Lodging owners,,,,,,,questions for you

[lenny]

So, how do you guys deal with early check-in, people making a reservation and than leaving a day or two early, when do you prefer to get paid from renters?

For the most part I have had good experience with renters but from time to time things come up that test you. In the beginning I was happy to see people come early and I would easily accommodate them and even go out of my way to make their total experience at my place as best as I could but I am changing I suppose and no longer feel the same way. I think I am leaning more towards being just reasonable these days. I have a large parking area behind my lodging building and it is a complete city lot capable of numerous trailer and vehicles. When I have a reservation leaving I like to go over there a plow, keeping the snow situation under control and early check really does make that a chore to do. People hauling all there stuff in is good for the renter but not so good for me and my wife who need to clean. If I cannot meet the renter when they get here than after first evening, next day while they are out have them leave the money on the table and I go over there and grab payment. That has been convenient, even at that some people do not leave it there and I go back and forth waiting to get paid.

Next year I think we are going to change things up a bit. Now I leave the doors unlocked for people so when they check in they can just go up and get situated but next year I think I will lock the doors and have the people call me, text me, email me, or come to my house,,,,what ever it takes and get a key, at the same time I will get paid. Some people are inconsiderate and just don't want to pay when you ask them to pay. Some people will leave for the day leaving lights, TV, bath exhaust fan on all day while they are out sucking heat out of the place. Many people leave their water and drink bottles, oil bottles laying out in the snow or bury them. This sort of disrespect really is starting to fricken tick me off to where I can easily do without this sort renter, or aggravation. This year was the first year where I started to keep notes on the renters and their disrespect so I can remember who they are and not rent to them any more. The way I see it is that this is my business and it will run how I want it to run and no more open ended details. I just don't care anymore about meeting every whim of a renter outside of the basic lodging needs. Early check-in is going to cost. Early departure is going to cost because it costs me and I've had enough. Some renters will probably go elsewhere and that's just fine with me because it not all about them, there has to be a reasonable balance for myself and renter and that is where I am going to lower the bar too. Fact is, the accommodations will speak for themselves along with excellent reasonable service and if that's not enough, there's other places out there to rent.

For those who charge extra for early check in, how do you figure a price and early departure is the regular rate,,,right?

 

[rp7x]

you are kidding , any place ive been pay full on checkin , leave early its on me

 

[polarismike]

Same here, pay full at check in. I don't expect a refund if I leave early. Early arrival usually doesn't happen as we travel from southern Wi. Late arrival I give courtesy call during the day and set up to get the keys and make payment so I don't leave them wondering when we are going to show. A little common courtesy goes a long way and I know what you are saying, some people don't get it. I usually seek out the mom and pops places, as it is a different and more personable experience than the Best Western or whatever.

 

[ezra]

yeah lenny u are over thinking it 1/2 down to reserve 2 weeks before check in non refundable.
early check in if not occupied 1/2 day rent.
early check out on renter.
trash around home charged 80 bucks a hr 1 hr minn to clean up mess that hold is on cc from security deposit
u have 1/2 down so let them know if cash is not on the table when u go to pick it up next morning the other dead bolt will be locked when u get back.
there will be a 25 buck service charge for having to come over and unlock rental and collect money.
it is a business not a dating site. U go to VRBO 90% dont play games. and a lot of VRBO homes I have rented have cams out side and in garages and entry ways

 

[mrsrunningbear]

Lenny,

The best thing we did was to accept credit cards, the % we pay to use credit cards is so worth it. It's a game changer

Must have cc# to hold the reservation or I give 1 week for a deposit check to arrive

Less than 2 weeks cancellation notice and the card gets charged a deposit or no return of their check deposit

We email/mail a confirmation letter with all information clearly stated and go over it upon making their reservation, check in time, check out time, balance due, no refunds ect.

