Arky, is auth.net just a gateway, or is it the only cc processing a b&b would need? Would you have to still have a swipe machine?.
I think I read they are the number one processer of online credit card sales. They provide full services, like machines to swipe, but we're not using that. For us they are just handling online charges processed through Reservation_Key. We're using Square_Up or whatever it's called for swiping cards "live" though our iPhone.Birdie said:Arky, is auth.net just a gateway, or is it the only cc processing a b&b would need? Would you have to still have a swipe machine?
That is a question for John.So, am correct that Authorize.net costs $25 + processing fees on top of that? Anything else? (i.e. statement fee, etc.)
And isn't there a way to have other auto payments set up in Res Key so the balance could also be processed?.
I love Authorize.net especially in combination with Reservation Key. I get automatic notifications when someone makes an online reservation with the requisite transaction number and authorization code (in case a refund is required) and transactions are automatically batched at the end of each day. We went on a short trip recently and I was able to access their virtual terminal on our iPad without a problem.
I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
I also set up an email template with all the dates, rooms and requisite customer information where I can cut and paste into Quickbooks and then print it off to have in a folder to show upcoming reseservations. It's working quite well.
If we had more than two rooms, I would certainly look for a different bookkeeping solution other than Quickbooks wherein I could port the customer information directly into the accounting software. ReservationKey keeps track of most everything, so I don't reinvent the wheel in Quickbooks, but rather put in enough information where I can create sales receipts for each guest..
I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
I love Authorize.net especially in combination with Reservation Key. I get automatic notifications when someone makes an online reservation with the requisite transaction number and authorization code (in case a refund is required) and transactions are automatically batched at the end of each day. We went on a short trip recently and I was able to access their virtual terminal on our iPad without a problem.
I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
I also set up an email template with all the dates, rooms and requisite customer information where I can cut and paste into Quickbooks and then print it off to have in a folder to show upcoming reseservations. It's working quite well.
If we had more than two rooms, I would certainly look for a different bookkeeping solution other than Quickbooks wherein I could port the customer information directly into the accounting software. ReservationKey keeps track of most everything, so I don't reinvent the wheel in Quickbooks, but rather put in enough information where I can create sales receipts for each guest..I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.
Not sure what is entailed with the CIM on each different booking system, but we use it to keep guest notes. Likes this, doesn't like that, needs to have extra towels, kids' names, pets' names, allergies, birthdays, anniversaries. If we've given them any kind of perk (candy, mugs, hats) so we don't repeat it the next year.Arkansawyer said:I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
I love Authorize.net especially in combination with Reservation Key. I get automatic notifications when someone makes an online reservation with the requisite transaction number and authorization code (in case a refund is required) and transactions are automatically batched at the end of each day. We went on a short trip recently and I was able to access their virtual terminal on our iPad without a problem.
I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
I also set up an email template with all the dates, rooms and requisite customer information where I can cut and paste into Quickbooks and then print it off to have in a folder to show upcoming reseservations. It's working quite well.
If we had more than two rooms, I would certainly look for a different bookkeeping solution other than Quickbooks wherein I could port the customer information directly into the accounting software. ReservationKey keeps track of most everything, so I don't reinvent the wheel in Quickbooks, but rather put in enough information where I can create sales receipts for each guest..I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.
ReservationKey retains the credit card information for 30 days after the guest has checked out. You should know by then if there is damage or not. PCI compliance requires that we not store credit card numbers unless we need to. If you do so, as I understand it, you must do so in a way that secures that data. It's best not to keep a customer's credit card information on your computer. Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.Arkansawyer said:I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
I love Authorize.net especially in combination with Reservation Key. I get automatic notifications when someone makes an online reservation with the requisite transaction number and authorization code (in case a refund is required) and transactions are automatically batched at the end of each day. We went on a short trip recently and I was able to access their virtual terminal on our iPad without a problem.
I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
I also set up an email template with all the dates, rooms and requisite customer information where I can cut and paste into Quickbooks and then print it off to have in a folder to show upcoming reseservations. It's working quite well.
