Credit card payment question for other bed and breakfast innkeepers?

[Jare's Place]

Hello there,

 

Recently I had my website update with a 'book now' feature.  I also set-up the payment solution with my bank.  Now I have gotten my first online booking and I am not sure where I should be charging their credit card when I get the booking or on the day my guest arrives?  Any comments welcome.

 

I would be so grateful to hear from other innkeepers to know what they think is kosher.

 

Thanks,

Jeremy @ www.jaresplace.ca

[Canyon Ridge Lodge]

Hi Jeremy,

               As stated by some others, you can define you own policy in regards to deposits and payments etc and so that is up to you to decide what is right for you. The only thing I would like to add, is to check with you credit card provider how much you are being charged for those transactions. I know that for my machine, they charge me a much higher percentage if I ''key in'' the credit card number, and the lowest charge is if the person is there and uses their card through the machine. It may not sound a big difference on one transaction but adds up to a lot over the year.

All the best

Kat

Canyon Ridge Lodge

Golden 

[Panorama Blue Bed & Breakfast]

Jeremy,

we have a "7 day cancelation plocy" clearly published on our web site. At time of booking we charge 1 night accommodation and the balance at time of arrival. The guest also signs a registration form at that time.

 

From my point of view it is important that you have a policy in place that the guests can read through before they transmit their credit card details.

 

Hope that helps,

rgds,

Hans J. Gisch

Panorama Blue B&B, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

[The Rookwood Inn]

 We have a policy that states we charge credit cards for the deposit at the time of reservation. For us this means 100% for one night stays and 50% for longer stays. We also charge in full for reservations made within our cancellation period.What is crucial is that you have a posted policy as well as a written one and that you are consistent. The policy should also be verbally explained at the time of a phone reservation and in your confirmation letters.

 

Amy, Innkeeper/Proprietor

The Rookwood Inn

Lenox, MA

http://www.rookwoodinn.com

[Eagles Rest at White Church]

I always charge when the reservation is made.  Most people expect that, since hotels do that.

[Marc Z]

Hi Jeremy,

My name is Marc, I work with Bescover.com and have talked to many numerous innkeepers about this topic.I think you should create a policy on when you will charge the card and go from there, perhaps a 50% payment to hold the room, and the other 50% upon check in; but really it should be whatever makes you comfortable as an accountant and innkeeper. As far as payment processing you may be interested n using Square which is a popular credit card app for smart phones and tablets. Square does not have monthly fees, you are only charged a small percentage per charge, and it is paperless, so that you are not spending money on paper and ink. Receipts can be emailed or texted to your customers, and charges can be deposited directly into your bank account.