When was the last time you took your booking system for a test drive and compared it to what’s out there? My guess is that you haven’t for some time. Comparing systems is reserved for the early days and then we move on to the next thing. The problem with not questioning the fit of one of your key operating systems is that you run the risk of not seeing what’s out there and where the market is moving to.

We know there are a number of online booking systems, all with different features, but how do you really stay out of the weeds and pick the right one?  Relying on a checklist of features is like looking at a car, seeing that it fits your needs without taking it for a proper test drive. It looks good on paper but it’s not until when you actually take it for a test drive do you really notice that the tyres are bald, the steering is out or even worse, there’s a major engine leak.

This week, we are answering the question:  How long ago did you compare booking systems?

It’s important to remember that just because a product checks all the boxes on paper, it doesn’t mean that it still works well in practice. To avoid any business mistakes, make sure you take it for a test drive and check if those features are actually still the ones you want and use.
 

Integrations

Let’s face it, while your booking system may boost of endless integrations in the market there are only some that you actually use. For instance, we know that the Chinese tourist market has exploded and with the 2019 China-New Zealand Year of Tourism just around the corner, having the ability to accept Chinese payment methods like WeChat and AliPay is and will, even more, be business critical.  
 

Customisation

Do you sometimes feel like a square peg in a round hole?  Being forced to run with a system that almost, but not quite, meets your needs, can be restricting. Think of the improvement to your bottom line if you could increase your yield or truly manage your complex resources.  Why be restricted to an out of the box solution if your business no longer fits within that box.

Streamlining

Streamlining your booking processes is not a simple task, and then aligning it with your business operational constraints creates another level of complexity. Do you have a simple progression from ticket sale to a balance sheet?
 

Local Knowledge

As a Kiwi operator, ask yourself whether you are getting the right local knowledge and support to make the most of the sales in the NZ market? Are you being supported by someone on the ground with local knowledge?

RTBS is 100% NZ owned and operated. We have been on the ground for over 20 years and understand the New Zealand tourism market better than any other! If you’re interested in taking RTBS for a Test Drive, please let us know here