Lay My Hat

OSINCLAIR wrote:We are the same - I have no idea why we do not get repeat bookings or advance bookings when our reviews are fabulous. We have only one booking for 2017 at this point - though never seem to have any problems filling up at short notice/school holidays and always end up (have been operating for >3 years now) with a high occupancy rate. I am wondering if there is any inverse psychology going on and we should raise prices as we are cheaper than a lot of the competition. Seems illogical but it may work!

When I raised my prices a few years ago my bookings went up

Sandra

Prices raised - lets see what happens. On a positive note we have 3 bookings in Jan when we usually have one at most.

Well the price rise went well and we generated some more bookings one of which actually commented on what good value the cottage is. Drat, should've raised the price more. I reread this thread and thought i would mention an issue that I have experienced with HL/TA bookings. If I do not maintain prices well in advance e.g. because I have not yet worked out the peak holiday weeks/best Christmas changeover dates the default (cheapest week) pricing is displayed to a potential guest. I have several times received booking requests way in advance for peak weeks at this low rate which makes me think there is a certain group of people who are aware of this "loophole" and try to work it to their advantage. I always check my booking requests carefully and decline/offer realistic quote but guessing there are some who just see a booking request for a vacant week and hit the yes button! If anyone knows of a better way around this would be interested?