subject: The Many Ways Merchant Services Can Boost Your Hotel Business [print this page] The hotel business can be challenging in good times and bad. When vacancy is high, you have to pamper the guests you do have in the hopes that they'll give you repeat business and bring more customers. And when your property is filled to capacity, you have to scramble to make sure that every guest's need is taken care of.
In either case, you can always use something which makes your job easier while also providing convenience for your customers. So here are two words to think about:: merchant services.
A merchant account with a merchant service provider allows your hotel to process credit card transactions. You probably already have the infrastructure to accept credit card payments at your registration desk and perhaps your fine dining establishment on your hotel property. But you may not be aware of all the other ways that merchant services can improve your customer service as well as your overall business operations. Here are some examples.
Casual Dining
If your hotel has a sports pub or snack bar, the potential exists for a significant stream of additional revenue for your property. But if these establishments only accept cash, then patrons may be forced to be more frugal while there. On the other hand, if guests have the ability to run a tab for drinks or charge a full meal, they'll likely spend more - and may even frequent these eateries more than once during their stay at your hotel.
Bar or Lounge Areas
It's not uncommon for guests to relax and enjoy an adult beverage in the afternoon or evening, especially if they are on vacation. Allowing them to run a bar tab on a credit card will provide an incentive to keep them on your property while they unwind with their drink of choice. If you make them pay cash for every drink, however, they may leave the hotel and find a bar that does take credit cards as payment.
Business Center
Chances are your hotel has an area where guests have access to a copier, fax machine, printer, and Internet capability. Have you ever thought about monetizing some of these services? Merchant service providers have equipment which makes customers swipe their credit cards before using certain devices. So you could charge them for Internet time, faxed pages, or copies if you felt that the market would bear it.
Spa or Salon
If your hotel has an on-property spa or salon, you may already have the ability to charge treatments and products to a customer's room. That's fine - but it's also wise to give guests the option of paying by credit card.
This would be helpful if:
->The guest was staying on business but needed to keep a salon service off the bill that is being submitted to her corporate office.
->The guest wanted to bring a local friend or colleague to the spa but desired to keep the charges separate, or
->The guest preferred to charge the service to her credit card in order to earn rewards points through the card's incentive program.
Gift Shop
If a customer only wants to buy a bottle of water or a snack, then cash will probably suffice. But if guests decide to purchase several staple items and maybe a knickknack or two, they will probably want to use their credit card. Plus, you may also get some walk-in traffic from tourists in the area - and they're more likely to buy gifts for friends and family back home if they know they can charge the purchases.
Recreational Equipment Areas
If you operate a beachfront resort, your property might provide rentals for such items as snorkels, swimming masks, floats, sand chairs or umbrellas. So it's a good idea to extend you credit card processing capacity to these areas as well. Using a pen and paper to write down names and room numbers so they can be reconciled later with the final bill is inefficient and problematic. And how many guests do you know that carry cash in their bathing suits?
Golf Courses
Maybe your property has its own golf course for guests (and their guests) to enjoy. If so, you'll definitely want to have the capability to accept credit card payments in the pro shop. Even if guests can charge tee times to their rooms, they may want to purchase extra balls, clothing or golfing accessories - and they may not have enough cash on them (especially if they want to tip their caddies later). In addition, you can equip your on-course beverage servers with mobile swipe terminals as well, making it easier for the guy who just holed a long putt to buy a round for his foursome without digging in his wallet for cash.
In short, you should always make it as easy as possible for customers to spend their money. Tailoring your merchant services account to accept credit card payments throughout your hotel property can open up the door to a substantial revenue stream. And what hotel operator doesn't want more income?
The Many Ways Merchant Services Can Boost Your Hotel Business
By: ericasilver
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