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September Product Update

New Features & Enhancements

Trip Categories on the Booking Portal
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We’ve added the ability to create custom trip categories on your booking portal. Whether you offer multiple sizes of rentals or a selection of similar tours, customers can now easily find the perfect trip by browsing organized categories, simplifying their booking process. Check out our help article to learn how to set up categories.

Pictures of Equipment on the Cart Page
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Showcase your equipment at the final point of sale! When customers add an item to their cart they now see an image of the selected rental or tour. This visual cue helps build excitement and reinforces their booking choice, leading to higher conversion rates.

Trip-Specific Wherewolf QR Code Integration
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We’ve made check-ins faster and easier with our new Wherewolf QR code integration. Each waiver has a unique QR code, allowing guests to easily fill out their specific waivers onsite. This keeps the waiver matched to the order and improves efficiency.

Pricing Displayed on Schedule Times
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Make pricing more transparent and convenient. Customers can now view prices directly alongside available trip times when booking. This added clarity helps them make faster decisions, reducing hesitation and abandoned bookings.

We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions or need assistance with these new features, our support team is here for you! Reach out to us at [email protected] or visit our Help Center for detailed tutorials and FAQs.

Thank you for being a valued part of the WaveRez community. We’re excited to continue supporting your success in the watersport industry!

Why Text Communication is Essential for the Watersport Tour and Rental Industry

Due to that need there is a growing shift from traditional communication methods like email to more immediate and personal channels like text messaging. Using a platform like Waverez makes it simple to leverage text communication and significantly improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

The Shift Towards Text Messaging

Consumers today are inundated with emails, leading to lower engagement rates and delayed responses. Text messaging, on the other hand, offers a direct and personal way to connect with customers. Consider these statistics:

  • High Open Rates: Text messages boast an impressive 98% open rate, compared to the 20-30% open rate typically seen with emails. This means that when you send a text, it’s almost guaranteed to be seen.
  • Quick Response Times: Time is of the essence in the tour and rental industries. Texts are read within 3 minutes on average, with responses often coming within 90 seconds. This is crucial for last-minute booking confirmations, updates, or changes in tour details.
  • Customer Engagement: Text messages have a 45% response rate, significantly higher than the 6% response rate of emails. This level of engagement is invaluable when trying to secure bookings or provide customer support in real-time.

Why This Matters for Tour and Rental Businesses

For companies in the tour and rental sectors, the ability to communicate swiftly and effectively can make or break a booking. Here’s why text messaging should be a key part of your communication strategy:

  1. Immediate Booking Confirmations: When a customer books a tour or rental, they expect quick confirmation. A text message can instantly reassure them that their reservation is secure, reducing the likelihood of cancellations.
  2. Real-Time Updates: Weather changes, schedule adjustments, or equipment availability updates are common in the watersports and rental industries. Text messaging allows you to instantly notify customers of any changes, ensuring they are always in the loop.
  3. Enhanced Customer Experience: By offering the option to communicate via text, you cater to the preferences of the modern consumer. 75% of consumers are open to receiving texts from businesses, making it a preferred method for many customers, especially when dealing with time-sensitive information.
  4. Operational Efficiency: Text messaging can streamline operations by reducing the back-and-forth typically associated with email communication. Whether it's confirming a reservation or answering a quick question, texts facilitate faster, more efficient interactions.

Conclusion

As the tour and rental industries continue to evolve, businesses that embrace text communication will stand out by providing a more responsive and customer-friendly experience. Integrating text messaging into your reservation process is not just an option—it's a necessity to stay competitive and meet the expectations of today’s consumers.

WaveRez makes adopting text communication easy and automated so your business can ensure that customers feel connected and informed every step of the way, leading to higher satisfaction and increased bookings.

Boost Your Bookings with a Better Conversion Rate!

Understanding Conversion Rate: What is it?

In the simplest terms, conversion rate refers to the percentage of website visitors who complete a desired action. For businesses in the tour and rental industry, this action is typically making a booking or reservation. The formula to calculate conversion rate is straightforward:

For example, if 1000 people visit your website and 50 of them make a booking, your conversion rate would be 5%.

Why is Conversion Rate Important?

