The Booking Process - Example
Here’s an example of a generic process that contains the typical steps in a booking process for a holiday cottage.
A good process is one that deals with the detail so as to avoid any embarrassing errors such as double booking, hence the detail in the following booking process example.
Enquiry
You receive an enquiry about availability by email or phone.
You make a note of details including:
- name
- dates of holiday
- agreed price
- email address
- phone numbers.
You let the guest know if the cottage is available, by email or phone, confirming:
- dates of holiday
- booking process
- payments and payment deadline.
At this point, you may wish to update your website to show that the dates are booked, or wait until you receive the deposit and booking form.
Deposit and booking
You receive the booking form/email and deposit payment.
You confirm the booking by email, confirming:
- dates of holiday
- amount received
- amount outstanding
- date balance is due
- what happens next.
You update your website to show that the dates are now booked.
Balance of payment
Some time later, you receive balance of payment.
You confirm receipt by email, confirming:
- dates of holiday
- amount received
- what happens next.
Just before the holiday
Just before the holiday, you send an email with directions to your holiday property, any last minute information such as arrival times or where to collect the keys.
Just after the holiday
After the holiday, you return any housekeeping deposit.
