Generic
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I was thinking today about all the reservations that I get through third parties. I get paid less, because of the commission, but they actually pay more because I offer a special online discount that gives people who book directly 10% off (2 days or more). Yet these people still have been drawn to third party websites... and some of them come back. When they come back, I want them to book directly.
So, I was wondering, what would happen if I gave them a special GC (well, it looks like a GC but really it's a discount voucher) that offered $X off of their next stay (2 days or more). They can use it, or they can give it to a friend. But you have to have the certificate to use it. One per stay, cannot be used for consecutive stays.
Anyone try this? Should I give it with an expiration date? No expiration date? Obviously it can only be used for direct reservations. Would you personalize it or would you leave the name open, so they can give it to a friend (after telling their friend all about it)? And of course it has no cash value, since they didn't purchase it.
What do you think? Would you print it on the back of a special business card that you give them or would you make a full "certificate" for it? Or would you print a plastic card instead? What do you think of this idea? Would you do this for all guests? Only guests that book through third parties?
So, I was wondering, what would happen if I gave them a special GC (well, it looks like a GC but really it's a discount voucher) that offered $X off of their next stay (2 days or more). They can use it, or they can give it to a friend. But you have to have the certificate to use it. One per stay, cannot be used for consecutive stays.
Anyone try this? Should I give it with an expiration date? No expiration date? Obviously it can only be used for direct reservations. Would you personalize it or would you leave the name open, so they can give it to a friend (after telling their friend all about it)? And of course it has no cash value, since they didn't purchase it.
What do you think? Would you print it on the back of a special business card that you give them or would you make a full "certificate" for it? Or would you print a plastic card instead? What do you think of this idea? Would you do this for all guests? Only guests that book through third parties?