USIndoor's Official Magazine is a quarterly publication, dedicated to owners, managers, program administrators and other professionals, startups and providers involved with indoor recreational sports facilities.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1378201
SPRING2021 9 But he also notes that facilities that prioritized in- house programming pre-COVID should be careful shifting back to their core business, as we work through vaccinations and approach herd immunity. Even then, rentals are opportunities for customer relationships with clubs, organizations, and colleges. As with many things in life, there is no rule that is 100% effective 100% of the time. On the other hand, facilities might never want to pass on repeat rentals for significant blocks of hours over an entire season or year, or large events such as high school sports practices or tournaments, or home shows. These rentals can provide much greater income than other rentals and should managed accordingly. RENTAL TIPS Whether you have always offered rental opportunities or are just dipping your toe in the water while under restrictions, here are some tips for a smooth rental experience, as provided by USIndoor members: 1. Listen closely to customers. It is important to meet their needs that fit your facility schedule. When you listen, ask questions, and follow through, you may find a variety of ways to help them. You can add value to the rental and sell more rental time. –Eric Fritz, KEVA Sports Center (WI) 2. Offer extras. For example, do you have a party room they can use for team meetings or other events? Cater to parents with quality Wi-Fi and concessions for those who may be waiting and need clean facilities or and a place to work or relax. –Jamie Hammond, Total Sports Experience (NY) 3. Offer a consistent, quality product: clean facilities with quality equipment. Start on time; end on time. –Jamie Hammond 4. State your rules and terms clearly, including required documentation (proof of insurance, rules of conduct in the facility, rental agreement and invoice with dates and times.) Make sure your cancelation and refund/credit policy is clear, especially as it relates to COVID restrictions or shutdowns. –Tom Teager, Fore Kicks (MA) 5. Have an easily accessible view of available times and dates that are open for rental. Create a weekly summary of open inventory of space. This allows staff to offer rental options in case the exact day and time that the client is requesting is not available. –Grace Sweeney, CAPS Fieldhouse (OH) 6. Adjust your pricing for prime vs. non-prime times. –Tom Teager 7. Re-confirm three days before. Be sure the field or court is clean, set up properly, and ready to use. –Tom Teager 8. Reward your best customers with volume discounts, right of first refusals, and priority bookings when renewing for the following period or year. –Tom Teager 9. Make sure your customers are aware of your COVID safety protocols and policies. –Grace Sweeney