Here's a fun suggestion that may help gain repeat guests.
Provide a recipe book in the kitchen of your vacation home. Add to it, on the first page, one of your prized recipes and explain that, it is your intention to spread the knowledge. Ask each guest to leave their own prize winning recipe in the book and to attempt to cook the recipes of others, adding comments like; "Wow! This apple tart recipe is a winner! Thank you, Carol!"...
I think it is a fun way to build a sense of community among your guests. They will be anticipating their next stay when they can get to read through all the fun, exciting (possibly even exotic) new recipes they can try out while away from home.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Friday, June 4, 2010
The History of eReservation Solutions
eReservation Solutions was born out of eCom Merchant Solutions, Inc. The brain child of Kristie Kliese. Kristie has worked hard in her 13+ years in the credit card processing industry to create a successful company that is not only unique for being one of the only woman owned and operated merchant service providers, but also unique for the dedication and consideration shown to clients big and small. In an industry that was quickly developing a black cloud over it for its unsavory practices, Kristie made the decision to stand out as a shining light offering integrity and an advocate for her clients.
This customer centric concept propelled eCom Merchant Solutions, Inc. into the successful, stand-out company it is today. As a result, Kristie was fortunate enough to purchase a vacation home in Sun River, Oregon. Being the successful entrepreneur she is, she immediately realized her new home's potential to pay for itself and began renting it out during times when she was not utilizing the home.
Kristie, applying that same business philosophy of making her service stand out among the rest, set out researching ways to make her vacation home a hot commodity. She joined several forums to seek the advice of seasoned home owners. Through her communication she found that, not only was she getting valuable advice, but many home owners were in need of her advice regarding merchant services.
Home owners needed someone who could work with them one-on-one to help explain how and why credit card processing works the way it does and to find the right solution to fit them. Not a one-size-fits-all solution that so many home owners had to deal with when deciding which mold did they fit into?; Pay Pal designed for eBay users or merchant accounts designed for standard businesses operating year round. She found that she could offer insight no one else could because not only was she a credit card processing industry insider, but she was also well versed in the world of vacation home rentals.
After becoming an expert in both arenas and she was excited to take this expertise to her staff at eCom Merchant Solutions. eReservation Solutions was born! The staff is devoted to making the life of the vacation home owner easy by providing solutions that no one else can think of. Offering cost savings that are tailored to the individual home owner. And continuing the reputation for excellence built by it's sister corporation, eCom Merchant Solutions.
This customer centric concept propelled eCom Merchant Solutions, Inc. into the successful, stand-out company it is today. As a result, Kristie was fortunate enough to purchase a vacation home in Sun River, Oregon. Being the successful entrepreneur she is, she immediately realized her new home's potential to pay for itself and began renting it out during times when she was not utilizing the home.
Kristie, applying that same business philosophy of making her service stand out among the rest, set out researching ways to make her vacation home a hot commodity. She joined several forums to seek the advice of seasoned home owners. Through her communication she found that, not only was she getting valuable advice, but many home owners were in need of her advice regarding merchant services.
Home owners needed someone who could work with them one-on-one to help explain how and why credit card processing works the way it does and to find the right solution to fit them. Not a one-size-fits-all solution that so many home owners had to deal with when deciding which mold did they fit into?; Pay Pal designed for eBay users or merchant accounts designed for standard businesses operating year round. She found that she could offer insight no one else could because not only was she a credit card processing industry insider, but she was also well versed in the world of vacation home rentals.
After becoming an expert in both arenas and she was excited to take this expertise to her staff at eCom Merchant Solutions. eReservation Solutions was born! The staff is devoted to making the life of the vacation home owner easy by providing solutions that no one else can think of. Offering cost savings that are tailored to the individual home owner. And continuing the reputation for excellence built by it's sister corporation, eCom Merchant Solutions.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Visit Us on Facebook and Tweet Us!
Hey Everyone!
eReservation Solutions is getting in on the action! We want to provide even more helpful tips and reach out to even more VR home owners! Visit us on our Facebook page
Reaching out and staying connected is the best way to find your road to success and we want to be a part of helping make that happen! There is no friendlier community than the VR community. Every VR home owner is just as willing to help the next when it comes to providing the helpful tips and know how it takes to make it in this industry.
We hope all the different platforms for communication will help generate even more of a community feeling as well as generate excitement and buzz about the VR industry itself. The more people who know they could rent an entire house for little more than the cost of a mere bed and bathroom at a hotel, the more we all succeed!
