I love this question from a person who has just checked in, and in fact is not even to their room yet. I just want to turn and say "How is your financial life? Able to make your bills each month?" Oh a little too personal is it?
I think partly it is how it is asked I can spot the nosey parkers a mile away! some people are in similar industries etc. and are just curious.While cleaning rooms this morning, we had a little chat. DH is of a similar mind to me, (quick mark this day on the calendar!) that the guests are really inquiring about the state of the economy in general and not your pocketbook in particular. Of course, you may be experiencing a completely different guest who really IS prying into your personal life, but I've taken that new acronym to heart now...QTIP. It's not about me.
Which is why telling the guest that business is great (it really is) works for me. And if they push, we always say, '3 years ago it was bad, but we weathered the storm thanks to people like yourselves!' (I know, it sounds horribly chipper and it is, but it works.)
And, when guests come in with souvenirs and other stuff they've bought, or tell me about a great restaurant in town, I always say, 'Thanks for supporting our economy, we REALLY do appreciate it.'
Another thing I've noticed this month that hasn't happened too often is that a lot of guests are identifying themselves as the head of their area Chamber. So they really are interested in how the economy is doing here. And they tend to have a lot of business questions they ask to see what ideas they can bring home with them..
Years ago I used to get the really nosy questions, like what's your occupancy rate?! Not anymore. I don't know why, but I'm certainly glad about it. Now, it's mostly guests hoping we were not hurt by the economy, or secretly wishing that they were able to make a living working from home like we do..
Interesting.Breakfast Diva said:Years ago I used to get the really nosy questions, like what's your occupancy rate?! Not anymore. I don't know why, but I'm certainly glad about it. Now, it's mostly guests hoping we were not hurt by the economy, or secretly wishing that they were able to make a living working from home like we do.
Years ago I used to get the really nosy questions, like what's your occupancy rate?! Not anymore. I don't know why, but I'm certainly glad about it. Now, it's mostly guests hoping we were not hurt by the economy, or secretly wishing that they were able to make a living working from home like we do..Interesting.Breakfast Diva said:Years ago I used to get the really nosy questions, like what's your occupancy rate?! Not anymore. I don't know why, but I'm certainly glad about it. Now, it's mostly guests hoping we were not hurt by the economy, or secretly wishing that they were able to make a living working from home like we do.
I just find it odd, they think DH is a hired handyman outside and my children are hired maid service, and I am hired too. It goes the full sprectrum, one guest's perspective to the other. I just can't imagine asking anyone that question. Maybe I should grab a box of kleenex next time and let them have it. haha But you know, they don't know anything about what we do, they think we are a hotel, people drive in and stay here. They - even finding us online - do not get that we have to market our businesses.
Oh yeah I have been asked point blank what our revenue it, what our occupancy is, etc etc. Butt out sticky beaks. Some times if I am in the mood and feel the guest might be in for some light humor I will ask "Why are you looking for a job?" But again, in 2 minutes I have to determine who and what they are.
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Yes, that point blank questioning about income and occ rates gets the same sort of response here, 'Make an offer on the property and all will be revealed.'Joey Bloggs said:Oh yeah I have been asked point blank what our revenue it, what our occupancy is, etc etc. Butt out sticky beaks. Some times if I am in the mood and feel the guest might be in for some light humor I will ask "Why are you looking for a job?" But again, in 2 minutes I have to determine who and what they are.
We've had relatively few guests ask if we own the place. I think most of them assume that.Years ago I used to get the really nosy questions, like what's your occupancy rate?! Not anymore. I don't know why, but I'm certainly glad about it. Now, it's mostly guests hoping we were not hurt by the economy, or secretly wishing that they were able to make a living working from home like we do..Interesting.Breakfast Diva said:Years ago I used to get the really nosy questions, like what's your occupancy rate?! Not anymore. I don't know why, but I'm certainly glad about it. Now, it's mostly guests hoping we were not hurt by the economy, or secretly wishing that they were able to make a living working from home like we do.
I just find it odd, they think DH is a hired handyman outside and my children are hired maid service, and I am hired too. It goes the full sprectrum, one guest's perspective to the other. I just can't imagine asking anyone that question. Maybe I should grab a box of kleenex next time and let them have it. haha But you know, they don't know anything about what we do, they think we are a hotel, people drive in and stay here. They - even finding us online - do not get that we have to market our businesses.
Oh yeah I have been asked point blank what our revenue it, what our occupancy is, etc etc. Butt out sticky beaks. Some times if I am in the mood and feel the guest might be in for some light humor I will ask "Why are you looking for a job?" But again, in 2 minutes I have to determine who and what they are.
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We sometimes have the longest conversations with guests who are headed out the door at the end of their stay!A guest just asked us "Do you plan on doing this long?" I said "We're in our 8th year, we will do it until we hand it off to the next set of caretakers" ...
Listen, those who do not operate inns have no idea what we speak of, people come in and feel they can ask any question under the sun, and they do. As I often say "You rented a room, not the innkeeper!" I say this after spending an hour speaking and sharing stories with our sweet adorable Kalamazoo guests this morning. So remember, what we say here and what we do inn person may seem contradictory, but it isn't. We give give give of ourselves. There is a line that shan't be crossed, however. Delving past the usual rigamorale - if you don't kiss me first. You get my drift. If you are super sweet and we converse, then the world is our oyster..
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