Training Hotel Front Desk Agents to Maximize Revenue

Hotel Management should always make sure thattake a reservation. Just think how much revenue is
their staff is properly trained. A properly trained Frontlost because the Agent did not know how to SELL
Desk Agent is key to the success of the hotel.the reservation. If they are taking the time to call
A customer may deal with a hair in the bathroom oryou to inquire, book those babies no matter what.
bad food in the restaurant, but if the service isThe caller will hang up and book the next hotel who
friendly, attentive and courteous, then they willwas smarter and got the sale.
continue to stay at your hotel. Apologize for the hair,Take this week and take 5 or 10 minutes with each
do turn down service and leave them a fruit basketAgent. Tell them what you do and why you do it.
or something nice, and comp the food that theyTalk to them about your accounts and upcoming
didn't like. "groups that are coming in. Give them a story or two.
Put him/her on your hot sheet and check forI know it will help.
upcoming reservations with this guest. If you don'tAsk if they have seen the rooms and banquet space.
see any return visits, get someone to call to seeTake them into the Sales Office and introduce them
what's up. Can you imagine the impact of that?to everyone and tell them their purpose.
I guarantee that they will be back and with lessGive them the tools and knowledge to do a good
complaints. Guests hate their complaints being ignored.job.
Sometimes you will have to give money back but inMy recommendation .....take a good look at your
the long run, it will make more profit. Now of courseFront Desk Agents. Talk to them and find out what
there are abusers out there so use your bestthey need, and more importantly, what they know
judgment. But always remember - Service is veryabout the hotels practices and procedures. Take the
important.time and your hotel will reap the benefits.
Front Desk Agents should be fully trained on how to