IRM Tips to Increase Revenue and Performance

Eliminate Session Running Warning - Correct Linking to the IRM

Under some conditions when a guest attempts to start the IRM from a link on your marketing website they may receive a "Session Running" warning and not be able to start the IRM.   This issue can be resolved by  updating the IRM to Version IRM2-332 or higher and changing all links from your marketing site to the IRM to always start a new browser that does not have the "back" and "forward" buttons.  See KI0059 for details.  

Limit guest requests when searching for available unit numbers  

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Linking options from your Marketing Website to the IRM 

Once the IRM is installed, configured, and tested, hyperlinks need to be added from your marketing website to to the IRM.  These links enable a guest, travel agent, group, wholesaler or vacation rental owner to easily make reservations and access other IRM functions.  The links can have any wording, such as "make a reservation now" and should appear in multiple locations on the marketing website.  You can use buttons, text, graphics, etc. to enhance the links.  See IRM_0090.

Click here for Details

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7/21/03

Style Sheets Can Now Be Used for the IRM

Cascading Style Sheets allow font sizes, font type, font colors and hundreds of other visual properties to be set for an entire web site in one place.  This allows the IRM to be visually similar to a marketing web site

Click here for Details

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Calendar Colors Can Now Be Modified 

The standard colors on the IRM calendar can now be modified to use other colors !  The Owner calendar colors can also be modified to highlight Owner, Guest of Owner, Paying Guests and Maintenance reservations

Backup the IRM Server Regularly

You must backup your IRM server on a regular basis to avoid losing your pictures, HTML files, etc.  You might lose weeks, months, or even years of work.  It is absolutely essential to back up the IRM.

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Using Multiple Currencies with the IRM 

Many RDP customers using the Internet Reservation Module would like to show different currencies.  For example, the RDP system may be denominated on the local currency, but the IRM can be set up to show US Dollars.  Click here for Details.

Put the Banner at the top, not on the side 

The IRM "Banner" is the area that shows your logo, name, address, etc.  The can be placed at the top or on the side.   As a general rule always place the banner on the top, as this leaves more room on the screen "side-to-side" to show available rooms, policies, etc.

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How to Reassure customers that it is safe to deal with your website 

Some consumers are still hesitant about doing business online, they are worried about their personal information being misused or about not knowing for certain who it is they are dealing with. For these reasons, it pays to develop 'consumer-friendly' site which displays certain information which will reassure consumers about trading with you via your website.

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Customers with Multiple Properties should direct Guest to another property if full

Multiple Resort Properties now have the ability to redirect the IRM customer to one of their other resorts, within their property, when 1 resort is completely sold out. Single Resort Properties can also utilize this feature for advertising purposes, when fully booked, to remind the guest to book ahead for special events and holidays.

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Offer Specials on specific Room Types

A link can be created from the Marketing Web Site to a specific room type. Internet Guest can save time by directly going to the Room Type they want. When combined with the Custom sequenced room type display feature, the guest will see the next best match as deemed by the property. This feature is also advantageous when a property wants to run a special on a given room type.  For example, "Suites Available for a discount" could appear on your marketing website.  

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Frequent Guest Program Available

Properties may have Frequent Stay Guest programs or be affiliated with Frequent Mile Programs. The IRM has the ability for the returning guest to use this Special ID number when making a new reservation or checking an existing reservation. The IRM will prompt for this ID number and a password prior to displaying the returning guests detailed record. 

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Match the Colors of the IRM to your Marketing Website

Match the IRM colors to your existing marketing Website by converting custom colors to an HTML code. 

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Configure additional Guest Input fields 

The RDP-DOS system includes 17 comment fields that are customized by the property.  Many customers use these fields to collect guest information that is vital to their operation.  Configure the IRM to prompt for these important fields!

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Make sure your Pictures aren't too big 

Images are displayed throughout RDP's Internet Reservation Module (IRM).  In order for the IRM to run efficiently, RDP has created basic image size guidelines.  Use these benchmarks in order to create guidelines for your property.  You can also compress files so they are smaller.  

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Use "Mouse Overs" to display additional information  

Use the HTML "ALT" tag for displaying mouse-over text in the Internet Reservation Module.  Mouse-over text is a useful tool for  displaying additional IRM information without launching a new browser window or "cluttering" a page.

Linking Options

Make sure the "Make Reservation" link is prominent on your marketing Website

RDP recommends displaying the IRM hyperlink prominently on the property's marketing website.  View samples of how RDP customers have successfully linked to the IRM.

See: Linking options from your Marketing Website to the IRM

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Use a new Browser Window for Additional Information

One of the goals of the IRM is to keep the screens simple and clean.  Sometimes customers put a great deal of text on the IRM that provides a "cluttered" look.  It is possible to add buttons for "More information" in many places.  For example, rather than show 10 paragraphs of "cancellation policy", you could add a button for "click here to view the cancellation policy".

See the IRM demo and select the "More information" button

Click here for details on how to use a pop-up browser