Must come to the office to check in, pay in full, they sign a check in form where it states they are signing as the responsible party, no-refund for early departure and will be charged for damage

As long as we have the CC# late check ins where we leave the cabin open are ok

Early check ins - each situation is different - but we do stick to our check in time most of the time...we're always sorry if they show up early without prior arrangements being made, the cabin is still dirty and we can't get them in, but that's the way it is, sometimes all it takes is a phone call.

and I definitely keep notes

 

[IOWASLEDDER]

So you will charge someone extra for early check in? I drive 9-10 hours to come up there at least twice a year. So if bad weather is coming and I want to leave home early and get there early and safely, you are gonna charge me? WOW! I'll make sure to take my business elsewhere. We like to spread our money around at places up there and stay at different places each time. I'll make sure your place is not gonna get my business.

 

[polarisrider1]

So you will charge someone extra for early check in? I drive 9-10 hours to come up there at least twice a year. So if bad weather is coming and I want to leave home early and get there early and safely, you are gonna charge me? WOW! I'll make sure to take my business elsewhere. We like to spread our money around at places up there and stay at different places each time. I'll make sure your place is not gonna get my business.

Nobody cares how long or far you drive. That attitude gives all of us a black eye. Lenny, Linda the Krupps and the rest deserve better than that. They really do a great job dealing with your type. Show some respect.

 

[Stack]

From my experiences with lodging, most will go out of their way to do the best they can to accommodate an early check-in, but it depends on many factors such as if they were able to clean the room or cabin yet. Check in times are usually pretty clear, and they do the best they can, but there is no entitlement to the room right away if you show up before that time. Sometimes after a long drive it's nice to grab a bite to eat and unwind before heading to the room anyway. Just make the best of it

-Stack

 

[IOWASLEDDER]

Nobody cares how long or far you drive. That attitude gives all of us a black eye. Lenny, Linda the Krupps and the rest deserve better than that. They really do a great job dealing with your type. Show some respect.

I have always shown respect to each and every place we stay at. I'm a business owner also. Just not in lodging. Our customers always come first. Sometimes it takes money to make money. It's sacrificing. Sure I have gotten burnt in the past by disrespectful people. There will always be people like that. If I know we will be early, I have and will always phone ahead. And we have been early a lot. Always due to weather. To our group, if the place has not been cleaned, we don't care. We know it will be. I'm not trying to cause problems in this thread. I'm just stating my opinion. I've never been charged for early arrival because I've let places know far enough in advance. And I'm talking about the places where we stay at for the weeks we are up there and the rooms are available. Leaving early and charging people, I'm perfectly ok with that. But there are certain circumstances to where sacrifices need to be made. That's all. We have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy each and every place we stay at up there. Like I said, I'm not trying to start anything here.

 

[ranlam]

Sacrificing for sure. Lenny I know CC#'s are very important like Mrs.RB said. Add a Bar and you really see stupid/funny stuff sometimes, I caught a sledder stealing desert cakes from the kitchen cooler last night, stuffing them down his bibs (its wrapped tight in saran wrap) he tried stashing them outside in snow bank,lol. Needless to say he had to pay for two smashed desert cakes and was asked to leave bar. He was staying in hotel so hopefully he slept it off! Stuff Happens.

 

[goofy600]

Like Mrs. Runningbear said every situation is different respect goes a long way so does disrespect. In the times I have arrived early I will give a call or just ask if I can park and have a place to change and I will check in when I get back but like I said respect goes a long way. Your not a big chain so it will be easy to keep notes and remember who not to have back, just make sure you get the whole groups names and where they are from so one of the others don't try to book.It does suck when things go bad just remember not all people are bad.

 

[durphee]

I do long term rentals but people waning to come in early before its ready comes up a lot. Basically, just like stated before, it all depends on the situation. If you can accommodate then great but if you just can't do it then it is what it is. As far as the customer, just showing up without calling early and expecting to check in early is just dumb. If they have half a brain they call ahead and see. As far as the customer is always right, not even close. Its your business and you run it the way you want. If you offer a quality product and service, which I assume you do then you will get return business, even if the customer doesn't always get their way. Most of the customers that throw a fit if they dont get their way are the ones that are headaches and might not be worth your time anyways. But, it is a give and take and helping others if you can is best.
And yes, payment before check in unless arranged in advance, its just good business. Good luck!

