don't take cards over the phone, only online invoices or in person).
But more and more of our guests are choosing to use their credit card, so we are thinking of upping our rates to cover the fees, and offering a discount for cash or check payments (our state doesn't allow us to charge a credit-card surcharge, even though government offices themselves do!)
.
There is a lot of venom out there for businesses (except gas stations, for some reason) that try a CC "surcharge." Much better to price it so there is a discount for cash (or debit cards, which for the most part are lower fee).
I think places that refuse credit cards would be astonished at how much business they lose over the long haul. Personally, I pretty much avoid places that refuse cards (except Aldis, where I use debit card reluctantly). Yes, someone forked over the cash. But one cannot tell if they decided not to return or refer others because of this antiquated payment method.
.
There is a very popular ice cream place in our downtown that has signs all over the place reminding customers: cash only (or checks) no credit cards -- they don't want you standing in their long line only to discover when you finally get to the counter that they will not serve you. As far as I can tell, they are not losing much business.
On the other hand, another business that I frequent in town no longer accepts checks, having been burned once too many times by a bad one, so it's cash or card only now (depending on what I'm buying, I usually pay with cash).
The point is that accepting credit cards entails a cost. Yes, it is a cost of doing business, but as the merchant, if that cost has not been built into your pricing then you've got a problem.
 
We take CC deposits. Have never seen a check..
I would only take a check from truly repeat customers, or in rare circumstances if I think it is the only way I would get paid. For example, if they paid online with echeck, at least 2-3 weeks ahead so I know it clears.
I have had significant problems with tenants and checks occasionally. Only take money orders, and they do it happily. Hard to prove a bad check, in spite of what people might tell you.
Try using a check to rent a car!!!
.
One and a half months left in our fourth season managing this business, and we have only had two checks bounce during our tenure, and both guests made good. Our guests generally are making their reservations (with a 25% deposit) many months in advance, so plenty of time for their first check to clear.
Before we took over, the previous managers only accepted cash or checks. We are now using the Square (and PayPal for online reservations), so we can process a credit card if necessary, but we still express a preference for payment in cash or by check (and we don't take cards over the phone, only online invoices or in person).
But more and more of our guests are choosing to use their credit card, so we are thinking of upping our rates to cover the fees, and offering a discount for cash or check payments (our state doesn't allow us to charge a credit-card surcharge, even though government offices themselves do!)
.
There is a lot of venom out there for businesses (except gas stations, for some reason) that try a CC "surcharge." Much better to price it so there is a discount for cash (or debit cards, which for the most part are lower fee).
I think places that refuse credit cards would be astonished at how much business they lose over the long haul. Personally, I pretty much avoid places that refuse cards (except Aldis, where I use debit card reluctantly). Yes, someone forked over the cash. But one cannot tell if they decided not to return or refer others because of this antiquated payment method.
.
There is a very popular ice cream place in our downtown that has signs all over the place reminding customers: cash only (or checks) no credit cards -- they don't want you standing in their long line only to discover when you finally get to the counter that they will not serve you. As far as I can tell, they are not losing much business.
On the other hand, another business that I frequent in town no longer accepts checks, having been burned once too many times by a bad one, so it's cash or card only now (depending on what I'm buying, I usually pay with cash).
The point is that accepting credit cards entails a cost. Yes, it is a cost of doing business, but as the merchant, if that cost has not been built into your pricing then you've got a problem.
.
For buying small items, not as much a deal. But not many people carry hundreds around for expensive things like a room. Nor do they want to.
the real cost for many, is having sales considerably smaller when they turn away people who prefer cards. Not a 3% fee.
 
