Returning guest bookings

[Hells Bells]

I had a lovely family stay in February, who called me on their second day, asking to book for the half-term week in Feb 2008. I retained their damage deposit and transferred it to the new booking as deposit. They sent me a text message last night asking if they can have first refusal on every subsequent Feb half-term week for the foreseeable future. Great, I am very flattered that they love my apartment so much they want to spend their holidays there. So why do I have misgivings and feel uneasy about it?

[Big Sis..]

So why do I have misgivings and feel uneasy about it?

Im not sure Helen sounds like a REAL compliment to me [maybe you ought to post it on the Other Forum

Possibly cos its unusual... or is this your Peak time and you dont want to tie yourself down to not raising prices.
.If it is this say 'yes but you cannot guarantee the prices that theyve paid this year'...
They have only said first refusal so offer it to them at the new price each year and go from there..
.Bit like an auction room its quite nice to think you have an offer on the books but not commit yourself...
But there is something to be said for repeat guests...Just had one of my regulars stay at mine..Didnt even give the house a thought..knew they would be fine..thats worth thinking about..

If I were you Id just revel in it and quite justified you would be too
Well Done

[Hells Bells]

i think you hit the nail on the proverbial head there . Feels a bit like I'm losing control of things a bit too. I will compose a suitable reply.

[Fraise]

Excellent Helen! Lucky girl. Doesn't sound fishy to me, just that they have found somewhere great to stay and they want to spend time there each year. It makes them feel they are going back to "their " place too!

[Hells Bells]

No, you're right there's nothing fishy about it. I was very tired last night when I got the text and hadn't read it properly. I am delighted they love it so much, after all, hubby and I have worked hard for it to be enjoyable.

[Guest3]

Big Sis said

say 'yes but you cannot guarantee the prices that theyve paid this year'...

Well done Helen! That would be my reply too ...don't forget to request sufficient notice if they decide not to book.

[Hells Bells]

Thanks for your text yesterday evening.I am very flattered that you
like our apartment so much. I don't see why this shouldn't be
possible, although there will of course be a small price increase each
year, (you will get a 5% returning guest discount too). Our children
are finishing their school education, and so we wouldn't be wanting to
use it ourselves at this time. I haven't even got round to thinking
about the prices for 2009 yet, it is a bit too far ahead. What I
propose is that I will confirm with you the new price for the week as
soon as they are set (I usually do them in Feb/March for the following
year) and you will then confirm if you wish to book the dates or not.
If you want to reserve the property earlier, that is fine, but I will
need to then confirm the price with you at a later date. Hope this is
clear. Any questions, just ask. I am off to Monetier next week.
Helen

My reply.

[Fil]

I would send them an email 2 - 3 months in advance to check if they were interested and also email them if someone else enquires for those dates.

[Big Sis..]

Quote:
say 'yes but you cannot guarantee the prices that theyve paid this year'...
Well done Helen! That would be my reply too .

Scusameo sniff..

Seriously though well done Helen..Sound advice from Fil as well..

[Guest3]

Scusameo sniff..

My post duly amended Rozzie!

[Big Sis..]

Oh That was a laugh ..I just looked again and thought OH Gosh Crystal did say me
..went to delete mine so as not to look silly
..and couldnt cos someone had posted
..course it was Crystal..Confused you will be
Who says this aint hard work