 

[blkhwkbob]

Nobody cares how long or far you drive. That attitude gives all of us a black eye. Lenny, Linda the Krupps and the rest deserve better than that. They really do a great job dealing with your type. Show some respect.

I hope the business owners care that their customers have driven a great distance to choose to spend their money at their business, often in brutal weather conditions towing large trailers. It isn't always fun and games. Lenny's original post doesn't show the utmost respect for potential customers, but he, of course gets a pass because he is one of the gang. That would be really something if you called in a reservation and asked about special arrangements because of a long drive and the owner said "nobody cares how long or far you drive." Brilliant.

 

[lenny]

So you will charge someone extra for early check in? I drive 9-10 hours to come up there at least twice a year. So if bad weather is coming and I want to leave home early and get there early and safely, you are gonna charge me? WOW! I'll make sure to take my business elsewhere. We like to spread our money around at places up there and stay at different places each time. I'll make sure your place is not gonna get my business.

lol,,,,now that's a good one, I needed a good laugh. Did you know that typical check out time is 11:00 am, check in at 2:00 pm. We than clean, plow, remove garbage, stock pellets and all that takes time. So what you are saying is that if the last group leaves at 11 and we need 2 hrs min to get unit ready (and I am not exaggerating the 2 hrs as my wife and I are immaculate.) and If we have both units to clean than double that time yet you demand an early check in or we will not get your business? From your little display of ignorance I will tell you straight up, never call my place for lodging because you are the exact inconsiderate person I don't need so save us both the hassle. Yup, it's all about you and your precious plans which are your responsibility to figure out, not for me to figure out for you. You sure are quick to come to a conclusion on what I would and wouldn't do. If a person was considerate to call me and explain a situation I would be more that willing to work it out but for someone to expect me to make it all happen is certainly not reasonable,,,so thanks for pointing that out and saving me the hassle of not renting to you and finding out the hard way.

There has to be a general policy that lodging businesses have and you and I both know that. There are and always have been exceptions so for you to make a blanket statement is like I said above,,funny at best. I think you said it best when talking about you spreading your money around,,,like we are supposed to kiss your a** because you are paying.


I have never turned away a customer from parking in my lot and gearing up to go riding and probably never will but to check into a unit that is not been serviced, not gonna happen except for a select few that have earned the right to do so and you guys know who you are. I have made exceptions when people call me, explain a situation and are looking for check in and I have done so and will continue to do so but for people like you who expect it, your probably the same type of guys who throw your garbage outside, smoke and throw the butts in the snow,,etc. Thanks for showing everybody here just what i am talking about.

 

[lenny]

I hope the business owners care that their customers have driven a great distance to choose to spend their money at their business, often in brutal weather conditions towing large trailers. It isn't always fun and games. Lenny's original post doesn't show the utmost respect for potential customers, but he, of course gets a pass because he is one of the gang. That would be really something if you called in a reservation and asked about special arrangements because of a long drive and the owner said "nobody cares how long or far you drive." Brilliant.

OMG some of you guys have no clue. Do you really think that lodging business have no provisions for early check-in. You assume since I would have a general policy for early check-in that any and every renter would be charged for any situation. My single best renter is DWZ from this site and he is always early and I mean always early and I am just fine with that. We have a plan that works and both are happy and i don't charge him a single cent extra and never will. It's the people that show up at 9 am and never called and expect to jump right in,,trust me,,they exist, I've had them on numerous occasions. Most people are reasonable and will call and if so I do what i can, always will and always have. So the general rule that early check-in will cost extra remains and that has to be established before the fact which I have not done to this point but from here out it is policy. If a group has a reasonable reason for coming early than fine but don't just show up and expect something for nothing.

