More discounts

[happyjacks]

April wrote: If you have dificulty to fill in your beds - lower your prices, perhaps they are to high. Now - if you can not do that it may be the time to review your business. Unless you run your b&b as a hobby all other business rules aplly - if your business is not bringing you enough money - it is not a right business.
I totally disagree. In fact, that is plain rude to say that it is not a right business and arrogant.
You just slapped in the face 99% of the innkeepers on this forum with that statement. Even those with high occupancy are not full year round.
There is ALWAYS room for improvement in any business..

I was not offended and didn't find the comments rude. I agree with them. If a business is not making 'enough' money, then it is not being operated in the way it needs to be. Now, it's up to every business owner to determine what is 'enough' for them; and that does not necessarily mean being full year-round, but nobody said that's what it means.
For those of us who are not making 'enough' money at our businesses (and I am one of them, based on my own criteria of 'enough'), we try to figure out how to make it "right" by trying new things (different promotions/packages/deals/prices/marketing) or spending our money differently. Yes, we are always improving, and yet there will always be room for further improvement.
But it's not rude or a slap in the face to point out that if a business-owner simply cannot get enough money out of the business to do what they need it to do, no matter what they try, then it's not the right business to be in. That's just simple math, just a fact. Goes for any business.

 

[swirt]

Ahem...."©2008 Virginia Tourism Corporation" means please don't copy and paste this into someone else's site.

(I'll be editing your post shortly)
[Edited: Wow JBJ is fast on the edit..she beat me to it ]

 

[JunieBJones (JBJ)]

staycation discounts came along this year because of the gas prices. bree offers the staycation discount. if it brought people to my door, i'd honor it. getting people to want to book at your place is so important.
Staycation, like mentioned is A PROMOTION. IT IS MARKETING. They don't do a thing to earn a savings. Like I said, if you want to get in on some of the marketing that is out there, then jump on that "term" staycation or whatever the latest catch phrase, "We're Green" seems to be it right now.
I don't know if this will paste in here, but if it does - would you want to be on this email newsletter and featured on this website? SURE THING, so you submit a special or package. They won't just put your name on there just because.

 

[swirt]

April wrote: If you have dificulty to fill in your beds - lower your prices, perhaps they are to high. Now - if you can not do that it may be the time to review your business. Unless you run your b&b as a hobby all other business rules aplly - if your business is not bringing you enough money - it is not a right business.
I totally disagree. In fact, that is plain rude to say that it is not a right business and arrogant.
You just slapped in the face 99% of the innkeepers on this forum with that statement. Even those with high occupancy are not full year round.
There is ALWAYS room for improvement in any business..

I didn't take it as rude either. Phrased funny, but logical.

 

[Samster]

Ahem...."©2008 Virginia Tourism Corporation" means please don't copy and paste this into someone else's site.

(I'll be editing your post shortly)
[Edited: Wow JBJ is fast on the edit..she beat me to it ].

She could have posted the link though, right??

 

[Samster]

It looks like most of you give a lots of discounts and no wonder people ask for more. The only discounts we offer are 5% off on continiuous 7 nights stay ( no further discounts even if they stay a month) and 4% off on cash payments. Sorry, no other discounts here - no AAA, military or police ( they are gainfully employed and have job security), no seniors ( most of seniors that travel are financially secure) or any other. My motto is "Travel is not a right - it is a privilage". If you can afford it stay at home. If you have dificulty to fill in your beds - lower your prices, perhaps they are to high. Now - if you can not do that it may be the time to review your business. Unless you run your b&b as a hobby all other business rules aplly - if your business is not bringing you enough money - it is not a right business..