  1. Revenue Growth: Conversion rate is directly tied to revenue. A higher conversion rate means more bookings, which translates into increased revenue without necessarily increasing the number of visitors to your website. This efficiency makes conversion rate optimization (CRO) a cost-effective way to grow your business.
  2. Return on Investment (ROI): Marketing efforts, including SEO, PPC, and social media campaigns, all aim to drive traffic to your website. However, if the conversion rate is low, these investments may not yield the desired returns. A higher conversion rate improves the ROI of your marketing spend by making better use of the traffic you already have.
  3. Customer Insights: Understanding what influences your conversion rate can provide valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. This understanding allows you to tailor your offerings, improve user experience, and address potential barriers to booking.
  4. Competitive Advantage: In a competitive market, businesses that can efficiently convert website visitors into paying customers gain an edge. 

The Significance of a 4% to 7% Increase in Conversion Rate

waverez online booking portal.

WaveRez’s newly developed Booking Portal saw the average conversion rate increase from 4% to 7%.

A 4% to 7% increase in conversion rate might seem modest at first glance, but it's a significant leap in the world of online bookings. Here's why:

  1. Exponential Growth: The impact of an increase in conversion rate is exponential rather than linear. For instance, if your current conversion rate is 5% and your website gets 10,000 visitors per month, you're getting 500 bookings. Increasing the conversion rate to 7% results in 700 bookings, a 40% increase in actual bookings from just a 2 percentage point rise in conversion rate.
  2. Cost Efficiency: Achieving higher conversion rates allows you to maximize the value of existing traffic, reducing the need to spend more on acquiring new visitors. This efficiency can lead to substantial cost savings and a better allocation of marketing resources.
  3. Revenue Boost: For businesses operating with tight margins, even a small increase in conversion rate can lead to a noticeable boost in revenue. This additional revenue can be reinvested into further improving the website, expanding marketing efforts, or enhancing the customer experience.
  4. Sustained Growth: Higher conversion rates contribute to sustainable business growth. As you continue to optimize your conversion rate, the cumulative effect over time can significantly strengthen your market position and profitability.

Wrap Up

In the online booking landscape for tours and rentals, conversion rate is a key indicator of your website and reservation system’s effectiveness.. Focusing on improving conversion rate not only enhances your bottom line but also provides a richer understanding of your customers. A seemingly small increase from 4% to 7% can make a big difference, propelling your business forward in an increasingly competitive market.

So, keep a close eye on this vital metric and continually seek ways to improve it — your future self will thank you!

Ready to optimize your conversion rate and see real results? Read our full blog post here to learn how a small increase can make a big difference for your business!

WaveRez Partners with Take My Boat Test to Enhance Boater Safety and Operator Commissions

WaveRez, the leading online reservation software for watersport and boat tour operators, is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with Take My Boat Test, an online boaters course that issues licenses upon completion. This collaboration aims to promote boater safety and compliance with Florida regulations while offering rental operators a lucrative affiliate program.

In Florida, renters born after January 1st, 1988, are required to pass the Florida Boaters test to legally operate a vessel. The affordable online test, priced at $13.97, can be conveniently purchased at TakeMyBestTest.com. Take My Boat Test has introduced an affiliate program exclusively for Florida rental operators, allowing them to earn an industry leading $5 referral fee for each completed test. 

Greg Fisher, CEO of WaveRez, expresses his excitement about the partnership, stating, "We have been anticipating this launch for several months. Kevin O'neil and his team have built an amazing test that incentivizes rental operators to prioritize boater safety for their renters. We've made it very simple to implement on WaveRez to get the highest adoption rates."

Rental operators in Florida, utilizing the affiliate program, have the potential to generate significant commissions. For instance, a rental operator with 10 boats, averaging 2,000 rentals annually, could generate $4,000 per year in ancillary revenue. The affiliate program is free to sign up, and operators can seamlessly integrate it into their online booking platforms.

Affiliate operators simply need to add their unique affiliate link to their website, confirmation emails, and text messages. The tracking of sessions is facilitated through cookies until the order is completed. Payouts for commissions are processed on a monthly basis.

