Case study: Southsea Caravans
Key Takeaways
- Southsea Caravans use Bookster to attract and manage bookings
- The caravans are on Southsea Beach, in Southsea Leisure Park near Portsmouth
- They provide discounts for guests with dogs, or are public servants or veterans
- Gordon wanted to be more independent of Airbnb
- He uses the discounts tool to attract repeat guests
- They like Bookster's good customer service and responsiveness to issues raised.
We talked with Gordon Parker how he got started, and his experiences of working with Bookster, managing the bookings for his caravans in Portsmouth.
I like being able to do offers and discounts. These features have helped me maintain a good relationship with my regular guests.
Case Study: Southsea Caravans
Gordon Parker, manager of Southsea Caravans joined Bookster in 2021, and uses it to attract bookings through the Bookster channel manager and his own website.
1. Who is Southsea Caravans?
I trade as Southseacaravans, which comprises 2 owned static caravans and occasionally 1 or 2 managed static caravans within Southsea Leisure Park, PO4 9TB.
This is at the Eastern end of Southsea Beach, a district of the island city of Portsmouth.
It is a quiet mainly residential caravan park right by the beach close to a local shop, cafes and bars and a local bus service stops nearby.
2. And what makes you different?
Both of my caravans are dog and child-friendly (I do a discount for guests with dogs or are public servants or veterans).
3. How long have you worked with Bookster?
I joined Bookster in October 2021.
4. What did Southsea Caravans need when you were getting started?
I joined Bookster as I wanted to become independent of booking sites like Airbnb.
That has partially worked, 50% of new customers are from Airbnb.
What features of our product have helped Southsea Caravans?
I like being able to do offers and discounts. These features have helped me maintain a good relationship with my regular guests.
6. What have you been most impressed with?
Good customer service, responsive to issues raised, and of course the Labradors on your team.
7. So what’s next for Southsea Caravans?
The Government for England Levelling up department is currently doing a consultation for registration of short-term let places.
I welcome this as it would show potential guests that my business adheres to standards, health & safety, pays its taxes and is accountable to the registration body (presumably that will be the local council).
8. How can a guest book a stay with you?
You're welcome to book directly on our website, Southsea Caravans or check our social page on Facebook.