Yea, i didn't state this in my original post but for someone to imply thatit was a blanket statement and not to rent from me is way presumptuous.

 

[Skylar]

Lenny, run it the way that works best for you. Too many people now a days think everything is about them. To many me, me, me people.

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Also Lenny, another way to have people pay is through PayPal.

 

[lenny]

There are guys that I would like to weed out and will. Some guys eat fried chicken on the couch, leave a heap of greasy crumbs on the couch and floor, trample it under foot and spread it around the place. Some cannot even throw their garbage in a garbage can and I don't mean a little thing here and there but I mean cannot throw garbage away at all, these type of people i do not want and am proud to post it here for the world to see. I could care less if people think I am going over the top and shooting myself in the foot fort typing the content I type but I have and always stand for principle and that is a basic principle of respect. I earnestly show the utmost respect for every single customer I have ever had but often do not get it in return and that is the type of person I don't want to rent to so yea,,,I am glad to shot myself in the foot because my lodging accommodations will speak for themselves and you don't need to like me outside of business or here on this site. As far as new potential renters, so be it if they feel this is worthwhile not renting from me. One guys on this site not long ago was ticked at me because of some remarks on the pot thread and mentioned I could loose business because of my position on social matters but yet I have no shortage of business and don't expect I ever will.

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Lenny, run it the way that works best for you. Too many people now a days think everything is about them. To many me, me, me people.

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Also Lenny, another way to have people pay is through PayPal.

thanks bud and I have been doing PayPal since I opened

 

[switch07]

Nobody cares how long or far you drive. That attitude gives all of us a black eye. Lenny, Linda the Krupps and the rest deserve better than that. They really do a great job dealing with your type. Show some respect.

X10.......sheeees

 

[blkhwkbob]

OMG some of you guys have no clue. Do you really think that lodging business have no provisions for early check-in. You assume since I would have a general policy for early check-in that any and every renter would be charged for any situation. My single best renter is DWZ from this site and he is always early and I mean always early and I am just fine with that. We have a plan that works and both are happy and i don't charge him a single cent extra and never will. It's the people that show up at 9 am and never called and expect to jump right in,,trust me,,they exist, I've had them on numerous occasions. Most people are reasonable and will call and if so I do what i can, always will and always have. So the general rule that early check-in will cost extra remains and that has to be established before the fact which I have not done to this point but from here out it is policy. If a group has a reasonable reason for coming early than fine but don't just show up and expect something for nothing.

Yea, i didn't state this in my original post but for someone to imply thatit was a blanket statement and not to rent from me is way presumptuous.

Lenny, my response was more aimed at Polarisrider1 than you. Honestly, you as a business owner, which I respect greatly, have the right to run your business however you'd like. I highly doubt that you would ever tell somebody that you don't care how long and far they drive, and I'm sure you would always make reasonable arrangements for any special request, if asked in a timely manner. This line in your original post is what I have issue with :"I just don't care anymore about meeting every whim of a renter outside of the basic lodging needs." I understand the frustration, but when people stop caring, we all lose. It's really unfortunate that the bad apples spoil things for everyone. I always say, if it weren't for people that always push the rules, we wouldn't have so many of them.

 

[polarismike]

So you will charge someone extra for early check in? I drive 9-10 hours to come up there at least twice a year. So if bad weather is coming and I want to leave home early and get there early and safely, you are gonna charge me? WOW! I'll make sure to take my business elsewhere. We like to spread our money around at places up there and stay at different places each time. I'll make sure your place is not gonna get my business.

Mike and Linda are very dedicated to the sport and you couldn't find nicer peeps to stay with. You should gather more info before you go posting this kind of rubbish. All it takes is a phone call to keep the lines of communication open. And as she said "every situation is different" They have always been fair to myself and our group when we have stayed there. Too bad you are so easy to judge based on one post.