WaveRez users stand to benefit further with enhanced conversion rates and larger commission payments by following 6 simple steps

  1. Sign up for TakeMyBoatTest.com and receive the affiliate link.
  2. Log in to the WaveRez dashboard.
  3. Navigate to Configurations under Settings and select Order Settings.
  4. Scroll to Boaters Test Options and enter the Affiliate Link.
  5. View the Trip/Activity where you plan to add the boaters test link.
  6. Go to Options, and Add Boaters Test Option - Fill out the required fields.

To maximize conversion, operators can include a compelling message in the confirmation text, emphasizing the importance of taking the online Florida Boaters Course for all individuals born on or after Jan 1st, 1988. The message provides a direct link to the course and outlines its affordability and quick completion time.


WaveRez and Take My Boat Test are dedicated to fostering a culture of safety and compliance within the boating community, offering operators an easy and profitable way to contribute to this shared goal.

Essential Marketing Strategies for Your Watersport Business in 2024

As we step into 2024, the dynamic landscape of marketing continues to evolve, demanding a strategic approach to stay ahead of the competition. Despite the lingering economic uncertainty for the upcoming year, there are numerous opportunities available to foster the growth of your business. In this article, we'll delve into five cutting-edge marketing strategies that can give your business the edge it needs for success in the year ahead.

#1 - Look Outside of Google for Customers

While Google remains a powerhouse in online searches, it's crucial to diversify your customer acquisition channels in 2024. Rising acquisition costs and increased competition on both organic and paid channels have prompted operators to look elsewhere for customers. Explore emerging platforms, social media networks, and industry-specific forums to tap into new audiences. Reach new customers in 2024 with these platforms:

  • Facebook Groups
  • Reddit Forums
  • TikTok
  • TripShock (Commission based)
  • Viator (Commission based)
  • Get Your Guide (Commission based)
  • Boatsetter (Commission based)
  • Get My Boat (Commission based)
  • Local Affiliate Partnerships
  • Influencers
  • CVBs and State Tourism Agencies
  • Group & Corporate Sales

#2  - Create Experiences & Add-ons That Appeal to a Higher Income Audience

Elevate your offerings by tailoring experiences and add-ons that resonate with a higher-income audience. Conduct market research to understand the preferences and desires of this demographic, then align your products or services accordingly.  During an economic slowdown, higher income travelers are less price sensitive, and are more willing to pay for private experiences. 

Private or Customized Tours

Affluent travelers favor personalized tours for their exclusive and unique offerings, including luxurious and customized accommodations, access to VIP experiences, and flexible itineraries that align with their preferences. The presence of expert guides and personal concierge services ensures a seamless and stress-free experience, while a focus on cultural immersion and authentic activities caters to their desire for meaningful travel.

If you find it difficult to offer customized tours due to size of your vessel, consider offering add-ons to customize the experience. Some ideas include meet and greets with the captain, photo packages, priority boarding, and trip protection. With WaveRez, you can easily add additional options to your trips for a seamless customer experience.

#3 - Reach Out to Your Previous Customers

Your existing customer base is a goldmine for potential business. Implement personalized outreach campaigns to reconnect with previous customers. Leverage email marketing, social media, or even direct communication to remind them of your value proposition. Your reservation system likely has thousands of customer emails that are not utilized. Put them to work! Establishing ongoing relationships with past clients can lead to repeat business and valuable word-of-mouth referrals.

#4 - Use Automation Tools to Make Customer Communication More Efficient

In the fast-paced world of marketing, efficiency is key. Implement automation tools to streamline customer communication. From email campaigns to social media posts, automation can help you stay consistent in your messaging and engagement. Consider checking out programs such as Conversion Assist that can integrate with your reservation software for seamless  communication.

WaveRez provides various automation features, including but not limited to review solicitation emails, bulk SMS, and pre-arrival emails. By automating routine tasks, you free up time for strategic planning and creative initiatives that drive business growth.

#5 - Focus a Majority of Your Marketing Budget on Your Best Performing Channels

Not all marketing channels deliver the same results. Analyze your past campaigns to identify the highest-performing channels that resonate with your target audience. Allocate a significant portion of your marketing budget to these channels to maximize ROI. Whether it's social media advertising, content marketing, or influencer partnerships, prioritize the platforms that consistently yield the best results for your business.

