Checkin date was 26th June. I am charging the card via our usual credit card system. I finally had a response from Agoda, apparently they made an error, my payout was $102 not $120 and the card they gave me was only loaded with $102. I know have my $102. Another case of changing the rate without permission!
Really! Thats no good. I know in NZ most insurance companies do not cover any home that is used as commercial accommodation, some may do but it is very limited, usually up to 3 guests and a limited number of nights per year. Do you have insurance brokers? Maybe they can can offer you a policy that regular Hotel or Motel but on a scaled back version.
Following - I made an error of judgment on some lovely guests. They said to charge the card on file, I was busy and did not charge until an hour after check out. Card declined. I contacted them and they gave some excuse, they tried to to send an alternative card via Booking.com message but the card details were blocked in the messages. They would not e-mail because of online safety and did not have paypal. All communication with Booking.com was useless - just not our problem. Yes I am stupid to trust people, I do not usually collect payment until check out, I like be be sure my gusts are happy. Sadly now I do not trust people, all because 1 ruined it for others :-(
I think what Booking.com tried to do is protect themselves from 100s of pop up accommodations that just let a room, cabin or holiday home to make 'easy' money. They do not operate as a genuine business and often decide they cant be bothered with the issues associated with having guest accommodation after a short time. They soon decide that meeting compliance with tax, insurance, cleaning etc is not 'easy money' and close the doors, in the process letting down people who have booked and paid. Sadly B.com treated Isle Of Wright as one of the newbies, realized their error and sorted it when it was pointed out.
Just had that happen to me this week. It is not peak season for us so hopefully it will not be too bad. Two years ago Agoda did the same thing, in peak season, it was called secret sale. When I eventually got to speak to a human I was told it agreed to as part of their T&Cs . I eventually won my battle but so stressful. Agoda are part of Booking.com!!!
Damage is the nature of your business. We are a wee bit different being onsite 24/7 - fully hosted,we have never had any damage apart from minor accidental breakage of a cup, glass, or a spillage - usually reported to us . But we do have insurance to cover any damage by guests. In 6 years we have never had to use it but if something major did happen we are covered. We also have Innkeeper liability , which cover us if the guests posessions were to be damaged if there were a fire or natural disaster. This also covers you in case the guest was injured on your property as a result of accident. I think it comes under Broardform Liability.
We offer a free welcome wine/beer/softdrink. There are cookies with the tea/coffee facilities and a bowl of toffees on the table. Free WIFI, courtsey van to/from dinner/event and show a genuine interest in what they are doing. And if they are celebrating a special occasion a card or small gift. Above all a clean warm room on arrival and lights on if after dark.
Checkin date was 26th June. I am charging the card via our usual credit card system. I finally had a response from Agoda, apparently they made an error, my payout was $102 not $120 and the card they gave me was only loaded with $102. I know have my $102. Another case of changing the rate without permission!
Really! Thats no good. I know in NZ most insurance companies do not cover any home that is used as commercial accommodation, some may do but it is very limited, usually up to 3 guests and a limited number of nights per year. Do you have insurance brokers? Maybe they can can offer you a policy that regular Hotel or Motel but on a scaled back version.
Following - I made an error of judgment on some lovely guests. They said to charge the card on file, I was busy and did not charge until an hour after check out. Card declined. I contacted them and they gave some excuse, they tried to to send an alternative card via Booking.com message but the card details were blocked in the messages. They would not e-mail because of online safety and did not have paypal. All communication with Booking.com was useless - just not our problem. Yes I am stupid to trust people, I do not usually collect payment until check out, I like be be sure my gusts are happy. Sadly now I do not trust people, all because 1 ruined it for others :-(
I think what Booking.com tried to do is protect themselves from 100s of pop up accommodations that just let a room, cabin or holiday home to make 'easy' money. They do not operate as a genuine business and often decide they cant be bothered with the issues associated with having guest accommodation after a short time. They soon decide that meeting compliance with tax, insurance, cleaning etc is not 'easy money' and close the doors, in the process letting down people who have booked and paid. Sadly B.com treated Isle Of Wright as one of the newbies, realized their error and sorted it when it was pointed out.
Just had that happen to me this week. It is not peak season for us so hopefully it will not be too bad. Two years ago Agoda did the same thing, in peak season, it was called secret sale. When I eventually got to speak to a human I was told it agreed to as part of their T&Cs . I eventually won my battle but so stressful. Agoda are part of Booking.com!!!
Damage is the nature of your business. We are a wee bit different being onsite 24/7 - fully hosted,we have never had any damage apart from minor accidental breakage of a cup, glass, or a spillage - usually reported to us . But we do have insurance to cover any damage by guests. In 6 years we have never had to use it but if something major did happen we are covered. We also have Innkeeper liability , which cover us if the guests posessions were to be damaged if there were a fire or natural disaster. This also covers you in case the guest was injured on your property as a result of accident. I think it comes under Broardform Liability.
We are a 9.7 and for the past 6 years have been between 9.6-9.9. Our official rating by Qualmark (NZ Tourism) is 4+star and a Silver Enviro Award. :-)
We offer a free welcome wine/beer/softdrink. There are cookies with the tea/coffee facilities and a bowl of toffees on the table. Free WIFI, courtsey van to/from dinner/event and show a genuine interest in what they are doing. And if they are celebrating a special occasion a card or small gift. Above all a clean warm room on arrival and lights on if after dark.