Let’s face it, managing a business is becoming more and more complex each and every year. Don’t overcomplicate your life, uses resources available like booking software to manage the day to day tasks. Take it from me I have worked in the marine industry. Therefore I can tell you first hand how it helped simplify my life and other captain’s lives. Here is why you should use booking software.
Who Uses Booking Software
How do you determine if your business is the right fit for software. I have seen software used and has been a valuable resource for multiple businesses in the marine industry. The list is long, but to name a few sightseeing tours, fishing charters, airboat rides, diving trips, and more.
It is important to note that marine businesses operate differently. There are two primary methods of booking trips. First is by selling tickets until reaching capacity. Secondly, requiring the person to book the watercraft as one complete party.
Manage Online Payments
Processing payments over the phone requires time. Rather than answering the phone, collecting credit card information, and processing the payment manually, allow your customers to book directly online.
Software companies have no issue providing you with links to create “Book Now” buttons on your website. The book now buttons navigate the customer directly to a booking page. As a result, the customer has a straight forward approach to completing the booking process.
With ease, the customer enters the contact and credit card information securing a trip on your charter.
Don’t worry; the payment is directed to your personal bank account. Lastly, track payments within the software.
Automated Notifications
Put down the pen and paper. Gone are the days of remaining organized by a calendar that moves with you throughout the day.
Not only are you notified of a new booking with automated messages, but your customers stay in the loop as well.
Don’t worry about picking up the phone and reminding your customer about the upcoming trip. Furthermore, avoid naming off suggested items to make them feel more comfortable. The customers keep up to speed with customizable automated messages.
Calendar Management
Double booking will no longer be an issue. Countless captains have had more than one party show for a trip with no good explanation.
Fortunately, booking software avoids double bookings. The software technology blocks the calendar during the trip times and dates already booked.
Importantly, block dates when the boat is out of service, you’re on vacation, or just don’t want to operate. Undoubtedly having the option to block dates avoids needing to explain over the phone why you’re not excepting reservations.
Do you have more than one boat in your fleet? Never again be confused as to which boat is doing what. Differing from your pencil, software calendars are color coded. Simply assign a color to each boat for easy tracking.
Trip Selection
No longer is the day of explaining trip options including length, what you will catch, see, or do, and price.
Booking software allow you to add as many trips as you please with ease. Furthermore, add the trip details, longevity, images, capacity, and cost in minutes.
Importantly changing trip pricing is made simple when fuel prices rise, or your competitor increases costs.
Lastly, many operators run trips seasonally. Therefore, booking is limited by the season. With that being said, rather than deleting and re-adding a trip, toggle the trip by enabling or disabling it.
Software Fees Verus The Value Of Your Time
Understandably charter and tour operator owners become skeptical of adding fees. However, make a comparison of the value of your time versus a minimal percentage per trip booking.
Most software companies implement a monthly subscription fee or a service fee with each booked trip.
The standard service fee ranges between 4 and 6 percent. Comparatively, the subscription cost often ranges between $100 and $500 per month depending on the number of vessels in the fleet and add on software features.
As a charter or tour operator owner, do the math and determine which option is best for you. Keep in mind not all booking softwares give you the option of choosing between a subscription or service fee.
Compare The Best Charter Booking Softwares On The Market
Take it from me, I know charter and tour booking softwares. Rather than doing the research, I will save you the research.
Here are the best booking softwares on the market for marine tour operations, dive boats, fishing charters, and more. First, Farehbor. Fareharbor has been around for a long time, and the vast majority of its users are satisfied. Secondly, HookM Charter Management Software. This company is relatively new to the industry but provides a solid platform with excellent customer service. Lastly, Peek. Peek is not marine industry specific which is a negative but overall they have an easy to use system for streamlining a business.
Are You Ready To Make The Switch To Booking Software
Time to move away from a pencil and paper. Yes, softwares do come at a cost, but in the end will save you money. Consider the time spent running credit cards, explaining trip details, sending reminders, and more when you can instead be making money. Remember, if you miss a call the customer is moving on to the next charter company. Competition is stiff, so have the upper hand. Again, take it from me. I have connected with many captains who have made the switch. Decide which booking software is best for you and your business.