So get out there and let's get to tweeting and friending! I look forward to seeing you there!
eReservation Solutions is getting in on the action! We want to provide even more helpful tips and reach out to even more VR home owners! Visit us on our Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=294869341883#!/pages/eReservation-SOLUTIONS/294869341883
We also want you to follow us on Twitter. You can view our tweets or tweet us. Or as April likes to say; "you can twit us"! (Ha ha! April. Now the whole world knows you mistake the word tweet for twit! It's just too cute! I had to!)http://twitter.com/eResSOLUTIONS
Reaching out and staying connected is the best way to find your road to success and we want to be a part of helping make that happen! There is no friendlier community than the VR community. Every VR home owner is just as willing to help the next when it comes to providing the helpful tips and know how it takes to make it in this industry.
We hope all the different platforms for communication will help generate even more of a community feeling as well as generate excitement and buzz about the VR industry itself. The more people who know they could rent an entire house for little more than the cost of a mere bed and bathroom at a hotel, the more we all succeed!
So get out there and let's get to tweeting and friending! I look forward to seeing you there!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Adding That Personal Touch
Among the sea of options for vacationers, it is important to attract new guests. It is equally as important to gain repeat guests or guests who will refer you to a friend or family member. It is no big marketing secret that the best way to grow a business is to nurture the business you currently have.
That is why taking a little extra time outside of your marketing to add a personal touch to your guests stay will go a long way. Here are some tried and true ways successful vacation homeowners have put the finishing touches on their guests stay that went a long way in making their vacation home both enjoyable and memorable.
1.) If you don't already have business cards, pamphlets or brochures take a little extra time and money to get some made. These materials can be left in strategic locations, perhaps with a suggestions/comment card, that will encourage your guests to take them and pass them on to friends or family.
2.) Keeping the lines of communication open for your guests to voice their concerns during the stay is helpful too. This doesn't mean you have to come at their beck and call. Most guests will be happy to have been heard, so make sure they have a number or an email to reach you at and respond in a timely manner.
3.) Go to local restaurants and shops and invite them to offer coupons to your guests to help them save a little money while on vacation. This is essentially free advertising for their establishment that offers a way for them to directly reach their target market. Make sure it is a place that you yourself would enjoy. If you are referring your guests to an establishment you want to make sure it reflects the kind of service you would offer direct if you could.
4.) Make sure the cupboards, fridge and toiletries are stocked. Think of all different scenarios for what your guests may want to cook or clean while staying in your guest home. Perishables they can purchase themselves, but if you can save them the hassle of purchasing every item needed to make a cup of coffee, you have given them more time to spend vacationing and less time running errands.
5.) A gift basket full of various inexpensive snacks or drinks is also a great way to say "we appreciate your stay!"
6.) Keep track of local events, concerts, festivals, etc. so that you can offer your guests plenty of ideas on what to do during their stay. Your booking process could even inquire about hobbies and favorite pastimes so that you could do a quick search for events or attractions relating to their special interests that they may enjoy.
Of course, no matter what you decide to do, adding a personal touch means taking a little extra time out of your day to concern yourself with the needs of others. Ultimately, if you are a considerate and gracious host, you are sure to send the right message to your guests. That message being; "You are valued." And by letting your guests know their business is appreciated you are providing incentive that will more likely lead to a referral or repeat stay.
That is why taking a little extra time outside of your marketing to add a personal touch to your guests stay will go a long way. Here are some tried and true ways successful vacation homeowners have put the finishing touches on their guests stay that went a long way in making their vacation home both enjoyable and memorable.
1.) If you don't already have business cards, pamphlets or brochures take a little extra time and money to get some made. These materials can be left in strategic locations, perhaps with a suggestions/comment card, that will encourage your guests to take them and pass them on to friends or family.
2.) Keeping the lines of communication open for your guests to voice their concerns during the stay is helpful too. This doesn't mean you have to come at their beck and call. Most guests will be happy to have been heard, so make sure they have a number or an email to reach you at and respond in a timely manner.
3.) Go to local restaurants and shops and invite them to offer coupons to your guests to help them save a little money while on vacation. This is essentially free advertising for their establishment that offers a way for them to directly reach their target market. Make sure it is a place that you yourself would enjoy. If you are referring your guests to an establishment you want to make sure it reflects the kind of service you would offer direct if you could.
4.) Make sure the cupboards, fridge and toiletries are stocked. Think of all different scenarios for what your guests may want to cook or clean while staying in your guest home. Perishables they can purchase themselves, but if you can save them the hassle of purchasing every item needed to make a cup of coffee, you have given them more time to spend vacationing and less time running errands.