It looks like most of you give a lots of discounts and no wonder people ask for more. The only discounts we offer are 5% off on continiuous 7 nights stay ( no further discounts even if they stay a month) and 4% off on cash payments. Sorry, no other discounts here - no AAA, military or police ( they are gainfully employed and have job security), no seniors ( most of seniors that travel are financially secure) or any other. My motto is "Travel is not a right - it is a privilage". If you can afford it stay at home. If you have dificulty to fill in your beds - lower your prices, perhaps they are to high. Now - if you can not do that it may be the time to review your business. Unless you run your b&b as a hobby all other business rules aplly - if your business is not bringing you enough money - it is not a right business.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??? Even high end hotels have "rack" rates and then what they really charge. I don't think that giving a discount promotes people asking for more at all. That is just part of many folks' personality and sense of entitlement, regardless. In fact, people may actually feel like they're entitled to more and more because they're paying the full rate. If you don't offer any discounts and you have more guests than you know what to do with, that is super. We all do what works for us.

 

[swirt]

Ahem...."©2008 Virginia Tourism Corporation" means please don't copy and paste this into someone else's site.

(I'll be editing your post shortly)
[Edited: Wow JBJ is fast on the edit..she beat me to it ].

She could have posted the link though, right??
.

Yep, the link would have been perfectly fine.

 

[Morticia]

I do a staycation discount. No one has ever called about it. I never thought someone would take offense to it.
I don't offer AAA discounts in the summer, nor any discounts for that matter. (OK, frequent sleeper discounts apply year round because these people keep my business going in good weather and bad. And my suite has a discounted rate all year.)) I regularly have guests hang up on me because I won't bend on the 'no discounts in season' rule. And, then, 5 minutes later someone else will call and book more nights at full price.
This was something I learned my first season here when I gave discounts for everyone and everything, even tho my rates were lower than any other B&B. I kicked myself for being a fool. Other places were making $20-$30 more/night, had more bookings and weren't dealing with the 'multiple discount' crowd.
Second year I said 'no discounts in season' and raised my rates to be in the middle range. More bookings, better guests. (Better in the sense they weren't nickel and diming me on everything.)
I still get the multiple discount crowd and it really picks up right about now. Everyone thinks Maine shuts down after Labor Day and they won't pay over $100 for a room. I won't sell one for less than my price, even if the room goes empty. (Again, exception being the frequent sleepers.)
I do offer packages that get you, maybe, a slightly ($5) better rate. But when guests start mentioning 'rack rate' and 'what's your best price?' I tell them they have heard the best price. I know it sounds like 'take it or leave it' but there are days I'd rather they left it if they're going to push for their price. A lot of guests just say, 'Doesn't hurt to ask,' and I tell them, 'No, it doesn't.'

 

[Morticia]

It looks like most of you give a lots of discounts and no wonder people ask for more. The only discounts we offer are 5% off on continiuous 7 nights stay ( no further discounts even if they stay a month) and 4% off on cash payments. Sorry, no other discounts here - no AAA, military or police ( they are gainfully employed and have job security), no seniors ( most of seniors that travel are financially secure) or any other. My motto is "Travel is not a right - it is a privilage". If you can afford it stay at home. If you have dificulty to fill in your beds - lower your prices, perhaps they are to high. Now - if you can not do that it may be the time to review your business. Unless you run your b&b as a hobby all other business rules aplly - if your business is not bringing you enough money - it is not a right business..

It looks like most of you give a lots of discounts and no wonder people ask for more. The only discounts we offer are 5% off on continiuous 7 nights stay ( no further discounts even if they stay a month) and 4% off on cash payments. Sorry, no other discounts here - no AAA, military or police ( they are gainfully employed and have job security), no seniors ( most of seniors that travel are financially secure) or any other. My motto is "Travel is not a right - it is a privilage". If you can afford it stay at home. If you have dificulty to fill in your beds - lower your prices, perhaps they are to high. Now - if you can not do that it may be the time to review your business. Unless you run your b&b as a hobby all other business rules aplly - if your business is not bringing you enough money - it is not a right business.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??? Even high end hotels have "rack" rates and then what they really charge. I don't think that giving a discount promotes people asking for more at all. That is just part of many folks' personality and sense of entitlement, regardless. In fact, people may actually feel like they're entitled to more and more because they're paying the full rate. If you don't offer any discounts and you have more guests than you know what to do with, that is super. We all do what works for us.
.

