"What does your place offer?"

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.

JBloggs

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 7, 2008
Messages
17,744
Reaction score
9
I was asked this on the phone and I stumbled over it, I am a terrible sales person. The reason I stumble is they don't ask what it is like, or what is there to do in the area, or anything that I feel confident answering, they ask "What does your place offer?" in a resort sort of way.
So when I say something like we have quiet gardens to read a book, it sounds lame, to me. I kick myself after spending heaps of $ and DH's sweat equity in the extreme heat of summer to make it a nice place for guests - who don't sit out there and enjoy it. I want to show it, but I can't say it. I stumble.
Do you have this schpeal down? Can you answer what your place "offers" to a caller without pause?
 
Peace and quiet, a beautiful garden with seating areas, an awesome breakfast and we are close to xxxx park or attraction.
 
We should probably rehearse our "elevator speech" out loud occasionally, to make it more natural, rather than just thinking it through in our minds.
 
We should probably rehearse our "elevator speech" out loud occasionally, to make it more natural, rather than just thinking it through in our minds..
Arks said:
We should probably rehearse our "elevator speech" out loud occasionally, to make it more natural, rather than just thinking it through in our minds.
Agreed, that is what I am saying. I can type anything out and write a book about it or a blog in 5 minutes.
It is that person to unknown person selling on the phone where I lack confidence. Mostly because they call for me to try to sell it to them right then, I already know they have a bias which is why they called, so I feel defeated before I begin. I want to say "after I share all these things you will then say/lie 'Okay I need to check with my husband first' and hang up and not call back."
 
Great coffee. What are you looking for in a B & B so I can answer your question better?
 
We should probably rehearse our "elevator speech" out loud occasionally, to make it more natural, rather than just thinking it through in our minds..
Arks said:
We should probably rehearse our "elevator speech" out loud occasionally, to make it more natural, rather than just thinking it through in our minds.
Agreed, that is what I am saying. I can type anything out and write a book about it or a blog in 5 minutes.
It is that person to unknown person selling on the phone where I lack confidence. Mostly because they call for me to try to sell it to them right then, I already know they have a bias which is why they called, so I feel defeated before I begin. I want to say "after I share all these things you will then say/lie 'Okay I need to check with my husband first' and hang up and not call back."
.
JBloggs said:
Mostly because they call for me to try to sell it to them right then, I already know they have a bias which is why they called, so I feel defeated before I begin. I want to say "after I share all these things you will then say/lie 'Okay I need to check with my husband first' and hang up and not call back."
I think someone here once said the next best question to ask is, "what other info can I give to you to help with your decision?'
Have I ever used this? No. ;-)
 
they ask "What does your place offer?" in a resort sort of way.
Yes! That is how they ask this.
And that is why you stumble. I do as well.
Sure I can rattle off my 'offerings' but when they ask in this manor I feel like it is not much at all. But we do offer a lot for our rates.

Gotta get better at it. Ending with you get all this for only $, what nights can I sign you up.
wink_smile.gif
 
We have a pool!!!! Lots of off street free parking!!!!!! (Prime amenities that other place don't have around here!) Huge monster rooms!!!! Close to everything but not in the hub mess!
But when they ask that way, I say, "Well, um, You see, we have an pool and we have extra pool towels so you don't have to pack them. and um let's see……." Blah!
Once I asked, "What do you mean by that?" The man said, "Give me a talk on why I should stay there instead of at such-and-such?" I said, "What did they say?" Must have liked my honest stumbling self since he booked at the end of the phone call.
 
I will be the smart ass and say
why don't you just look at our website you will see everything there
devil_smile.gif
 
The perfect reply just came to me - and it is a true statement for each of us.
"No other B &B has ME as the innkeeper."
 
The perfect reply just came to me - and it is a true statement for each of us.
"No other B &B has ME as the innkeeper.".
gillumhouse said:
The perfect reply just came to me - and it is a true statement for each of us.
"No other B &B has ME as the innkeeper."
thumbs_up.gif

.
Copperhead said:
gillumhouse said:
The perfect reply just came to me - and it is a true statement for each of us.
"No other B &B has ME as the innkeeper."
thumbs_up.gif
thumbs_up.gif
heart.gif
regular_smile.gif

 
We have a pool!!!! Lots of off street free parking!!!!!! (Prime amenities that other place don't have around here!) Huge monster rooms!!!! Close to everything but not in the hub mess!
But when they ask that way, I say, "Well, um, You see, we have an pool and we have extra pool towels so you don't have to pack them. and um let's see……." Blah!
Once I asked, "What do you mean by that?" The man said, "Give me a talk on why I should stay there instead of at such-and-such?" I said, "What did they say?" Must have liked my honest stumbling self since he booked at the end of the phone call..
Oh I hate people with that attitude - sell me.
We've got me.
 
We have a pool!!!! Lots of off street free parking!!!!!! (Prime amenities that other place don't have around here!) Huge monster rooms!!!! Close to everything but not in the hub mess!
But when they ask that way, I say, "Well, um, You see, we have an pool and we have extra pool towels so you don't have to pack them. and um let's see……." Blah!
Once I asked, "What do you mean by that?" The man said, "Give me a talk on why I should stay there instead of at such-and-such?" I said, "What did they say?" Must have liked my honest stumbling self since he booked at the end of the phone call..
Duff2014 said:
The man said, "Give me a talk on why I should stay there instead of at such-and-such?"
This brings to mind the one from the other day when the guest keeps pressing for discounts and free extra perks. The innkeeper finally said, oh, I'm sorry. I looked at the calendar wrong. We do not have an opening for you. And the guest says, I blew it, didn't I.

Tell that person, here's my "talk": My place is so good, I don't need people like you!
 
I would probably say, "Have you taken the time to look at our web site, read our reviews from other travelers? It's fair to say we have a outstanding, unique location, offer quiet, comfortable accommodations with warm hospitality. What exactly were you looking for?"
Chances are they are just lazy and don't want to be bothered sorting out their options on-line. Once I get them talking about what they want it is easier to "sell them" or send them on their way.
 
Back
Top