The end is near

Advertise with us
shop deals on amazon
Shop deals on ebay
Bed & Breakfast / Short Term Rental Host Forum

Help Support Bed & Breakfast / Short Term Rental Host Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
J

JBloggs

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 7, 2008
Messages
17,744
Reaction score
9
Now that the year is coming to a close, let's discuss...policies.
These and any other that affected you this year:
No-shows and last minute cancellations.
Were they any different to other years? Less, more, bookings canceling more on last minute resvervations, etc.
Did you try anything new "policy" wise this year?
I.e. didn't take deposits, or did take deposits, changed cancel time frame, instigtated a cancel fee or nixed one...
Breakfast changes, ie no early breakfasts outside the norm, or to-go for those who must leave early, etc etc
Early check in for a fee? Special discounts, no discounts...
 
Can't think of anything "new" policy-wise for this past season. But we are in reservation mode for next season already, and are implementing a couple of new things -- we moved the deadline for returning guests to claim their cottage for their week from January 1 to December 1 (now passed already), so we know sooner what we have available for "new" guests.
We also raised rates for 2016 by 3.1% but are offering a discount of 3% for cash or check payments, to offset the processing costs for card payments ... we used to be a cash or check only business, but with the advent of the Square we will take cards if necessary, and more and more are using their cards, a cost not previously built in to our rates...
We did have a few "late" cancellations, but our policy has always been that once you have paid the deposit to confirm your reservation, in the event of cancellation the deposit is non-refundable unless we succeed in renting the space to someone else (we do not charge them the full amount, since we don't have card information on file). In several cases we were not successful in finding another renter and kept the deposit; in another case we did find another renter and so were able to refund the deposit, much to the pleasant surprise of the guest
 
Ok, we're a motel, no breakfast, but just mom and pop and otherwise a tiny business with 8 rooms.
Check in time, we usually say any time after noon if room is ready, but I do ask for a time as we may have errands and don't always just sit around if no one is expected. No problem or extra charge if someone arrives a little early and the room is ready, but if they want in at daylight they best reserve for the night before.
I'm not a good game player, not that smart, so as a rule no discounts or discount to everyone depending on how you look at it, not the cheapest place in town, but hopefully reasonable for a decent place.
No shows and late cancellations, not much different from other years, usually accept a short notice, most times 3 days in advance and on a peak weekend we may say a week's notice to avoid being charged for the room. We're generally easy and normally wouldn't charge a guest unless we were turning others away. We do get walk in guests so often a room can be rented if people are in the area.
Many guests do not book all that far in advance, maybe two, three weeks out.
Wish list, I would like to come up with a workable policy for those who desire to book months in advance for a peak time, those folks who want to tie up a room(s) just in case they might want to visit. I probably still fill the room(s), but maybe for a shorter time than if I had been able to book the room earlier rather than fill it with a walk in guest.
 
JimBoone said:
Ok, we're a motel, no breakfast, but just mom and pop and otherwise a tiny business with 8 rooms.
Check in time, we usually say any time after noon if room is ready, but I do ask for a time as we may have errands and don't always just sit around if no one is expected. No problem or extra charge if someone arrives a little early and the room is ready, but if they want in at daylight they best reserve for the night before.
I'm not a good game player, not that smart, so as a rule no discounts or discount to everyone depending on how you look at it, not the cheapest place in town, but hopefully reasonable for a decent place.
No shows and late cancellations, not much different from other years, usually accept a short notice, most times 3 days in advance and on a peak weekend we may say a week's notice to avoid being charged for the room. We're generally easy and normally wouldn't charge a guest unless we were turning others away. We do get walk in guests so often a room can be rented if people are in the area.
Many guests do not book all that far in advance, maybe two, three weeks out.
Wish list, I would like to come up with a workable policy for those who desire to book months in advance for a peak time, those folks who want to tie up a room(s) just in case they might want to visit. I probably still fill the room(s), but maybe for a shorter time than if I had been able to book the room earlier rather than fill it with a walk in guest..
Click to expand...
As Mort says, collect a deposit for far-in-advance reservations. Make it non-refundable unless you succeed in renting the room to someone else -- that way the sooner they let you know they need to cancel, the more likely you are to fill it and the later they cancel the less likely they are to get their money back.
 
After 15 years we've pretty much tweaked all our policies and have them dialed in. We're discussing rates and a couple internal things with how we deal with our elopements.
The biggest problem is to remember during the year that we've created our policies for a reason and we should stick with them!
 