It looks like most of you give a lots of discounts and no wonder people ask for more. The only discounts we offer are 5% off on continiuous 7 nights stay ( no further discounts even if they stay a month) and 4% off on cash payments. Sorry, no other discounts here - no AAA, military or police ( they are gainfully employed and have job security), no seniors ( most of seniors that travel are financially secure) or any other. My motto is "Travel is not a right - it is a privilage". If you can afford it stay at home. If you have dificulty to fill in your beds - lower your prices, perhaps they are to high. Now - if you can not do that it may be the time to review your business. Unless you run your b&b as a hobby all other business rules aplly - if your business is not bringing you enough money - it is not a right business.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??? Even high end hotels have "rack" rates and then what they really charge. I don't think that giving a discount promotes people asking for more at all. That is just part of many folks' personality and sense of entitlement, regardless. In fact, people may actually feel like they're entitled to more and more because they're paying the full rate. If you don't offer any discounts and you have more guests than you know what to do with, that is super. We all do what works for us.

How many B&B's do that, tho? I mean have a rack rate and then a rate they really charge? I feel kinda stupid here. I have my rate, it's what I charge, I may discount that for off season guests, for repeat guests, or for packages, but it's the rate. There's no 'real rate' vs 'rack rate'. The price on the calendar is the price. It changes with the season.

 

[Samster]

It looks like most of you give a lots of discounts and no wonder people ask for more. The only discounts we offer are 5% off on continiuous 7 nights stay ( no further discounts even if they stay a month) and 4% off on cash payments. Sorry, no other discounts here - no AAA, military or police ( they are gainfully employed and have job security), no seniors ( most of seniors that travel are financially secure) or any other. My motto is "Travel is not a right - it is a privilage". If you can afford it stay at home. If you have dificulty to fill in your beds - lower your prices, perhaps they are to high. Now - if you can not do that it may be the time to review your business. Unless you run your b&b as a hobby all other business rules aplly - if your business is not bringing you enough money - it is not a right business..

It looks like most of you give a lots of discounts and no wonder people ask for more. The only discounts we offer are 5% off on continiuous 7 nights stay ( no further discounts even if they stay a month) and 4% off on cash payments. Sorry, no other discounts here - no AAA, military or police ( they are gainfully employed and have job security), no seniors ( most of seniors that travel are financially secure) or any other. My motto is "Travel is not a right - it is a privilage". If you can afford it stay at home. If you have dificulty to fill in your beds - lower your prices, perhaps they are to high. Now - if you can not do that it may be the time to review your business. Unless you run your b&b as a hobby all other business rules aplly - if your business is not bringing you enough money - it is not a right business.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??? Even high end hotels have "rack" rates and then what they really charge. I don't think that giving a discount promotes people asking for more at all. That is just part of many folks' personality and sense of entitlement, regardless. In fact, people may actually feel like they're entitled to more and more because they're paying the full rate. If you don't offer any discounts and you have more guests than you know what to do with, that is super. We all do what works for us.
.

It looks like most of you give a lots of discounts and no wonder people ask for more. The only discounts we offer are 5% off on continiuous 7 nights stay ( no further discounts even if they stay a month) and 4% off on cash payments. Sorry, no other discounts here - no AAA, military or police ( they are gainfully employed and have job security), no seniors ( most of seniors that travel are financially secure) or any other. My motto is "Travel is not a right - it is a privilage". If you can afford it stay at home. If you have dificulty to fill in your beds - lower your prices, perhaps they are to high. Now - if you can not do that it may be the time to review your business. Unless you run your b&b as a hobby all other business rules aplly - if your business is not bringing you enough money - it is not a right business.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??? Even high end hotels have "rack" rates and then what they really charge. I don't think that giving a discount promotes people asking for more at all. That is just part of many folks' personality and sense of entitlement, regardless. In fact, people may actually feel like they're entitled to more and more because they're paying the full rate. If you don't offer any discounts and you have more guests than you know what to do with, that is super. We all do what works for us.

