Hotels and inns: keep your booking software

If you run an inn, B&B or small hotel, your property management system probably handles your credit card processing too. A lot of owners assume that is the only choice. For many systems it isn't. You can often keep the same booking and front desk software and change only the processor behind it.

Your guests book the same way. Your front desk uses the same screens. What changes is which company processes the cards behind the scenes, and the credit card processing fees that come with it.

Many inns I look at are using the processing that came built in with their system and have never compared it. That's the first place I look.

1. You send me a recent statement and tell me which software you use. Email it to mark@seamlessmerchantservice.com or use the form on the free statement analysis page. Black out your account number if you like.
2. I check what your software connects to and get quotes. I look at which processors your software works with, ask several processing partners to quote on your actual numbers, and put any monthly gateway fee into the math. You get a side-by-side comparison.
3. You decide. If it makes sense, I handle the paperwork with the processing partner and walk your software company's setup form with you. Your team keeps using the same system. If the savings aren't there, I'll tell you to stay put.

Here is what I know about popular inn and hotel systems. Each connects to outside processors in its own way, so I always confirm the details before I promise anything.

• innRoad. One of the more open systems. It connects to outside processors through its gateway, and innRoad says it works with hundreds of them. There is a setup form your processor completes, and the property needs a U.S. bank account.
• ResNexus. Built with small inns, B&Bs and campgrounds in mind, and the company says you can keep your current processor. It connects through gateways such as Authorize.net and PayPal Payflow.
• Cloudbeds. Connects to a set list of gateways in the U.S., including Authorize.net, Elavon Converge, Fiserv and Stripe. If your processing partner works with one of those, the swap can work.
• ThinkReservations. The company says it can connect with your current processor. I confirm the current list with them before quoting.

I confirm the details with your software company before I promise anything. Software companies update their connection lists, so the list you see here is a starting point, not a guarantee.

Using something else? Tell me the name. Many other hotel systems run only on their own payments, and I'll tell you honestly if yours is one of them.

Do I have to change my software?

No. The idea is to keep your software and change only the processing behind it. Your staff keeps doing what they do today.

Will there be a monthly gateway fee?

It can happen. Some software companies charge a monthly fee when you connect an outside processor, and some processors add their own gateway fee. I count every one of them in the comparison, and if the savings don't cover them, I'll tell you not to switch.

Will my card readers still work?

Sometimes readers are tied to a particular processor. I check this before you decide, so there are no surprises.

Can my guests still pay online when they book?

That depends on your booking engine and which gateway it connects to. I check that your online booking and front desk payments will both keep working before you decide.

What if my software only allows its own processing?

Some systems are built to run only on their own payments. If yours is one of them, I'll tell you straight, and we can still look at whether your current processor will lower your price.

Is there a cancellation fee?

There are no cancellation fees on the agreements I set up for you. I'll also check your current agreement for termination fees and renewal dates before you decide anything.

What does this cost me?

Nothing. The statement analysis is free. I'm paid by the processing partner you choose, and only if you choose one. If I can't find savings, I'll send you a $50 gift card for your time.

How do I know whether my software allows it?

Just ask me. Send your statement and tell me the name of your system, and I'll confirm with the software company before I promise anything.

Send me one recent statement. I'll go through it line by line and send back a side-by-side comparison, usually within about two business days. It's free, and if I can't find savings, I'll send you a $50 gift card for your time.

Prefer to talk first? Call or text (860) 371-1795, or book a quick call using the link below.

book a quick call

Seamless Merchant Service is an independent, no-cost processing broker. I compare quotes from several processing partners and I'm paid by the partner you choose, and only if you choose one.

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