If we had more than two rooms, I would certainly look for a different bookkeeping solution other than Quickbooks wherein I could port the customer information directly into the accounting software. ReservationKey keeps track of most everything, so I don't reinvent the wheel in Quickbooks, but rather put in enough information where I can create sales receipts for each guest..I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.ReservationKey retains the credit card information for 30 days after the guest has checked out. You should know by then if there is damage or not. PCI compliance requires that we not store credit card numbers unless we need to. If you do so, as I understand it, you must do so in a way that secures that data. It's best not to keep a customer's credit card information on your computer. Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.Arkansawyer said:I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.
Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
I love Authorize.net especially in combination with Reservation Key. I get automatic notifications when someone makes an online reservation with the requisite transaction number and authorization code (in case a refund is required) and transactions are automatically batched at the end of each day. We went on a short trip recently and I was able to access their virtual terminal on our iPad without a problem.
I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
I also set up an email template with all the dates, rooms and requisite customer information where I can cut and paste into Quickbooks and then print it off to have in a folder to show upcoming reseservations. It's working quite well.
If we had more than two rooms, I would certainly look for a different bookkeeping solution other than Quickbooks wherein I could port the customer information directly into the accounting software. ReservationKey keeps track of most everything, so I don't reinvent the wheel in Quickbooks, but rather put in enough information where I can create sales receipts for each guest..I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.ReservationKey retains the credit card information for 30 days after the guest has checked out. You should know by then if there is damage or not. PCI compliance requires that we not store credit card numbers unless we need to. If you do so, as I understand it, you must do so in a way that secures that data. It's best not to keep a customer's credit card information on your computer. Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.Arkansawyer said:I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
.
We take a credit card deposit for every reservation, even the ones taken over the phone. They do not get a confirmation until the credit card is run and I have my deposit.Madeleine said:Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
I love Authorize.net especially in combination with Reservation Key. I get automatic notifications when someone makes an online reservation with the requisite transaction number and authorization code (in case a refund is required) and transactions are automatically batched at the end of each day. We went on a short trip recently and I was able to access their virtual terminal on our iPad without a problem.
I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
I also set up an email template with all the dates, rooms and requisite customer information where I can cut and paste into Quickbooks and then print it off to have in a folder to show upcoming reseservations. It's working quite well.
If we had more than two rooms, I would certainly look for a different bookkeeping solution other than Quickbooks wherein I could port the customer information directly into the accounting software. ReservationKey keeps track of most everything, so I don't reinvent the wheel in Quickbooks, but rather put in enough information where I can create sales receipts for each guest..I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.ReservationKey retains the credit card information for 30 days after the guest has checked out. You should know by then if there is damage or not. PCI compliance requires that we not store credit card numbers unless we need to. If you do so, as I understand it, you must do so in a way that secures that data. It's best not to keep a customer's credit card information on your computer. Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.Arkansawyer said:I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
.We take a credit card deposit for every reservation, even the ones taken over the phone. They do not get a confirmation until the credit card is run and I have my deposit.Madeleine said:Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
I write it down, because my memory is not that good.Not everyone uses our online reservation system...unfortunately.
.
Don't forget this little method, when you have them on the phone just go into the same reservation they would be on if they did it themselves and enter the info. Then you enter the cc details on rezkey and hit send. They get the confirmation, you get your booking email and it is done. it is all in there. Type in the cc #'s as they tell them to you...and all the rest of it.Proud Texan said:We take a credit card deposit for every reservation, even the ones taken over the phone. They do not get a confirmation until the credit card is run and I have my deposit.Madeleine said:Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
I write it down, because my memory is not that good.Not everyone uses our online reservation system...unfortunately.
I love Authorize.net especially in combination with Reservation Key. I get automatic notifications when someone makes an online reservation with the requisite transaction number and authorization code (in case a refund is required) and transactions are automatically batched at the end of each day. We went on a short trip recently and I was able to access their virtual terminal on our iPad without a problem.
I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
I also set up an email template with all the dates, rooms and requisite customer information where I can cut and paste into Quickbooks and then print it off to have in a folder to show upcoming reseservations. It's working quite well.
