Do you ever get really frustrated with using the computer? I think from time to time we all do. Where you should not feel frustrated though, is when you are accepting, modifying, moving, and reviewing reservations. This should be the most fun thing you do every day since this is the lifeblood of your business! Here are 5 clues that your campground software is not up to snuff.
1. Paper and pencil
If your “futuristic” reservation system consists of paper and a pencil still, there is a better way. If you are still using paper and pencil, it’s not even about efficiency anymore. It’s about keeping better track of your business in a way that reaches the general public and most importantly all of those people stuck on their phone all day.
2. Not taking online reservations
Taking online reservations is becoming more of a necessity than ever. Manufacturers are expecting to sell around 446,000 RV’s in 2017, read this story here. How many of those new millennial RV’ers do you think are not going to look further than their smart phones to make a reservation on their trip across America? It has been common practice for years for the rest of the travel industry, and finally, the campground industry is catching up.
3. Takes more than 30 seconds to check a guest in
There are not many things worse than being the last thing between your guests and having a great time with their friends and family. You can take this opportunity to impress the campers with your speed and efficiency but if your software is not cooperating and taking its sweet time, you are automatically the BAD guy. No one wants to be the bad guy, if you reservation system slows you down, give your friends over at Sunrise a shout 🙂
4. You are not getting immediate support
If you are constantly waiting for someone to call you back, reply to your email, or type back on chat, the level of customer service may not be what you want in your software provider. If they finally get ahold of you to answer your question or solve your problem and you learn they do not have North American based customer support, this is also another red flag. It can be hard enough, talking in computer talk, but it can be even more difficult if the support staff you are speaking with does not speak your version of English.5. Not working in real time
5. Not working in real time
If you still have to wait on your online reservations to “load” your online reservations or dump them into your management software, then you can assume your existing software company is using some out of date technology. Both systems should work in real time, updating inventory automatically live.
We would love to talk to you about setting up online reservations, upgrading from your pencil and paper system, or any of the other points so please do n0t hesitate to reachout 🙂
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