We take CC deposits. Have never seen a check..
I would only take a check from truly repeat customers, or in rare circumstances if I think it is the only way I would get paid. For example, if they paid online with echeck, at least 2-3 weeks ahead so I know it clears.
I have had significant problems with tenants and checks occasionally. Only take money orders, and they do it happily. Hard to prove a bad check, in spite of what people might tell you.
Try using a check to rent a car!!!
.
One and a half months left in our fourth season managing this business, and we have only had two checks bounce during our tenure, and both guests made good. Our guests generally are making their reservations (with a 25% deposit) many months in advance, so plenty of time for their first check to clear.
Before we took over, the previous managers only accepted cash or checks. We are now using the Square (and PayPal for online reservations), so we can process a credit card if necessary, but we still express a preference for payment in cash or by check (and we don't take cards over the phone, only online invoices or in person).
But more and more of our guests are choosing to use their credit card, so we are thinking of upping our rates to cover the fees, and offering a discount for cash or check payments (our state doesn't allow us to charge a credit-card surcharge, even though government offices themselves do!)
.
There is a lot of venom out there for businesses (except gas stations, for some reason) that try a CC "surcharge." Much better to price it so there is a discount for cash (or debit cards, which for the most part are lower fee).
I think places that refuse credit cards would be astonished at how much business they lose over the long haul. Personally, I pretty much avoid places that refuse cards (except Aldis, where I use debit card reluctantly). Yes, someone forked over the cash. But one cannot tell if they decided not to return or refer others because of this antiquated payment method.
.
There is a very popular ice cream place in our downtown that has signs all over the place reminding customers: cash only (or checks) no credit cards -- they don't want you standing in their long line only to discover when you finally get to the counter that they will not serve you. As far as I can tell, they are not losing much business.
On the other hand, another business that I frequent in town no longer accepts checks, having been burned once too many times by a bad one, so it's cash or card only now (depending on what I'm buying, I usually pay with cash).
The point is that accepting credit cards entails a cost. Yes, it is a cost of doing business, but as the merchant, if that cost has not been built into your pricing then you've got a problem.
.
The lobster shack here doesn't take credit cards. I have to remember that to tell guests before they go.
 
We take CC deposits. Have never seen a check..
I would only take a check from truly repeat customers, or in rare circumstances if I think it is the only way I would get paid. For example, if they paid online with echeck, at least 2-3 weeks ahead so I know it clears.
I have had significant problems with tenants and checks occasionally. Only take money orders, and they do it happily. Hard to prove a bad check, in spite of what people might tell you.
Try using a check to rent a car!!!
.
One and a half months left in our fourth season managing this business, and we have only had two checks bounce during our tenure, and both guests made good. Our guests generally are making their reservations (with a 25% deposit) many months in advance, so plenty of time for their first check to clear.
Before we took over, the previous managers only accepted cash or checks. We are now using the Square (and PayPal for online reservations), so we can process a credit card if necessary, but we still express a preference for payment in cash or by check (and we don't take cards over the phone, only online invoices or in person).
But more and more of our guests are choosing to use their credit card, so we are thinking of upping our rates to cover the fees, and offering a discount for cash or check payments (our state doesn't allow us to charge a credit-card surcharge, even though government offices themselves do!)
.
There is a lot of venom out there for businesses (except gas stations, for some reason) that try a CC "surcharge." Much better to price it so there is a discount for cash (or debit cards, which for the most part are lower fee).
I think places that refuse credit cards would be astonished at how much business they lose over the long haul. Personally, I pretty much avoid places that refuse cards (except Aldis, where I use debit card reluctantly). Yes, someone forked over the cash. But one cannot tell if they decided not to return or refer others because of this antiquated payment method.
.
There is a very popular ice cream place in our downtown that has signs all over the place reminding customers: cash only (or checks) no credit cards -- they don't want you standing in their long line only to discover when you finally get to the counter that they will not serve you. As far as I can tell, they are not losing much business.
On the other hand, another business that I frequent in town no longer accepts checks, having been burned once too many times by a bad one, so it's cash or card only now (depending on what I'm buying, I usually pay with cash).
The point is that accepting credit cards entails a cost. Yes, it is a cost of doing business, but as the merchant, if that cost has not been built into your pricing then you've got a problem.
.
The lobster shack here doesn't take credit cards. I have to remember that to tell guests before they go.
.
Ice cream place and sandwich place only take cash. One of them accepts our debit cards (local debit system) but doesn't accept foreign currency either. The other accepts foreign currency with a horrible exchange rate and has an ATM if you need to pull cash... but no credit and no debit and the line is out the door waiting for a seat.
 
We have attraction here that only accepts cash but takes a CC when they make a reservation.
My guests always ask why that is.
Bottom line - that is it. They want to save the % fee.
 
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