If we had more than two rooms, I would certainly look for a different bookkeeping solution other than Quickbooks wherein I could port the customer information directly into the accounting software. ReservationKey keeps track of most everything, so I don't reinvent the wheel in Quickbooks, but rather put in enough information where I can create sales receipts for each guest..I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.ReservationKey retains the credit card information for 30 days after the guest has checked out. You should know by then if there is damage or not. PCI compliance requires that we not store credit card numbers unless we need to. If you do so, as I understand it, you must do so in a way that secures that data. It's best not to keep a customer's credit card information on your computer. Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.Arkansawyer said:I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
.We take a credit card deposit for every reservation, even the ones taken over the phone. They do not get a confirmation until the credit card is run and I have my deposit.Madeleine said:Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
I write it down, because my memory is not that good.Not everyone uses our online reservation system...unfortunately.
.Don't forget this little method, when you have them on the phone just go into the same reservation they would be on if they did it themselves and enter the info. Then you enter the cc details on rezkey and hit send. They get the confirmation, you get your booking email and it is done. it is all in there. Type in the cc #'s as they tell them to you...and all the rest of it.Proud Texan said:We take a credit card deposit for every reservation, even the ones taken over the phone. They do not get a confirmation until the credit card is run and I have my deposit.Madeleine said:Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
I write it down, because my memory is not that good.Not everyone uses our online reservation system...unfortunately.
.
That only works if I'm at my computer with the phone on speaker. That is not always the case.Joey Bloggs said:Don't forget this little method, when you have them on the phone just go into the same reservation they would be on if they did it themselves and enter the info. Then you enter the cc details on rezkey and hit send. They get the confirmation, you get your booking email and it is done. it is all in there. Type in the cc #'s as they tell them to you...and all the rest of it.Proud Texan said:We take a credit card deposit for every reservation, even the ones taken over the phone. They do not get a confirmation until the credit card is run and I have my deposit.Madeleine said:Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
I write it down, because my memory is not that good.Not everyone uses our online reservation system...unfortunately.
I love Authorize.net especially in combination with Reservation Key. I get automatic notifications when someone makes an online reservation with the requisite transaction number and authorization code (in case a refund is required) and transactions are automatically batched at the end of each day. We went on a short trip recently and I was able to access their virtual terminal on our iPad without a problem.
I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
I also set up an email template with all the dates, rooms and requisite customer information where I can cut and paste into Quickbooks and then print it off to have in a folder to show upcoming reseservations. It's working quite well.
If we had more than two rooms, I would certainly look for a different bookkeeping solution other than Quickbooks wherein I could port the customer information directly into the accounting software. ReservationKey keeps track of most everything, so I don't reinvent the wheel in Quickbooks, but rather put in enough information where I can create sales receipts for each guest..I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.ReservationKey retains the credit card information for 30 days after the guest has checked out. You should know by then if there is damage or not. PCI compliance requires that we not store credit card numbers unless we need to. If you do so, as I understand it, you must do so in a way that secures that data. It's best not to keep a customer's credit card information on your computer. Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.Arkansawyer said:I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
.We take a credit card deposit for every reservation, even the ones taken over the phone. They do not get a confirmation until the credit card is run and I have my deposit.Madeleine said:Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
I write it down, because my memory is not that good.Not everyone uses our online reservation system...unfortunately.
.Don't forget this little method, when you have them on the phone just go into the same reservation they would be on if they did it themselves and enter the info. Then you enter the cc details on rezkey and hit send. They get the confirmation, you get your booking email and it is done. it is all in there. Type in the cc #'s as they tell them to you...and all the rest of it.Proud Texan said:We take a credit card deposit for every reservation, even the ones taken over the phone. They do not get a confirmation until the credit card is run and I have my deposit.Madeleine said:Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
I write it down, because my memory is not that good.Not everyone uses our online reservation system...unfortunately.
.That only works if I'm at my computer with the phone on speaker. That is not always the case.Joey Bloggs said:Don't forget this little method, when you have them on the phone just go into the same reservation they would be on if they did it themselves and enter the info. Then you enter the cc details on rezkey and hit send. They get the confirmation, you get your booking email and it is done. it is all in there. Type in the cc #'s as they tell them to you...and all the rest of it.Proud Texan said:We take a credit card deposit for every reservation, even the ones taken over the phone. They do not get a confirmation until the credit card is run and I have my deposit.Madeleine said:Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
I write it down, because my memory is not that good.Not everyone uses our online reservation system...unfortunately.
.