How many B&B's do that, tho? I mean have a rack rate and then a rate they really charge? I feel kinda stupid here. I have my rate, it's what I charge, I may discount that for off season guests, for repeat guests, or for packages, but it's the rate. There's no 'real rate' vs 'rack rate'. The price on the calendar is the price. It changes with the season.
.

All of the B&Bs here offer discounts, they may not be published on their website though. We all have to do what our market will bear. In your market, you're a Summer shopping destination and people will pay your rates. So, if you're as busy as you want to be, you're obviously charging the correct rate. You probably have it figured out for the length of time that you've been in business. Location, location, location.....
One of our B&Bs just raised their rates again & I couldn't believe it. I think they're very high for our location. My dh said, "If you get a discount and it's 50% off a lot, you feel like you got a great deal." Like outlet mall shopping mentality.
I'm still trying to figure it out here. Our guests appreciate a discount & I feel that our room rates with the discount are still good to cover our costs and make a profit. I also feel very strongly about offering certain discounts here. We all have to run our businesses with our own comfort level.

 

[gillumhouse]

I have already said I give discounts and special rates, but in general, unless it is asked for, the rate is the rate. The rate with horses actually goes up because I bury the escort fee in the room rate. So far, I have not had snyone object.Question - do you give AAA discount? Answer: No, my rates are already low enough. Same if AARP is substituted for AAA.

 

[Samster]

I do a staycation discount. No one has ever called about it. I never thought someone would take offense to it.
I don't offer AAA discounts in the summer, nor any discounts for that matter. (OK, frequent sleeper discounts apply year round because these people keep my business going in good weather and bad. And my suite has a discounted rate all year.)) I regularly have guests hang up on me because I won't bend on the 'no discounts in season' rule. And, then, 5 minutes later someone else will call and book more nights at full price.
This was something I learned my first season here when I gave discounts for everyone and everything, even tho my rates were lower than any other B&B. I kicked myself for being a fool. Other places were making $20-$30 more/night, had more bookings and weren't dealing with the 'multiple discount' crowd.
Second year I said 'no discounts in season' and raised my rates to be in the middle range. More bookings, better guests. (Better in the sense they weren't nickel and diming me on everything.)
I still get the multiple discount crowd and it really picks up right about now. Everyone thinks Maine shuts down after Labor Day and they won't pay over $100 for a room. I won't sell one for less than my price, even if the room goes empty. (Again, exception being the frequent sleepers.)
I do offer packages that get you, maybe, a slightly ($5) better rate. But when guests start mentioning 'rack rate' and 'what's your best price?' I tell them they have heard the best price. I know it sounds like 'take it or leave it' but there are days I'd rather they left it if they're going to push for their price. A lot of guests just say, 'Doesn't hurt to ask,' and I tell them, 'No, it doesn't.'.

Right now, our rooms are sitting empty along with the other B&Bs. Will I offer a discount to get them to book? You betcha. I have mortgages and bills to pay. I actually have a Summer discount that runs through the end of September. Hopefully, the Fall will be better, but I'll at least still have our online booking discount. It's worth it to me to have them input all the info
Like I said, I'm still working on figuring out what works & what doesn't.

 

[April]

April wrote: If you have dificulty to fill in your beds - lower your prices, perhaps they are to high. Now - if you can not do that it may be the time to review your business. Unless you run your b&b as a hobby all other business rules aplly - if your business is not bringing you enough money - it is not a right business.
I totally disagree. In fact, that is plain rude to say that it is not a right business and arrogant.
You just slapped in the face 99% of the innkeepers on this forum with that statement. Even those with high occupancy are not full year round.
There is ALWAYS room for improvement in any business..

