Why FareHarbor Clients Should absorb their Booking Fees (now that it's an option!).

In the realm of booking and reservation management, the question of who covers the booking system fee often arises. While many businesses are trying to keep costs down, plus for some reason some believe they shouldn't have to pay for a booking system (which is a poor way of thinking - should you give your seats/tours for free?) and if you decide to absorb the fee, this is NOT a cost of sale. It's a cost of doing business. A booking system is a key piece of infrastructure that your company invests in to manage and facilitate bookings. Unsure of what that means? Watch the clip below.

 So now you know that they Restech or Booking System is designed to "hold the reservation" it's not actively selling your product for you. Every connection you have - online check out, OTA connections via the channel manager - are faciliaiting the booking. Your website is doing the sale, the OTA is doing the sale, the agent who books via the agent portal is doing the sale. Not the booking system. 

Hence - it's a cost of doing business.

When viewed as a core business expenditure, IT infrastructure encompasses various components such as hardware (servers, computers, networking equipment), software (management systems, booking platforms), cybersecurity measures, cloud services, and ongoing maintenance and upgrades. These investments are vital for optimising business processes, improving customer experiences, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Now that we understand the importance of viewing booking system fees as a fundamental cost of doing business, let's delve deeper into why this perspective is crucial for businesses utilising Fareharbor and similar platforms.

Your booking system is more than just a tool—it's the backbone of your reservation management process. It ensures that your business operates smoothly and efficiently, handling the complexities of bookings, availability, and customer interactions. The software and infrastructure that power your booking system require investment, much like any other critical component of your business operations.

Consider this: your booking system is not actively closing sales on your behalf. It's not the platform where customers discover your offerings or where transactions take place. Instead, it serves as the essential engine that manages these transactions once the decision to purchase has been made. Your website, OTA connections, and agent portals are the frontiers where the actual sales occur. They attract customers, showcase your services, and ultimately persuade them to make a booking.

When you integrate this perspective into your financial strategy, you recognise that the fee associated with your booking system is not merely a cost—it's an investment in the infrastructure that enables your business to function effectively. This broader understanding places booking system fees alongside other critical IT expenditures, such as hardware, software, cybersecurity, and maintenance.

By embracing this mindset, you position your business to thrive in a competitive landscape. A robust booking system isn't just a convenience; it's a strategic asset that enhances customer experiences, streamlines operations, and supports growth initiatives. Investing in your booking infrastructure is akin to investing in the efficiency and reliability of your business.