Point taken.Proud Texan said:That only works if I'm at my computer with the phone on speaker. That is not always the case.Joey Bloggs said:Don't forget this little method, when you have them on the phone just go into the same reservation they would be on if they did it themselves and enter the info. Then you enter the cc details on rezkey and hit send. They get the confirmation, you get your booking email and it is done. it is all in there. Type in the cc #'s as they tell them to you...and all the rest of it.Proud Texan said:We take a credit card deposit for every reservation, even the ones taken over the phone. They do not get a confirmation until the credit card is run and I have my deposit.Madeleine said:Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
I write it down, because my memory is not that good.Not everyone uses our online reservation system...unfortunately.
Ah, see I will not write the cc info down especially if I am not home. If I am not able to get to the computer, I take the guest's name and phone and call them back or ask them to book online. Because we don't leave the house with the phone unless we are on vacation, it's rare that I would find myself in a situation where I wasn't home but I was answering the phone.I love Authorize.net especially in combination with Reservation Key. I get automatic notifications when someone makes an online reservation with the requisite transaction number and authorization code (in case a refund is required) and transactions are automatically batched at the end of each day. We went on a short trip recently and I was able to access their virtual terminal on our iPad without a problem.
I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
I also set up an email template with all the dates, rooms and requisite customer information where I can cut and paste into Quickbooks and then print it off to have in a folder to show upcoming reseservations. It's working quite well.
If we had more than two rooms, I would certainly look for a different bookkeeping solution other than Quickbooks wherein I could port the customer information directly into the accounting software. ReservationKey keeps track of most everything, so I don't reinvent the wheel in Quickbooks, but rather put in enough information where I can create sales receipts for each guest..I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.ReservationKey retains the credit card information for 30 days after the guest has checked out. You should know by then if there is damage or not. PCI compliance requires that we not store credit card numbers unless we need to. If you do so, as I understand it, you must do so in a way that secures that data. It's best not to keep a customer's credit card information on your computer. Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.Arkansawyer said:I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
.We take a credit card deposit for every reservation, even the ones taken over the phone. They do not get a confirmation until the credit card is run and I have my deposit.Madeleine said:Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
I write it down, because my memory is not that good.Not everyone uses our online reservation system...unfortunately.
.
I love Authorize.net especially in combination with Reservation Key. I get automatic notifications when someone makes an online reservation with the requisite transaction number and authorization code (in case a refund is required) and transactions are automatically batched at the end of each day. We went on a short trip recently and I was able to access their virtual terminal on our iPad without a problem.
I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
I also set up an email template with all the dates, rooms and requisite customer information where I can cut and paste into Quickbooks and then print it off to have in a folder to show upcoming reseservations. It's working quite well.
If we had more than two rooms, I would certainly look for a different bookkeeping solution other than Quickbooks wherein I could port the customer information directly into the accounting software. ReservationKey keeps track of most everything, so I don't reinvent the wheel in Quickbooks, but rather put in enough information where I can create sales receipts for each guest..I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.ReservationKey retains the credit card information for 30 days after the guest has checked out. You should know by then if there is damage or not. PCI compliance requires that we not store credit card numbers unless we need to. If you do so, as I understand it, you must do so in a way that secures that data. It's best not to keep a customer's credit card information on your computer. Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.Arkansawyer said:I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
.We take a credit card deposit for every reservation, even the ones taken over the phone. They do not get a confirmation until the credit card is run and I have my deposit.Madeleine said:Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
I write it down, because my memory is not that good.Not everyone uses our online reservation system...unfortunately.
.Don't forget this little method, when you have them on the phone just go into the same reservation they would be on if they did it themselves and enter the info. Then you enter the cc details on rezkey and hit send. They get the confirmation, you get your booking email and it is done. it is all in there. Type in the cc #'s as they tell them to you...and all the rest of it.Proud Texan said:We take a credit card deposit for every reservation, even the ones taken over the phone. They do not get a confirmation until the credit card is run and I have my deposit.Madeleine said:Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
I write it down, because my memory is not that good.Not everyone uses our online reservation system...unfortunately.
.