I was not offended and didn't find the comments rude. I agree with them. If a business is not making 'enough' money, then it is not being operated in the way it needs to be. Now, it's up to every business owner to determine what is 'enough' for them; and that does not necessarily mean being full year-round, but nobody said that's what it means.
For those of us who are not making 'enough' money at our businesses (and I am one of them, based on my own criteria of 'enough'), we try to figure out how to make it "right" by trying new things (different promotions/packages/deals/prices/marketing) or spending our money differently. Yes, we are always improving, and yet there will always be room for further improvement.
But it's not rude or a slap in the face to point out that if a business-owner simply cannot get enough money out of the business to do what they need it to do, no matter what they try, then it's not the right business to be in. That's just simple math, just a fact. Goes for any business.
.

Right you are!

 

[swirt]

It looks like most of you give a lots of discounts and no wonder people ask for more. The only discounts we offer are 5% off on continiuous 7 nights stay ( no further discounts even if they stay a month) and 4% off on cash payments. Sorry, no other discounts here - no AAA, military or police ( they are gainfully employed and have job security), no seniors ( most of seniors that travel are financially secure) or any other. My motto is "Travel is not a right - it is a privilage". If you can afford it stay at home. If you have dificulty to fill in your beds - lower your prices, perhaps they are to high. Now - if you can not do that it may be the time to review your business. Unless you run your b&b as a hobby all other business rules aplly - if your business is not bringing you enough money - it is not a right business..

It looks like most of you give a lots of discounts and no wonder people ask for more. The only discounts we offer are 5% off on continiuous 7 nights stay ( no further discounts even if they stay a month) and 4% off on cash payments. Sorry, no other discounts here - no AAA, military or police ( they are gainfully employed and have job security), no seniors ( most of seniors that travel are financially secure) or any other. My motto is "Travel is not a right - it is a privilage". If you can afford it stay at home. If you have dificulty to fill in your beds - lower your prices, perhaps they are to high. Now - if you can not do that it may be the time to review your business. Unless you run your b&b as a hobby all other business rules aplly - if your business is not bringing you enough money - it is not a right business.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??? Even high end hotels have "rack" rates and then what they really charge. I don't think that giving a discount promotes people asking for more at all. That is just part of many folks' personality and sense of entitlement, regardless. In fact, people may actually feel like they're entitled to more and more because they're paying the full rate. If you don't offer any discounts and you have more guests than you know what to do with, that is super. We all do what works for us.
.

It looks like most of you give a lots of discounts and no wonder people ask for more. The only discounts we offer are 5% off on continiuous 7 nights stay ( no further discounts even if they stay a month) and 4% off on cash payments. Sorry, no other discounts here - no AAA, military or police ( they are gainfully employed and have job security), no seniors ( most of seniors that travel are financially secure) or any other. My motto is "Travel is not a right - it is a privilage". If you can afford it stay at home. If you have dificulty to fill in your beds - lower your prices, perhaps they are to high. Now - if you can not do that it may be the time to review your business. Unless you run your b&b as a hobby all other business rules aplly - if your business is not bringing you enough money - it is not a right business.

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??? Even high end hotels have "rack" rates and then what they really charge. I don't think that giving a discount promotes people asking for more at all. That is just part of many folks' personality and sense of entitlement, regardless. In fact, people may actually feel like they're entitled to more and more because they're paying the full rate. If you don't offer any discounts and you have more guests than you know what to do with, that is super. We all do what works for us.

How many B&B's do that, tho? I mean have a rack rate and then a rate they really charge? I feel kinda stupid here. I have my rate, it's what I charge, I may discount that for off season guests, for repeat guests, or for packages, but it's the rate. There's no 'real rate' vs 'rack rate'. The price on the calendar is the price. It changes with the season.
.