Conclusion

As we navigate the evolving marketing landscape in 2024, staying ahead requires a proactive and adaptive approach. By looking beyond conventional strategies, embracing automation, and refining your targeting, your business can not only survive but thrive in the competitive market. Implement these five marketing strategies to ensure success and position your brand for sustained growth in the coming year.

5 Brilliant Ways to Prevent Chargebacks for Watersport Operators

Chargebacks can be a significant headache for watersport operators, causing financial losses and operational disruptions. Chargebacks occur when a customer disputes a credit card transaction, resulting in a refund of the purchase amount. While some chargebacks are legitimate, many can be prevented with proactive measures. Here are five brilliant ways to prevent chargebacks and protect your watersport business.

1. Implement Security Cameras at Your Location

Security cameras are invaluable tools for preventing chargebacks and resolving disputes. By installing cameras at key locations around your watersport facility, you can record all customer interactions and activities. In the event of a chargeback dispute, you can provide visual evidence to support your case.

Here's how security cameras can help:

Incident Documentation

Capture video footage of the customer participating in the watersport activity. This can serve as evidence that the service was provided as described.

Damage Control

If a customer claims equipment was damaged or unsafe, review the footage to determine if the complaint is valid. Having evidence of well-maintained equipment can protect your business.

Transaction Verification

Ensure that the person using the credit card matches the cardholder. If a chargeback claim arises from unauthorized use, you can prove the cardholder was present.

2. Use Booking Software that Stores IP Data

Modern booking software should offer the option to store customers' IP addresses when they make reservations or payments. IP data can be valuable for preventing chargebacks because it provides an additional layer of verification.

Here's how it works:

Geolocation

IP data can be used to verify the customer's location at the time of booking. This can help detect suspicious transactions, especially if the customer's IP address doesn't match the billing address on the credit card.

Fraud Detection

Analyze IP data for suspicious patterns, such as multiple bookings from the same IP address within a short period. This can be a red flag for potential fraud.

WaveRez users that use Stripe will be able to access the IP data for their customers. Stripe also includes tools that automatically recognize patterns of fraudulent activity, which will flag and deny the transaction.
 

3. Utilize Anti-Fraud Measures with Your Credit Card Processor

Work closely with your credit card processor to implement anti-fraud measures. Many processors offer fraud detection services that can help identify and prevent chargebacks before they occur. These measures may include:

Address Verification Service (AVS)

AVS checks the billing address provided by the customer against the address on file with the credit card issuer. A mismatch can trigger additional scrutiny.

3D Secure

This adds an extra layer of security to online transactions by requiring customers to enter a one-time code sent to their mobile device or email.

Velocity Checks

Monitor the frequency of transactions from the same card or account. Unusual activity can trigger alerts for potential fraud.

WaveRez uses Stripe as its payment processor and gateway, which utilizes advanced fraud protection features.
 

4. Re-confirm Large Bookings

For large group bookings or reservations that are significantly higher than your average transaction, consider implementing a re-confirmation process. Contact the customer a few days before the scheduled activity to confirm the reservation details. This can help prevent misunderstandings, no-shows, and subsequent chargebacks due to disputes over the reservation.

WaveRez users can go directly to their daily manifest for the next day to review all their reservations over the threshold they set. The phone numbers should be readily accessible to quickly make calls.
 

5. Track Email and Text Message Activity

Keep a record of all email and text message communication with customers. This documentation can serve as evidence in case of a chargeback dispute. Make sure to include important information such as booking details, cancellation policies, and any special instructions.
Additionally, use email and text messaging to confirm reservations, provide receipts, and offer customer support. Clear and consistent communication can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce the likelihood of chargebacks.

WaveRez users can view a log of customer activity including a timestamp of when they received their text and email confirmations. There is also the ability to confirm whether they have opened up the email. This information can be useful in not only preventing, but defending against chargebacks.

In conclusion, chargebacks can be a significant challenge for watersport operators, but by implementing these five brilliant strategies, you can reduce the risk of chargebacks and protect your business. Remember that prevention is key, and a proactive approach to fraud prevention can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.

Let the WaveRez team save you time and money by developing a plan to prevent and defend against chargebacks. Not a customer yet? Sign up for a free demo and see why watersport operators are switching to WaveRez!