We’re passionate about self-catering here at SuperControl booking and management system – even when we’re on holiday ourselves. So, when one of the team was recently planning their Christmas break to visit family and friends, a nice little child-friendly, dog-friendly cottage was top of her list.
After a quick Google search, she found the perfect property. It was listed on some of the big name booking websites as well as having its own website. Everything seemed perfect. However, when it came to the booking process, a number of hurdles soon presented themselves, which almost prevented her from booking:
Barrier 1: no flexibility on start dates
When trying to book via the travel websites, Saturday was the only start day allowed. Given that Christmas Eve falls on a Saturday this year, this was not convenient.
Barrier 2: inconsistent information
On the owners website, it said that short breaks and weekends were sometimes available (inconsistent with information seen on the booking websites).
Barrier 3: no online booking facility
You could check availability and rates on the owners website, but not book online.
Because the property seemed to fit her needs so perfectly, our team member emailed the owner to ask if there was any flexibility with the start dates. The owner replied really quickly to say yes! To proceed with the booking, she had to complete a booking form and pay a deposit; the owners would hold the dates for 48 hours.
Barrier 4: computer says no
She completed the booking form, but couldn’t submit it because the form didn’t recognise Thursday as a start day for a 7-night stay.
In this instance, following another round of emails between owner and guest, everything was sorted and the booking was confirmed.
However, it’s worth noting that our colleague only persevered with the booking because she was under no real pressure to find a property, (she could have stayed with friends and family if the booking had fallen through). Under any other circumstances, any single one of the barriers above would have prompted her to look – and book – elsewhere.
Avoid the pitfalls
A good online booking and management system will remove all these barriers for you. With SuperControl:
- You have complete flexibility to set/change your start dates as you see fit.
- If you list on external booking websites, the built-in channel manager automatically updates information across all of them and manages your listings for you.
- Booking is a simple, secure process (just three quick clicks).
Take a free 30-day trial to find out more.