In our case our rack rates are our rates. We offer only two discounts (5% off return visits, and 10% off stays of 4 nights or more). We don't offer any others. We are as full as we want to be and are priced moderately for the area.
I do think that listing specials or discounts encourages people to ask / hagle for more.
I think there are people that like to hagle and there are people like me who think hagling is an insult so I don't hagle and I don't like to be hagled with and I am sure there are times when I could have paid less for something. I have no idea what the population breakdown is between the two groups. I think it probably varies by region. I put my price on my rooms and that is the price I expect.
I know there are some areas where my approach would not work so I don't recommend it to everyone.

 

[stephanie]

April wrote: If you have dificulty to fill in your beds - lower your prices, perhaps they are to high. Now - if you can not do that it may be the time to review your business. Unless you run your b&b as a hobby all other business rules aplly - if your business is not bringing you enough money - it is not a right business.
I totally disagree. In fact, that is plain rude to say that it is not a right business and arrogant.
You just slapped in the face 99% of the innkeepers on this forum with that statement. Even those with high occupancy are not full year round.
There is ALWAYS room for improvement in any business..

IMHO as a guest and from a marketing standpoint, which is my current profession, I've seen all sorts of discounting styles and while I respect each B&B's right to discount as they please, it does send a clear message about your hosting style.
I know a lot of your discounts are to fill beds in the down seasons or down days, but the sense that I get as a guest, and this is just gut feeling, is a B&B that offers a lot of discounts says "we're friendly and we want to work with you." A B&B that doesn't do discounts says "we're confident in the quality of our establishment and we're in high demand."
Neither one is better or worse than the other, but if you're after the luxury/resort/honeymoon market, a page full of discounts might seem odd to people looking for an elegant, over-the-top getaway. Likewise, if you're a friendly, family-oriented B&B, being stiff with your rates might seem off-putting to a market that often travels on a tight budget.
Just my two cents.

 

[swirt]

April wrote: If you have dificulty to fill in your beds - lower your prices, perhaps they are to high. Now - if you can not do that it may be the time to review your business. Unless you run your b&b as a hobby all other business rules aplly - if your business is not bringing you enough money - it is not a right business.
I totally disagree. In fact, that is plain rude to say that it is not a right business and arrogant.
You just slapped in the face 99% of the innkeepers on this forum with that statement. Even those with high occupancy are not full year round.
There is ALWAYS room for improvement in any business..

IMHO as a guest and from a marketing standpoint, which is my current profession, I've seen all sorts of discounting styles and while I respect each B&B's right to discount as they please, it does send a clear message about your hosting style.
I know a lot of your discounts are to fill beds in the down seasons or down days, but the sense that I get as a guest, and this is just gut feeling, is a B&B that offers a lot of discounts says "we're friendly and we want to work with you." A B&B that doesn't do discounts says "we're confident in the quality of our establishment and we're in high demand."
Neither one is better or worse than the other, but if you're after the luxury/resort/honeymoon market, a page full of discounts might seem odd to people looking for an elegant, over-the-top getaway. Likewise, if you're a friendly, family-oriented B&B, being stiff with your rates might seem off-putting to a market that often travels on a tight budget.
Just my two cents.
.

Sounds like advice that is worth way more than 2 cents.

 

[JunieBJones (JBJ)]

This is the thing people - those with the appearance of the "most money" who arrive in Mercedes convertables are the ones who want a discount, any discount. Do ya'll not get that?
Those who arrive war-torn from fighting overseas and want to spend quality time with their loved one don't even ask AND they leave a tip.
I am NOT A SPA, I would not want SPA people staying here period. I do not offer $500 a night lodging. We have wonderful guests and are pleased to offer a book online discount LIKE JUST ABOUT every other business in hospitality does currently, it is what it is. The internet.
I am with you on the AAA crowd. I am not fond of that attitude.
I am also confident that we have a nice place for guests to enjoy, but I will never be arrogant about it. Anything I can do to make their stay nice I will do.
There is no hagling, they find it online book it online and then show up. They don't call, they don't beg for money off, they book it Danno.
I agree, there SHOULD NOT BE a page full of discounts. That doesn't even make sense. Why would anyone do that?
Regionallytypically southerners are tight. But they would never take a cent from anyone else that is owed to them. On the other hand Northerners are the hagglers and want us to give away the farm to stay here. YES - this is a stereotype. We are a state that has both and the attitudes are entirely different. I have guests who stay here from both north and south.
The LOCAL discount I GIVE is never asked for. Like the OOGB couple on their wedding night. They are treated highly, they are locals. We don't get many locals. We WANT the word to get out.
I GIVE because I want to, not because I am forced to.
I guess I am not making myself understood. I should not be in this business I guess I should go flip burgers, ey.

