Fore! Your Information - May 2010
Industry Buzz Continues Regarding GolfNow Debate
The healthy debate on bartering tee times with third-parties continues. Both the Fore! Reservations Listserv and NGCOA Listserv are still buzzing about this topic! In fact, some encouraging news was recently posted by Fore! Reservations Users that the largest third-party tee-time reseller (GolfNow) agreed to operate on a commision-based sales model; our suggested model for proper use of third-party tee time providers. Some not so encouraging news is that Users are still finding fictitious emails in their database coming from third-party bookings. Be on the lookout and make sure you are clear with ALL third-parties about data transfer; it's vital to your business!
Another industry leader weighed-in with their thoughts on this hot topic. In Pellucid Corporation's April e-newsletter, "Outside The Ropes", they give their analysis on GolfNow's practices and the impact of GolfNow in the marketplace. The article also examines the bigger picture of Internet reservations and how bartering tee times with third-parties will affect golf courses in the future. Click here to read this article. For more information and to subscribe to Pellucid's newsletter, please click here.
PCI Compliance July 1st Deadline Approaching
The credit card industry's deadline for merchants to become PCI compliant is fast approaching. If your credit card processor has indicated that your facility must meet the July 1, 2010 deadline, you will need to upgrade to the Fore! Reservations 2011 software version. A Black Box Server is required to operate this version. As of May 1st, the Fore! Reservations early installation discounted pricing plan expired. Courses that elect to upgrade to the PCI compliant software version can now purchase the Black Box Server at its regular price of $2,000. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 630-789-9705 to place your order. Click here for answers to frequently asked PCI questions.
Introducing Harry's Blog!
CEO Harry Ipema always seems to have a lot on his mind, and to help him let it all out, we decided to give him an "official" blog! As many Users can attest, Harry provides great insight into current issues facing the golf industry. His perspective is always from the standpoint of what he feels is best for Fore! Reservations Users and golf course operators everywhere. Based on the overwhelming User response Harry received from his white paper on the harmful effects of barter, we decided a blog would enable him to directly share his thoughts and opinions with you, while at the same time providing an outlet for our Users to share their feedback and start discussions with fellow operators.
You can access Harry's Blog at http://support.teeitup.com or just click on the "Harry's Blog" button at the top right-hand corner of this month's newsletter. Be sure to check back often to read Harry's latest posts!
May is a Great Month to Start an Awards Program
One of the great (and vastly under-utilized) features in the Fore! Reservations system is the Awards Program. The awards functionality is designed to reward your customer for their continued loyalty to your facility with a percentage back on all or some of their purchases. The reasons for implementing an Awards Program at your facility are many:
1. Track customer purchases and speed up the Point-of-Sale
2. Give your staff a great excuse to capture customer database information
3. Better discover "defector" customers or those who haven't returned in a while
4. Help "steer" the customer to other purchases (off-day specials, merchandise, etc.)
5. Make the customer feel valued at your facility!
For a tutorial on how to get the Awards Program running, and a few free sheets of Customer ID Bar Codes, contact the Marketing Support Team at 630-789-9784 x.2 today! Click here for a past article on customer success stories with Awards.
Follow Us on Facebook & Win A $100 VISA Gift Card!
Every User that "Likes" Fore! Reservations on Facebook and participates in this month's discussion is eligible to win a $100 VISA gift card! To join our page go to www.facebook.com/forereservations or click on the Facebook icon in the top right-hand corner of the newsletter. Simply respond to the question below either on our Wall or in the Discussion Board and we'll conduct a drawing from those entries to determine the lucky winner!
What is the best value-added special you've offered golfers to generate rounds and revenue at your course? Did you utilize Internet tee times with this special?
Did You Know?
Did you know we offer Email Marketing Assistance Services? If you need help creating branded professional emails sent out of Fore! Reservations, let us assist you and show you how profitable and powerful this tool can be! Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 630.789.9705 for more information.
What's New
Watch the NEW Fore! Outing Video - Click here
Watch the NEW Fore! Internet Video - Click here
Tip of the Month
Utilize the Counter Series Online Videos for New Staff Training! The Counter Series Videos are designed to help train your counter staff. Daily software procedures are demonstrated to show employees how to use the tee sheet and point-of-sale. Take advantage of this great training tool! Click here for the Counter Series Online Videos.
Upcoming Events
SAVE THE DATE - The National Users Conference is just 6 months away! This year's conference will be held November 16-17, 2010. More information to be announced soon. Click here to visit the National Users Conference Webpage.
Monthly Survey
Has the way you stocked your golf shop changed this year compared to last year? Click here to take this month's survey!
