WHNetwork Blog

We had lots of good feedback regarding last week's article, The Dilemma: Attracting New Customers vs Retaining - and Rewarding - Current Customers, however I thought I'd pick out one in particular to share with you. (The rest are listed below the previous blog) I think Monica & Rock truly got the essence of the dilemma and had a very well thought out plan of action. See what you think:

"This is something I have struggled with this year, starting last year! My 'frequent sleepers' were getting the same deal a 'walk-in' could get, if asked politely and at the right time!

So, I sat down and thought about my repeat guests and how I could serve them while also getting the new guest on board as well.

Because a guest cannot book my inn on any discount booking sites, I control who gets what rates. This year my 'frequent sleepers' are getting discounts that are 50% better than 'off the street' traffic can command. They are also now able to earn free nights. Because many of my repeat guests have been coming here the entire time I have owned the inn, most of them will receive their free night this year. Nothing like instant rewards!

We will be doing a joint program this spring wherein my repeat guests will be invited to bring a friend with the second room being free. Essentially, a BOGO, with the repeat guest getting their room for 50% off and also introducing a new guest to the inn. For the repeat guest, the nights they stay at the reduced rate will count toward their eventual free night. And the new guest will start on the path toward discounted stays and a free night.

We hope that is a winner all around!"

Thank you,

Monica & Rock
Innkeepers
White Cedar Inn
178 Main Street
Freeport, ME 04032
www.whitecedarinn.com

Celebrating 21 years of providing cozy accommodations, scrumptious breakfasts and thought-provoking conversation for our guests since 1987.

Freeport's first B&B to be awarded the Green Certificate in Lodging by the State of Maine