I had to post this when I saw it because it is such a typical example of what we do here at BBCOM> We tell innkeepers all the time that we try to get more folks to "experience" a B&B because we are confident that once they try a B&B they will be hooked for life.
Here is copy of a chat transcript from today that is a great example of what we say all the time... I do not mind sharing as there is no personal information included that would allow anyone to know who this is on the chat with one of our Membership Consultants:
Stacey:
I just purchased a gift certificate online for my parents and then my sister just informed me that they wouldn't stay at a bed and breakfast, that they will only stay at hotels. Is there any way I can get refunded?
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Welcome Stacey! Your request has been directed to Gift Cards. One of our team members will be with you shortly.
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Call accepted by Michael. Currently in room: Stacey, Michael.
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Stacey:
or do you support hotels as well, and it could be transferred to a hotel gift certificate?
Michael:
hello Stacey
Stacey:
hi Michael
Michael:
can I ask you to wait just one second
Stacey:
sure
Michael:
Unfortunately they are not refundable & they cannot be used at a hotel. They can be regifted
Michael:
In the sense that we can change the info on them for
Michael:
you and you could give the the certificate to someone who would use it
Michael:
my real advice is to give it to your parents as intended and help them find a really nice property
Michael:
we have properties on our site that are way nicer than any hotel
Stacey:
I can try that for sure, it's just that my sister said that my Mom said specifically, I don't want to stay at a Bed and Breakfast. No offense intended of course! Is there many locations in New Brunswick? They stay in Moncton to shop quite a bit.
Michael:
one moment please
Michael:
to be honest, it does not seem like it
Michael:
but this could be the opportunity to go somewhere were they have never been
Stacey:
they also go to Maine once or twice a year to shop
Michael:
do you know a city in particular they like?
Stacey:
probably Portland or Bangor. I'm not sure, but I guess the ones with the biggest shopping opportunities. That's all my Mom does...lol
Stacey:
We are from Nova Scotia by the way
Michael:
We are in Texas
Michael:
There are plenty in Portland for example
Michael:
Once they stayed at a really nice B&B and they have a good time, I bet they will never go back to a Hotel again!
Michael:
There are many misconceptions about B&Bs
Michael:
and they really are too large and diversified reality to be able to be put all in one bundle
Michael:
it's their uniqueness that makes them special
Stacey:
I'm sure it would be fine, and I'm sure my Mom must have stayed in one before. She's just a very private person so I don't think she likes the idea of community bathrooms and eating with everyone at a table for breakfast.
Michael:
most B&B have private bathrooms for each room and they can serve breakfast in your room
Michael:
some even have self catered cottages or suites
Stacey:
I'll have to tell her all of this, or get her on to chat with you....you make some good arguments!
Michael:
just telling it how it is!
Stacey:
Well, thanks for the chat! I'll see what I can do to talk her in to trying it!
Michael:
Thank you for using BedandBreakfast.com. Have a great day!
Stacey:
you too
Michael:
and very Merry Christmas!
Michael:
thanks
Stacey:
same to you! bye!
Nobody said it would be easy! ;^) But let's keep showing folks the light!
Happy Holidays!
Eric