I told another innkeeper that and he told me he can't type and talk on the phone at the same time so he writes everything down in a book he carries with him everywhere. Yes, ALL the guest info including cc and dates they won't be home with their address right there. And he goes everywhere with this book. I don't get it.Joey Bloggs said:Don't forget this little method, when you have them on the phone just go into the same reservation they would be on if they did it themselves and enter the info. Then you enter the cc details on rezkey and hit send. They get the confirmation, you get your booking email and it is done. it is all in there. Type in the cc #'s as they tell them to you...and all the rest of it.
I love Authorize.net especially in combination with Reservation Key. I get automatic notifications when someone makes an online reservation with the requisite transaction number and authorization code (in case a refund is required) and transactions are automatically batched at the end of each day. We went on a short trip recently and I was able to access their virtual terminal on our iPad without a problem.
I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
I also set up an email template with all the dates, rooms and requisite customer information where I can cut and paste into Quickbooks and then print it off to have in a folder to show upcoming reseservations. It's working quite well.
If we had more than two rooms, I would certainly look for a different bookkeeping solution other than Quickbooks wherein I could port the customer information directly into the accounting software. ReservationKey keeps track of most everything, so I don't reinvent the wheel in Quickbooks, but rather put in enough information where I can create sales receipts for each guest..I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.ReservationKey retains the credit card information for 30 days after the guest has checked out. You should know by then if there is damage or not. PCI compliance requires that we not store credit card numbers unless we need to. If you do so, as I understand it, you must do so in a way that secures that data. It's best not to keep a customer's credit card information on your computer. Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.Arkansawyer said:I never understood what CIM was all about. John just said we'd need it so we got it. If somebody breaks something and you don't discover it until after they are gone, do you have a way to charge their credit card for the damage? I was thinking maybe CIM is needed to let you do that, but don't really know.Proud Texan said:I saw no use in utilizing the CIM (customer information management). We do have return guests, but they usually don't come more than once a year and can just reenter their credit card info when they rebook.
.Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
.We take a credit card deposit for every reservation, even the ones taken over the phone. They do not get a confirmation until the credit card is run and I have my deposit.Madeleine said:Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
I write it down, because my memory is not that good.Not everyone uses our online reservation system...unfortunately.
.Don't forget this little method, when you have them on the phone just go into the same reservation they would be on if they did it themselves and enter the info. Then you enter the cc details on rezkey and hit send. They get the confirmation, you get your booking email and it is done. it is all in there. Type in the cc #'s as they tell them to you...and all the rest of it.Proud Texan said:We take a credit card deposit for every reservation, even the ones taken over the phone. They do not get a confirmation until the credit card is run and I have my deposit.Madeleine said:Why would you have the cc written down if you take phone reservations? I could see if you didn't have any kind of online booking you would write it down or not take it at all. If someone calls I just fill in the form same as the guest would do. I don't keep paper copies of any cc numbers.Proud Texan said:Obviously, if you take phone reservations, you have the credit card number written down. My practice is to maintain a print copy of the info until the guest checks out and I'm sure there are no further charges. I then destroy it. ReservationKey has made this much easier by keeping the data for a least 30 days.
I write it down, because my memory is not that good.Not everyone uses our online reservation system...unfortunately.
.I told another innkeeper that and he told me he can't type and talk on the phone at the same time so he writes everything down in a book he carries with him everywhere. Yes, ALL the guest info including cc and dates they won't be home with their address right there. And he goes everywhere with this book. I don't get it.Joey Bloggs said:Don't forget this little method, when you have them on the phone just go into the same reservation they would be on if they did it themselves and enter the info. Then you enter the cc details on rezkey and hit send. They get the confirmation, you get your booking email and it is done. it is all in there. Type in the cc #'s as they tell them to you...and all the rest of it.
.
Unfortunately, that's illegal.Madeleine said:I told another innkeeper that and he told me he can't type and talk on the phone at the same time so he writes everything down in a book he carries with him everywhere. Yes, ALL the guest info including cc and dates they won't be home with their address right there. And he goes everywhere with this book. I don't get it.Joey Bloggs said:Don't forget this little method, when you have them on the phone just go into the same reservation they would be on if they did it themselves and enter the info. Then you enter the cc details on rezkey and hit send. They get the confirmation, you get your booking email and it is done. it is all in there. Type in the cc #'s as they tell them to you...and all the rest of it.
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