JimBoone said:
Ok, we're a motel, no breakfast, but just mom and pop and otherwise a tiny business with 8 rooms.
Check in time, we usually say any time after noon if room is ready, but I do ask for a time as we may have errands and don't always just sit around if no one is expected. No problem or extra charge if someone arrives a little early and the room is ready, but if they want in at daylight they best reserve for the night before.
I'm not a good game player, not that smart, so as a rule no discounts or discount to everyone depending on how you look at it, not the cheapest place in town, but hopefully reasonable for a decent place.
No shows and late cancellations, not much different from other years, usually accept a short notice, most times 3 days in advance and on a peak weekend we may say a week's notice to avoid being charged for the room. We're generally easy and normally wouldn't charge a guest unless we were turning others away. We do get walk in guests so often a room can be rented if people are in the area.
Many guests do not book all that far in advance, maybe two, three weeks out.
Wish list, I would like to come up with a workable policy for those who desire to book months in advance for a peak time, those folks who want to tie up a room(s) just in case they might want to visit. I probably still fill the room(s), but maybe for a shorter time than if I had been able to book the room earlier rather than fill it with a walk in guest..
Click to expand...
We found collecting a deposit helped cut down on the place holders. They don't want their money tied up even if they have no problem tying up your room. If it's far enough out, ask for a check. Save yourself the processing fees.
 
Breakfast Diva said:
After 15 years we've pretty much tweaked all our policies and have them dialed in. We're discussing rates and a couple internal things with how we deal with our elopements.
The biggest problem is to remember during the year that we've created our policies for a reason and we should stick with them!.
Click to expand...
Breakfast Diva said:
The biggest problem is to remember during the year that we've created our policies for a reason and we should stick with them!
Click to expand...
Yes!
 
Morticia said:
Breakfast Diva said:
After 15 years we've pretty much tweaked all our policies and have them dialed in. We're discussing rates and a couple internal things with how we deal with our elopements.
The biggest problem is to remember during the year that we've created our policies for a reason and we should stick with them!.
Click to expand...
Breakfast Diva said:
The biggest problem is to remember during the year that we've created our policies for a reason and we should stick with them!
Click to expand...
Yes!
.
Click to expand...
Morticia said:
Breakfast Diva said:
The biggest problem is to remember during the year that we've created our policies for a reason and we should stick with them!
Click to expand...
Yes!
Click to expand...
Soooo right The times I let someone slide from a policy I get smacked by the reason I created the policy in the first place.
 
I've been thinking of actually posting a rate of $40 per hour (30 minute minimum) for special extraordinary requests at the discretion of management. From time to time we get some requests that are just giant time wasters for us. This way if someone does ask us to do something extraordinary (buy something for them in town, pick up something, etc.) I can just point at that policy and say that there is an extra charge, is that okay?
I do want to get people to ask me about where to go, etc. But when they ask me to pick up something for them or the want me to have something special for them or even if they want me to wash down the sheets three times with bleach, I have a policy that I can point to.
 
Generic said:
I've been thinking of actually posting a rate of $40 per hour (30 minute minimum) for special extraordinary requests at the discretion of management. From time to time we get some requests that are just giant time wasters for us. This way if someone does ask us to do something extraordinary (buy something for them in town, pick up something, etc.) I can just point at that policy and say that there is an extra charge, is that okay?
I do want to get people to ask me about where to go, etc. But when they ask me to pick up something for them or the want me to have something special for them or even if they want me to wash down the sheets three times with bleach, I have a policy that I can point to..
Click to expand...
Some things I am happy to do at little if no charge but lost property postage is one of my big bug bears - we now have a $10 min charge - when they wind me up its " we will send a cheque for postage" no you won't
1 - postage
2- jiffy bag
3 10.5% VAT (Tax on turnover just to take the money)
4- my time to go to the stupid postoffice which with xmas post if full of people who rarely post anything and can't use the self service machines properly and hold up the whole queue! grre
this is basically an hour out of my day and you think its ok to send me postage? LOl
 