 

[swirt]

This is the thing people - those with the appearance of the "most money" who arrive in Mercedes convertables are the ones who want a discount, any discount. Do ya'll not get that?
Those who arrive war-torn from fighting overseas and want to spend quality time with their loved one don't even ask AND they leave a tip.
I am NOT A SPA, I would not want SPA people staying here period. I do not offer $500 a night lodging. We have wonderful guests and are pleased to offer a book online discount LIKE JUST ABOUT every other business in hospitality does currently, it is what it is. The internet.
I am with you on the AAA crowd. I am not fond of that attitude.
I am also confident that we have a nice place for guests to enjoy, but I will never be arrogant about it. Anything I can do to make their stay nice I will do.
There is no hagling, they find it online book it online and then show up. They don't call, they don't beg for money off, they book it Danno.
I agree, there SHOULD NOT BE a page full of discounts. That doesn't even make sense. Why would anyone do that?
Regionallytypically southerners are tight. But they would never take a cent from anyone else that is owed to them. On the other hand Northerners are the hagglers and want us to give away the farm to stay here. YES - this is a stereotype. We are a state that has both and the attitudes are entirely different. I have guests who stay here from both north and south.
The LOCAL discount I GIVE is never asked for. Like the OOGB couple on their wedding night. They are treated highly, they are locals. We don't get many locals. We WANT the word to get out.
I GIVE because I want to, not because I am forced to.
I guess I am not making myself understood. I should not be in this business I guess I should go flip burgers, ey..

I guess I am not making myself understood. I should not be in this business I guess I should go flip burgers, ey.

Can I have a discount on my burger if I order it without pickles?

I understand what you are saying. You bring up very valid points.

 

[IvyLee]

Stephanie has it right without a question. It isn't the actual price, it's the fact that people think they are getting a deal that causes them to book. This is one of the basic tenants of marketing, which is why so many B&Bs do offer discounts. It works. Look at the gas promotions B&Bs have been running the last few months. Instead of giving guests a discount, here's a $20 USD Gas Card (let's say that's a 10% discount if we were to break it down for arguments sake). Now, that $20 Gas Card promotion, along with the name of your B&B is appearing on a near daily basis in all of the major news outlets. If you call it a '10% Discount', no one cares. If you put it out there as 'Gas Savings' or 'Welcome Home Soldiers' then the promotion is something people right about and something guests take advantage of.
It isn't the monetary value, it's the emotional value that makes discounts work.

 

[swirt]

Stephanie has it right without a question. It isn't the actual price, it's the fact that people think they are getting a deal that causes them to book. This is one of the basic tenants of marketing, which is why so many B&Bs do offer discounts. It works. Look at the gas promotions B&Bs have been running the last few months. Instead of giving guests a discount, here's a $20 USD Gas Card (let's say that's a 10% discount if we were to break it down for arguments sake). Now, that $20 Gas Card promotion, along with the name of your B&B is appearing on a near daily basis in all of the major news outlets. If you call it a '10% Discount', no one cares. If you put it out there as 'Gas Savings' or 'Welcome Home Soldiers' then the promotion is something people right about and something guests take advantage of.
It isn't the monetary value, it's the emotional value that makes discounts work..

Very well said. Thank you.