The hospitality industry -Your receiving area as a profit center - some helpful tips -Part 1
Many properties have a small handling charge for receiving and delivering packages for guests. Managing these charges can be challenging, time consuming and possibly a point of contention with the guest. The income potential is significant and should not be discounted because of these concerns. Best methods would include acquiring a software solution for tracking packages that minimizes these issues and understanding the best ways to reduce the time spent on tracking guest packages based on your property's package tracking and package delivering procedures.
A package tracking software program will pay for itself if it will:
billing detail for the guest by package with time, date, received by, etc.
Other solution suggestions include ensuring that the software is simple and easy to use as well as simple and flexible to adapt to your property and changing procedures. Plenty of meaningful reports is also a recommendation. be sure to try out the system live to better understand its capabilities, features and ease of use.
State of the art systems now utilize robust handheld devices that will capture signatures as well as photos (of damaged or mystery packages). They are easy to use, very reliable and will hold up after being dropped or with other minor abuse. Maintenance should include software and hardware coverage. The ability to receive or deliver or receive and deliver without returning to the dock or receiving area will save a lot of time and better serve everyone. Newer technology will also be completely web based, (cloud based is the best) eliminating the need for any software to be loaded on the properties network while requiring zero IT department involvement for the installation or after the sale support. A faster, smoother installation will result and the support will be of the instant chat variety vs. waiting for an day or more for a local repairman.
Since, the income and savings form the system will accrue monthly; a monthly lease will better serve cash flow than an outright purchase and eliminate annual maintenance increases. Will your property also produce income and increase guest service with an outbound shipping system for shipping packages out for your guests? Now is a good time to explore this income source utilized by many well managed hotels and resorts. Part two discusses how to take advantage of this frequently overlooked potential.
Find out more about how package tracking for inbound items can work for you at www.SQBXcloud.com.