Let's Make a Deal

[figgyx]

The other night a woman walked into the hotel lobby and asked how much a room would be for three. I quoted her 99.99 which was a discount because I would have had to add ten bucks to the rate for the third person.

When she turns to walk out I tell her that I would rather sell the room then see her walk out and change the rate to 89.99 (keep in mind this is now thirty dollars off the rate)

She tells me she was hoping for 70 bucks. I gave it a whole second before I told her no way.

I don't know why people think that they can just quote me a random rate and think I will bend over backwards to check them in. This does not work at the grocery store...hmmmm so this can of soup is a dollar but I will give you 50 cents.

[sms001]

There's certainly a break even point where turning the room over is not worth what you'll get for it, but the general public doesn't know what that amount is. Hope the lady wasn't unpleasant with you, figgy.

[Silent-Hunter]

There's certainly a break even point where turning the room over is not worth what you'll get for it, but the general public doesn't know what that amount is. Hope the lady wasn't unpleasant with you, figgy.

Perhaps that rate should be published? Maybe a sign? Oh wait, SCs don't read them.

[sms001]

Perhaps that rate should be published? Maybe a sign? Oh wait, SCs don't read them.

Good heavens no! That's the exception to the rule. (Like "FREE with $20.00 purchase.") They'd see that and refuse to ever pay anything higher, even if three million people were in town for the Super World Cup Cage Match of the Century and you could charge premium rate for a cot in the lobby.

[amylouky]

I dunno.. I think you started the "haggling" by offering the 89.99 rate. Once you let her know that the price had some wiggle room, I can't say I blame her for trying to see just how much wiggle room it had. Unless of course she was rude or nasty about it.. can't tell from your post.

[Silent-Hunter]

Good heavens no! That's the exception to the rule. (Like "FREE with $20.00 purchase.") They'd see that and refuse to ever pay anything higher, even if three million people were in town for the Super World Cup Cage Match of the Century and you could charge premium rate for a cot in the lobby.

Good point!

[wolfie]

THEY would refuse to pay any more, but that's OK - with such an event in town, enough people would be willing to pay the rack rate that you'd still sell out. Hope cheapskate enjoys sleeping in their car.

When the SC countered with $70 (already $20 cheaper than your reduced offer - which itself was $20 less than list, counting the 3rd person surcharge which you waived), that was the time to start Jester-style haggling.

[Tash]

This makes me very happy that my hotel is very very strict with our rates. Literally, The most I can offer is AAA and that's only if they have a card. Of course, we're sold out 6 nights a week, so thankfully we don't need to be overly flexible.

[emax4]

Tell her youll give her the rate if she tells you where she pays for 40% off of gas for her car...

[Mr Hero]

Perhaps that rate should be published? Maybe a sign? Oh wait, SCs don't read them.

The Motel 6 behind us has signs right next to the road advertising their much lower rate. Because my hotel is closer to that sign, we often get mistaken for the Motel 6. SC's read those signs, but not the one on the front of the hotel or the one behind the front desk.

THEY would refuse to pay any more, but that's OK - with such an event in town, enough people would be willing to pay the rack rate that you'd still sell out. Hope cheapskate enjoys sleeping in their car.

This exact thing happened to me. It was the first post I made on this site. We had a major presidential convention in town during the 2008 election. We were able to sell out constantly for more than rack rate. One night I had just one room left and the SC wanted a room. I quoted the rate. It was too high for SC so she left. Not long after, a good customer wants a room. I quote him the same rate and he takes it. SC comes back exasperated and says she'll take the room. I tell her I already sold my last room.