5.) A gift basket full of various inexpensive snacks or drinks is also a great way to say "we appreciate your stay!"
6.) Keep track of local events, concerts, festivals, etc. so that you can offer your guests plenty of ideas on what to do during their stay. Your booking process could even inquire about hobbies and favorite pastimes so that you could do a quick search for events or attractions relating to their special interests that they may enjoy.
Of course, no matter what you decide to do, adding a personal touch means taking a little extra time out of your day to concern yourself with the needs of others. Ultimately, if you are a considerate and gracious host, you are sure to send the right message to your guests. That message being; "You are valued." And by letting your guests know their business is appreciated you are providing incentive that will more likely lead to a referral or repeat stay.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Phishing Warning for Authorize.Net Users
Attention: One of our clients received the following email from: accounts@authorize.net. Be advised this email has been identified by Authorize.Net as a Phishing email that was in no way authorized by their organization. Also be advised that this is not the first or last attempt they have made to get your sensitive information and Authorize.Net personnel are doing everything in their power to put a stop to this.
If you ever have any questions regarding an email that appears to be from Authorize.Net feel free to contact Customer Service at; 877-447-3938. They will always be happy to confirm any information that they send directly to you. Or you can reach Faith at eCom Merchant Solutions; 1-888-277-3332 for further assistance.
Error! Filename not specified.
Your Authorize online service has expired. If your intention is to use Authorize services in the future you need to begin the re-activation process as soon as possible. Failure to verify your information will lead to the permanently suspension of your account.
Log-In to your account and update your information
Regards,
Authorize Accounts Review
"Log-In" is a link that you would click on taking you to a site that is monitoring you as you enter your Login ID and Password. After they obtain this information they are able to use your Authorize.Net merchant interface for whatever purposes they choose to. Please do not be fooled.
If you ever have any questions regarding an email that appears to be from Authorize.Net feel free to contact Customer Service at; 877-447-3938. They will always be happy to confirm any information that they send directly to you. Or you can reach Faith at eCom Merchant Solutions; 1-888-277-3332 for further assistance.
Friday, November 13, 2009
PCI Compliance and what it means for the Vacation Home Owner
If you're one of the Vacation Home Owners processing credit cards using a merchant account service, then you may have heard about Payment Card Industry-Data Security Standards Compliance or PCI-DSS Compliance; "PCI" or "Compliance" for short. These standards are mandatory and being implemented universally for all merchants.
Initially, PCI Compliance sounds scary and like a lot of work. But, when you break it down and realize what is really being expected of you by the Payment Card Industry, it all sounds very reasonable. And, with the right merchant account service provider, very easy to manage and maintain a status of compliance.
Think about it; There have been huge breaches of credit card information resulting in thousands of people's credit card information being at risk of getting into the wrong hands. With examples like TJ Max or Heartland Payment Systems, it is plain to see the bad guys are finding our vulnerabilities and exploiting them to get the information they want. And with great success! Even the big guys are not impenetrable.
It is your job to make sure your customer's card information is safe. That is why the Payment Card Industry has asked each individual merchant to demonstrate that they handle their customer's card information in a secure manner. They will want to know some of the following;
There are 3 generally accepted ways to maintain your compliance;
1.) If your merchant account service provider offers it, you may take a "Self-Assessment Questionnaire". Taking 10-15 minutes out of your day once a year to confirm you are acting prudently with card holder information. You may even learn more by going through this process, which is the true objective of PCI Compliance. If you are not PCI Compliant the questionnaire is designed to flag reasons why so that you can take the necessary steps.
2.) You can hire a "Scan Vendor" to review your credit card processing regularly to validate your compliance. This option is often costly as these vendors charge hundreds of dollars in annual fees.
3.) Some merchant account providers allow you the option to do nothing to verify your compliance. However, this is not recommended as this method leaves you vulnerable to the possibility of steep fines from the Payment Card Industry that are incurred if and when a breach of credit card information occurs.
When looking to become PCI Compliant in accordance with universal standards being implemented by all card types and card processors within the industry, you need to find someone who is willing to walk you through the process and take the time to explain why it is needed. Look for a service provider that has flexible options for you to register as PCI Compliant. Also, ask if they are offering "Safe Harbor" for those clients who are PCI Compliant. This means, you will not be held liable for hefty fines should a breach occur while you are PCI Compliant.