Jcam said:
Generic said:
I've been thinking of actually posting a rate of $40 per hour (30 minute minimum) for special extraordinary requests at the discretion of management. From time to time we get some requests that are just giant time wasters for us. This way if someone does ask us to do something extraordinary (buy something for them in town, pick up something, etc.) I can just point at that policy and say that there is an extra charge, is that okay?
I do want to get people to ask me about where to go, etc. But when they ask me to pick up something for them or the want me to have something special for them or even if they want me to wash down the sheets three times with bleach, I have a policy that I can point to..
Click to expand...
Some things I am happy to do at little if no charge but lost property postage is one of my big bug bears - we now have a $10 min charge - when they wind me up its " we will send a cheque for postage" no you won't
1 - postage
2- jiffy bag
3 10.5% VAT (Tax on turnover just to take the money)
4- my time to go to the stupid postoffice which with xmas post if full of people who rarely post anything and can't use the self service machines properly and hold up the whole queue! grre
this is basically an hour out of my day and you think its ok to send me postage? LOl
.
Click to expand...
I just got a card in the mail with $10. This never happens. It was too pay for sending something back. Amazing!
For me I balance it out - how much is this going to cost me? How long did the guest stay? Where they nice about asking for it back or did they demand it sent back without even knowing if it was here? I know, too many variables!
 
Morticia said:
Jcam said:
Generic said:
I've been thinking of actually posting a rate of $40 per hour (30 minute minimum) for special extraordinary requests at the discretion of management. From time to time we get some requests that are just giant time wasters for us. This way if someone does ask us to do something extraordinary (buy something for them in town, pick up something, etc.) I can just point at that policy and say that there is an extra charge, is that okay?
I do want to get people to ask me about where to go, etc. But when they ask me to pick up something for them or the want me to have something special for them or even if they want me to wash down the sheets three times with bleach, I have a policy that I can point to..
Click to expand...
Some things I am happy to do at little if no charge but lost property postage is one of my big bug bears - we now have a $10 min charge - when they wind me up its " we will send a cheque for postage" no you won't
1 - postage
2- jiffy bag
3 10.5% VAT (Tax on turnover just to take the money)
4- my time to go to the stupid postoffice which with xmas post if full of people who rarely post anything and can't use the self service machines properly and hold up the whole queue! grre
this is basically an hour out of my day and you think its ok to send me postage? LOl
.
Click to expand...
I just got a card in the mail with $10. This never happens. It was too pay for sending something back. Amazing!
For me I balance it out - how much is this going to cost me? How long did the guest stay? Where they nice about asking for it back or did they demand it sent back without even knowing if it was here? I know, too many variables!
.
Click to expand...
Mort, I was the same way with sending things back by post. Once had a guest leave several clothing items in an armoire. That would have cost $$$ to send back, plus my time to mail it back. Had the guest send a prepaid box to me which worked out well. He knew exactly what it cost and all I had to do was box it and drop off. (No waiting in line!)
I think I learned that here on the forum from someone a lot smarter than myself.... ;-)
 
Samster said:
Morticia said:
Jcam said:
Generic said:
I've been thinking of actually posting a rate of $40 per hour (30 minute minimum) for special extraordinary requests at the discretion of management. From time to time we get some requests that are just giant time wasters for us. This way if someone does ask us to do something extraordinary (buy something for them in town, pick up something, etc.) I can just point at that policy and say that there is an extra charge, is that okay?
I do want to get people to ask me about where to go, etc. But when they ask me to pick up something for them or the want me to have something special for them or even if they want me to wash down the sheets three times with bleach, I have a policy that I can point to..
Click to expand...
Some things I am happy to do at little if no charge but lost property postage is one of my big bug bears - we now have a $10 min charge - when they wind me up its " we will send a cheque for postage" no you won't
1 - postage
2- jiffy bag
3 10.5% VAT (Tax on turnover just to take the money)
4- my time to go to the stupid postoffice which with xmas post if full of people who rarely post anything and can't use the self service machines properly and hold up the whole queue! grre
this is basically an hour out of my day and you think its ok to send me postage? LOl
.
Click to expand...
I just got a card in the mail with $10. This never happens. It was too pay for sending something back. Amazing!
For me I balance it out - how much is this going to cost me? How long did the guest stay? Where they nice about asking for it back or did they demand it sent back without even knowing if it was here? I know, too many variables!
.
Click to expand...
Mort, I was the same way with sending things back by post. Once had a guest leave several clothing items in an armoire. That would have cost $$$ to send back, plus my time to mail it back. Had the guest send a prepaid box to me which worked out well. He knew exactly what it cost and all I had to do was box it and drop off. (No waiting in line!)
I think I learned that here on the forum from someone a lot smarter than myself.... ;-)
.
Click to expand...
Samster said:
Mort, I was the same way with sending things back by post. Once had a guest leave several clothing items in an armoire. That would have cost $$$ to send back, plus my time to mail it back. Had the guest send a prepaid box to me which worked out well. He knew exactly what it cost and all I had to do was box it and drop off. (No waiting in line!)
I think I learned that here on the forum from someone a lot smarter than myself.... ;-)
Click to expand...
I did the prepaid thing when someone annoyed me. One in particular snuck several extra guests in and then wanted us to mail back something left behind. Sure. Send me a prepaid envelope. I figured the time lapse would be her penance. (It was something important she lost.)
 
