At ROOMDEX, we’ve been talking a lot about the revenue lift from automated room upgrade sales. But we don’t want you to leave any money on the table, so today we look at 3 guest services that can be offered and booked through automation and which will help support your revenue recovery efforts.
Everyday guest services that can boost revenue
Pandemic or not, upselling is something that most hotels can resort to as a legitimate means to enhance revenue. Upselling gives a hotel the opportunity to suggest additional services that will not only enhance the guest’s stay but increasing hotel profitability. The rooms are ready and available, there is no need for additional arrangements, and they also have the highest margin. While this is true, a hotel is more than just rooms. There are other guest services and amenities that can be offered and booked without the hotelier lifting a finger. Here are three such examples:
Breakfast
Why breakfast? A policy around upselling breakfast is worthwhile to every hotelier. Not only is it an additional source of revenue, but it has positive impact on cost management with economies of scale based on the more you sell. It also allows for better operational and food and beverage (F&B) management. Pre-selling breakfast helps accurately how many people will show up, and therefore not only aids with staff planning, but also the purchase of food etc. With a consistent upselling program in place, hotels can determine KPIs with regard to expected numbers attending breakfast, in addition to other sources, such as walk-ins.
Of course, for all this to happen and to be successful, hoteliers need guests to actually book and purchase breakfast in advance. It is well known, that once on property many guests never take breakfast in the hotel. But, if it is offered to them pre-arrival, research shows that 61% of guests would book breakfast before they check in. Another report by Revinate reveals that a massive 98% of upsell revenue is made through pre-arrival emails. Therefore, a pre-arrival email is the time to upsell breakfast.
Proactively upselling breakfast can not only make a big impression on the bottom line, but it optimizes your resources. Earlier booking means better planning of staff and purchases. More pre-arrival breakfast bookings mean your staff is free to focus on servicing the remaining guests and walk-in customers. A win-win all round.