Finally, make sure the PCI Compliance fees are transparent. Some providers are charging annually, some monthly and some are increasing rates, but they are all charging something for PCI Compliance. Make sure they are up front about it. If they do not offer a Self Assessment Questionnaire and force you to enlist a Scan Vendor in order to process with them, make sure you add this to your cost as if it were a fee direct from your merchant service provider.
In all, becoming PCI Compliant is good for you and your guests. Your merchant account service provider is your partner in helping you navigate the newly implemented security measures. With their help it can be an easy and cost effective way to make sure your guest's sensitive information stays secure.
Initially, PCI Compliance sounds scary and like a lot of work. But, when you break it down and realize what is really being expected of you by the Payment Card Industry, it all sounds very reasonable. And, with the right merchant account service provider, very easy to manage and maintain a status of compliance.
Think about it; There have been huge breaches of credit card information resulting in thousands of people's credit card information being at risk of getting into the wrong hands. With examples like TJ Max or Heartland Payment Systems, it is plain to see the bad guys are finding our vulnerabilities and exploiting them to get the information they want. And with great success! Even the big guys are not impenetrable.
It is your job to make sure your customer's card information is safe. That is why the Payment Card Industry has asked each individual merchant to demonstrate that they handle their customer's card information in a secure manner. They will want to know some of the following;
- Do you shred, delete or incinerate full card information once it is no longer needed?
- Do you have firewall protections and secure passwords to prevent hackers from obtaining this information?
- Are you using a secure format, such as a Payment Gateway, that is encrypting card information at all times?
- Are you keeping full card information in a locked and secure environment?
- If you are mailing card information, are you doing this by a secured courier?
There are 3 generally accepted ways to maintain your compliance;
1.) If your merchant account service provider offers it, you may take a "Self-Assessment Questionnaire". Taking 10-15 minutes out of your day once a year to confirm you are acting prudently with card holder information. You may even learn more by going through this process, which is the true objective of PCI Compliance. If you are not PCI Compliant the questionnaire is designed to flag reasons why so that you can take the necessary steps.
2.) You can hire a "Scan Vendor" to review your credit card processing regularly to validate your compliance. This option is often costly as these vendors charge hundreds of dollars in annual fees.
3.) Some merchant account providers allow you the option to do nothing to verify your compliance. However, this is not recommended as this method leaves you vulnerable to the possibility of steep fines from the Payment Card Industry that are incurred if and when a breach of credit card information occurs.
When looking to become PCI Compliant in accordance with universal standards being implemented by all card types and card processors within the industry, you need to find someone who is willing to walk you through the process and take the time to explain why it is needed. Look for a service provider that has flexible options for you to register as PCI Compliant. Also, ask if they are offering "Safe Harbor" for those clients who are PCI Compliant. This means, you will not be held liable for hefty fines should a breach occur while you are PCI Compliant.
Finally, make sure the PCI Compliance fees are transparent. Some providers are charging annually, some monthly and some are increasing rates, but they are all charging something for PCI Compliance. Make sure they are up front about it. If they do not offer a Self Assessment Questionnaire and force you to enlist a Scan Vendor in order to process with them, make sure you add this to your cost as if it were a fee direct from your merchant service provider.
In all, becoming PCI Compliant is good for you and your guests. Your merchant account service provider is your partner in helping you navigate the newly implemented security measures. With their help it can be an easy and cost effective way to make sure your guest's sensitive information stays secure.
Friday, October 30, 2009
eCom Merchant Solutions Shows Support For The Special Olympics of Oregon!
From left to right; Silvia Kaelin, Ryan Walters, April Navarro and Kristie Kliese at the Governor's Gold Awards. A charity event for the Special Olympics.
"You look marvelous!" Company President and CEO, Kristie Kliese and Elan Hagens at the Governor's Gold Awards.
April snuggles up to an Oregon Duck at the Governor's Gold Awards.
Ryan Walters and Jennifer Noffsinger show their support for the Beavers!Special Olympics is a charity that all of us here at eCom Merchant Solutions are proud to show our support for. Every year we attend the Governor's Gold Awards to honor the athletes that, despite the disadvantages they face, overcome them to accomplish great things! This year our Company President and CEO was honored to be selected to take part in helping to organize the event that generated $100,000 + in donations and charity auction items.
The eCom team attended the event to celebrate the Special Olympic athletes and thought we might share some of our pics. We had a blast and want to inspire you to donate to your favorite charity! The generosity of others is always in need and always greatly appreciated!
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