As we all have heard the complaints about payment holds on people’s personal debit card. I don’t know about you but in this economy I don’t want my free flowing cash on hold…not for one day….not for 10 days!
The hotel will swipe the guest’s card at check in and the amount of the hold will automatically come up (based on how many nights they are staying) or based on what the front desk agent puts in. Just like if we put a hold on their card for incidentals.
I have learned to ask even as I take individual reservations, which all of us Sales People do on occasion, to ask if the card that they are using is a “debit card”. I will give them advance notice that we will be putting a hold on debit card that they may not get back for up to 10 days. This way it avoids complaints. I have actually had guests tell me that we owe them for their “bounced” check because of a hold that we had on their card.
A lot of people don’t realize that we are “holding” their payment on their debit or credit card. If you let the guest know in advance at check-in, debit or credit, the guest will appreciate it.
The credit card - depending on their credit limit, will also get a hold on their card. But not like a debit, the hold will not put a hold on their actual checking account.
Communication is key to a happy guest especially when it comes to their money, to let them know what we are doing.
Good Luck!
Pure Energy
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