3rd Newsletter
Statements
Group Option Statements
You may already know about the Group Option Statements, however we have introduced a small improvement, to make this function even more useful. Firstly, lets summarise what a group option statement is;
To view or print a normal statement, you can select the client and use Print Options to deliver a statement of account with the chosen clients account code. However to group together a selection of accounts you can use the 'Reference' field as the common factor. So to call the Group Statement Option, select a client booking as usual but before choosing Print Options & statement, firstly click the mouse onto the Reference field. Then, on selecting the Statement Option, CaterBook will ask if you require a Group Statement and then give a statement of account - not on the account code but on the Reference methods chosen.
The new addition is this: If you have a reference of 'Esso' for example, you can now create a new account on the client list with ah Account code, 'Esso' with the accounts office address. CaterBook will then include the accounts address on the actual statement whenever you select Group Option Statements in the future. Call us on 0870 160 0611 if you would like more information.
Very Important Check
Are you using our internet backup service?
Most clients of CaterBook use the inclusive service which makes a total backup of your valuable business data. But some don't! If your computer completely self destructs today, and it can, have you got a copy of your business data safely stored? If you haven't, the consequences are serious and costly.
But the solution is so simple, there is no excuse for not using it. On the main screen of CaterBook hit F10, then choose 'Show Establishment', then enter a time into the 'AutoSend' box at the bottom of the screen. For example, 19:51 will backup at 9 minutes to 8 in the evening, provided CaterBook is running at that time. You can also do a backup now, manually. On the main screen click 'SYSTEM', 'INTERNET', then 'BACKUP TO WEB'.
New! Waiting List Function
CaterBook continues to innovate with a new waiting list function. Cancellations are always painful, even when you can recoup some of the cost, so from now on, make sure you use the waiting list option. If you get an enquiry, press keyboard SHIFT+ QUOTE/BOOKING and you will be able to quote (only, book will not be available) any of your rooms, regardless of the current availability. This will place the booking into the waiting list along with all your other quotations.
Now here's the good bit; if you find you have to cancel a booking, CaterBook will have a quiet look to see if there are any quotes which could fill the empty room. If there are, CaterBook will prompt you to have a look at your quotations and maybe your earlier enquiry can be converted into a booking. So make full use of this exciting new function and improve your margins still further. Many thanks to David Todd of the Frenchgate Hotel in Richmond, Yorkshire (gorgeous restaurant by the way) for asking about this.
Have you seen the Hotel Inspector ?
Managing a hospitality business is very hard work, requiring a range of skills few other jobs need. So there must be times when you feel you can't see the wood for the trees... You have to service your boiler, your car, and all manner of things need grading. One thing that rarely gets any servicing is the business itself. A good accountant may offer advice but how about an all round business check-up from experts who know all about running a business like yours, who can examine your whole approach and give an honest- (maybe even painful) business appraisal and can then give sound practical advice and steps to improve the business and increase profitability. You have already shown that you are serious about your business by using CaterBook, but we can't offer you that all-important human emotional feedback which is so important. There is a company that offer this critically key service- called 'Be Our Guest'. Grinne Moss has a great deal of expertise with running small hotels, guesthouses and hospitality based business. Think "Hotel Inspector", but without TV cameras and less swearing.
Visit: http://www.beourguestuk.co.uk/
Would you recommend CaterBook?
If not, please let us know why not, but if you think it is, how about recommending us to another hotelier? A great deal of our new clients come to us through recommendation and of course we like to have new clients.
So if you know of someone who could benefit from CaterBook, how about letting them know...
To ensure all the facilities are available to you, please make sure you have updated to the latest version with SYSTEM - INTERNET - UPDATE CATERBOOK
Thank you for using CaterBook.
Contact us on 0870 160 0611 if you have any questions.
