Manawa's time-saving tips for the high season
In this article, aimed at outdoor and adventure professionals, we present some quick and easy ideas for saving time during the high season.
You're probably already using some of the tips below, but you may also find some new ideas to help you save even more time in the high season. If you have any other techniques, don't hesitate to share them with us.
8 tips to save time in high season
Number 1: Update your voicemail 📞
Set up a simple, clear voicemail system. For example, you can ask the customer to give you the reason for their call, their contact details, encourage them to write to you or book directly on your website or on Manawa.com 😉
Number 2: Create autoresponder emails 📧
Create an automatic thank-you e-mail in which you tell the customer that you will reply within X hours. Take advantage of this automatic e-mail to obtain more information about the customer by asking key questions (what are your dates, how many people would like to take part in the activity, etc.). You can also invite them to book online directly on your website.
Number 3: Create an internal FAQ ☝️
Define your customers' recurring questions and prepare standard answers for your different communication channels (e-mail, SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) in all the languages you need. This will allow you to copy and paste the answers and save time instead of having to rewrite them each time.
Number 4: Train and inform everyone around you
The idea is that all your teams, from receptionists and monitors to resellers and other partners, should be able to respond quickly and easily to customers without having to bother you. To do this, I suggest you prepare a simple, easy-to-read document that you can share with everyone who talks to your customers and that summarises the key points of your offer.
Ideally, you should have all the information directly on the website, with clear, comprehensive product sheets and an exhaustive FAQ section. On the other hand, a simple email (or even a paper document displayed at the base) containing all the important information will already save you a lot of time 😉
Number 5: Group your customers on existing outlets
To save time (and money), don't hesitate to highlight your already guaranteed departures to complete your outings. For partners with an online booking system, remember to include a visible notice announcing that the departure is guaranteed. In addition, find out about the yield management options offered by your booking software. If you don't use a booking software, prepare a weekly message with your guaranteed departures and offer them as a priority to customers. To motivate them, you can mention the superb weather, and/or offer them a promotion of a few euros or free photos... these are details that can make all the difference!
Number 6: Get 5-star reviews ⭐
Feedback is, and will continue to be, increasingly important for your business. To save time and get as much customer feedback as possible, the most effective way is to insist that your teams remember to ask for a 5-star review at the end of each activity. I also suggest that you create a standard email and/or text message that you can easily send once a day/week/month to all the customers who have done the activity with you.
If you send photos or videos to customers after the activity, it's very easy to take advantage of this moment of exchange to ask them to leave you a 5-star review by adding the associated link ;)
Number 7: Offer online booking 🎟️
I'm repeating myself, so I won't dwell on this point, but I would urge you to find out more about online booking, which is the element that could save you the most time. At Manawa, we are currently connected via API to the following reservation management software: Bokun, Resamare, Yoplanning, Fareharbor, BookingKit, Trekksoft, Rezdy, Activitar, Turitop and Regiondo.
Number 8: Take some time for yourself 😉
It's pretty obvious, but it's essential to take care of your health and well-being, especially during busy periods.
Give yourself breaks and time for yourself, delegate, trust your teams and try as far as possible to maintain a balance between your work and your personal life.
If you are already a partner and would like more information, please write directly to your regional manager. If you are not yet a partner and would like to find out more about Manawa, you can also request a contact: Become a partner.