Raised the minimum age to 12. Increased rates 6%. Changed the cancellation policy from 14 to 30 days.
 
I'm going to do away with the rollaway bed. Have discovered that moving the furniture around to accommodate a one nighter (which is what the vast majority of my guests are) puts way too much wear and tear on the king bed frame (not to mention on me). I'm also going to finally get around to going live with my new web design. I lost momentum and need to get crackin' on that. It won't mention the 3rd person option, so I hope that's the motivation I'll need to get it finished.
 
We changed our entire price structure.
Instead of three price tiers for 6 rooms, we have a different price for each room. Now, if you book the 'down the hall' room, you will know that you paid the lowest price point of all 6 rooms.
And if you want the room everyone wants, you will pay the highest price.
We also did away with 'shoulder season.' We now have Peak Season and Winter Season.
I would love to get rid of the rollaway, but it does get used.
 
TheBeachHouse said:
We changed our entire price structure.
Instead of three price tiers for 6 rooms, we have a different price for each room. Now, if you book the 'down the hall' room, you will know that you paid the lowest price point of all 6 rooms.
And if you want the room everyone wants, you will pay the highest price.
We also did away with 'shoulder season.' We now have Peak Season and Winter Season.
I would love to get rid of the rollaway, but it does get used..
Click to expand...
Easiest way to get rid of a rollaway....price it out of convenience. If it's $20 now, move to $25 then $30 then $35. Eventually you will hit a price that either makes you smile each time they rent it or makes them stop renting it.
 
Innkeep said:
I'm going to do away with the rollaway bed. Have discovered that moving the furniture around to accommodate a one nighter (which is what the vast majority of my guests are) puts way too much wear and tear on the king bed frame (not to mention on me). I'm also going to finally get around to going live with my new web design. I lost momentum and need to get crackin' on that. It won't mention the 3rd person option, so I hope that's the motivation I'll need to get it finished..
Click to expand...
We never took the rollaway out of storage. If you want to believe this - it was stored outside in a damp shed! Who would want to use that??? We certainly didn't want to haul it all over the house.
I'm sure we lose business when we can't provide that extra bed but we've had enough complaints about other stuff to not add the uncomfortable bed, too small room, too loud room to the list.
 
TheBeachHouse said:
We changed our entire price structure.
Instead of three price tiers for 6 rooms, we have a different price for each room. Now, if you book the 'down the hall' room, you will know that you paid the lowest price point of all 6 rooms.
And if you want the room everyone wants, you will pay the highest price.
We also did away with 'shoulder season.' We now have Peak Season and Winter Season.
I would love to get rid of the rollaway, but it does get used..
Click to expand...
We did the detached bath as the lowest price by far. Whenever I mention the detached bath to the person calling on the phone to book that specific room they never saw the info about the bathroom, they only saw the price. Keep that in mind if anyone calls.
 
Morticia said:
TheBeachHouse said:
We changed our entire price structure.
Instead of three price tiers for 6 rooms, we have a different price for each room. Now, if you book the 'down the hall' room, you will know that you paid the lowest price point of all 6 rooms.
And if you want the room everyone wants, you will pay the highest price.
We also did away with 'shoulder season.' We now have Peak Season and Winter Season.
I would love to get rid of the rollaway, but it does get used..
Click to expand...
We did the detached bath as the lowest price by far. Whenever I mention the detached bath to the person calling on the phone to book that specific room they never saw the info about the bathroom, they only saw the price. Keep that in mind if anyone calls.
.
Click to expand...
Morticia said:
We did the detached bath as the lowest price by far. Whenever I mention the detached bath to the person calling on the phone to book that specific room they never saw the info about the bathroom, they only saw the price. Keep that in mind if anyone calls.
Click to expand...
Exactly, They only see the price. Now, as it is the only lowest price, we can say, "it's our only room without an attached bath, which is why it is the lowest priced."
Or, "We have another room available if you prefer, it is $40 more per night."
 

Latest posts

Back
Top