Computerised diary systems

[THE RUTLES]

Hi

We are looking at converting to an on-line / computerised booking system at our B&B, and would really appreciate any info or advice regarding the merits of the different systems available - e.g. Guestlink, Guestnet, Frontdesk etc.

We are looking for a computerised diary/booking system, which must also have good facilities to record guests details/foibles and generate confirmation e mails/letters and follow up promotional e mails

It would be great to hear of other people's expereince / views.

[Ebor1]

I have used GuestLink now for some 10 years or so - for my sins I beta-tested the original system. Would not be without it - I do not use the invoice/email/confirmation systems involved, since I prefer to use my own formats, but as far as diary/bookings and getting my availability on the web via regional TB's and VisitBritain nothing beats it!

Plenty of space for foibles and detailing those I bar from future bookings!

[peddars way]

Hi

We use frontdesk online booking system, we had it installed in June 2008, the system was free, we pay a commission to Aviivo 6% of all online bookings, we gave the matter alot of thought before going with this system, but thought if we do not get online bookings we will not be paying any commission we had nothing to lose.

The system is excellent, we print all our invoices, terms and conditions, etc etc, once you have training in this system it is very straight forward.

However we have now found out that people are not using the book online facility they telephone to make a booking from our website, we have had very few bookings online probably around 10 in six months which is poor, giving the fact that eviivo market our property with over 20 different booking agents, who also charge commission of between 6% and 11%
Last min dot com are the highest at 11% with the two commissions you are paying 17%.

The system really works for us, but I guess you can just buy the system which I believe is around £399 which I think is worth every penny. Frontdesk will do all the things that you mentioned and more. Hope the info has been a help

[Dick&Dom]

hi all

We have a 6 bedroom Guest House link=http://www.bandbcirencester.co.uk and we use easybookings. link=http://www.easy-bookings.co.uk, its very easy to use and costs very little only £12.50 a month.

the main benefit is collecting bookings from abroad when you are sleeping.

[VinesNorfolk]

We use B&B Manager from AngelfishSoftware - a great product at reasonable cost also includng the ability to take deposits via Paypal, and manage the database from any Internet Connected PC - plus auto confirmation and availability checker. Well worth a look

Hi

We are looking at converting to an on-line / computerised booking system at our B&B, and would really appreciate any info or advice regarding the merits of the different systems available - e.g. Guestlink, Guestnet, Frontdesk etc.

We are looking for a computerised diary/booking system, which must also have good facilities to record guests details/foibles and generate confirmation e mails/letters and follow up promotional e mails

It would be great to hear of other people's expereince / views.