New feature: Seasonal discounts

We have recently added a new "seasonal discounts" feature to SuperControl online booking system. This allows clients to specify periods of the year when they allow either a percentage or a fixed value discount.

Traditionally, self-catering prices vary from season to season. However, there are a growing number of operators who have started to adopt a pricing model commonly used in the hotel industry. They have a standard "rack" rate which is then discounted in the off season. This allows the operator to show heavily discounted rates which in fact are the same seasonal rates that they were charging previously. The aim is to make the customer perceive the prices to be good value all year round rather than the high season prices appearing to be 'high'.

The seasonal discount can be found under the new "discounts" tab under "edit properties".

There are a number of other discount models built into SuperControl online booking system. All of these are calculated automatically and highlighted to the customer.

Late availability discounts

This is the most popular discount model amongst our clients. It allows the operator to apply discounts to unlet dates as the arrival date gets nearer. For example, unlet dates within 30 days could have a 10% discount, rising to 20% within 14 days.

Late availability discounts are excellent at attracting off season customers and SuperControl booking statistics in 2008 clearly show this. There were twice as many bookings with late availability discounts in the autumn compared with the peak summer months.

Low occupancy discount

This allows clients to incentivise small parties to book a larger property. It is used very successfully by many clients.

Multiple week discounts

To encourage longer stays it is possible to offer a discount for bookings longer than one week. SuperControl allows a percentage discount for full weeks after the first week.

Vouchers

The inbuilt voucher system is excellent for offering incentives to individual customers, or to track the success of promotional campaigns. Each voucher has a unique code which the customer can enter during the online booking process to redeem their discount.

Tell your customers...

SuperControl provides an extensive range of discount options, automatically calculates the appropriate discounted price and prominently displays this on the booking calendars and availability searches. However, it is essential that you also highlight the discounts you offer in your website information pages. Details of discounts and incentives should be shown throughout your website and included in any other marketing materials.