Re: innkeeping: Cancellations w/gift certificates?

[ernij@k12.oit.umass.edu (Erni Johnson (Bement))]

Since we know each other, i could have told you this over the phone, but
thought i'd post it anyhow for the rest of the world of innkeeping.  We
wrestled with this issue for quite a while when we were first opened. 
finally we realized that gift certificates are paid for (in some form) so 
we
treat them like a deposit.  We have a two week cancellation period,
cancelling within that time, except for the last day gets you a gift
certificate you can use another time so nothing changes there, however 
last
minute cancellations result in loss of deposit (no-shows too) so if this
happens, they lose their deposit aka the gift certificate is now void.  We
explain this deposit policy on the phone and send a formal confirmation
which includes this info, just like with any other deposit.  i know what 
you
mean about the gift cerificate syndrome, but it helps sometimes just to
treat them like all reservations (on a business like footing) and it
sometimes helps them to get the picture.  Also, when they receive your
brochure and confirmation they will understand better what you are all 
about
(your inn being one of the finest in the area...) E, johnson Hannah Dudley
House Inn, Leverett, MA
>

--
q