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phonecards

General Hostel Operations

gordo started this discussion 16 years 1 month ago

yes, backpackers still use them. crazy, i know!

anyway, our current supplier has discontinued their best card. anyone know any good suppliers? we've been using the actual cards with the scratch off surface on the back, but ive just got a new card printer, so an online system where we print the codes onto a plastic card would be good too.

any ideas?

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aboriginalhostel

16 years

any ideas?

I'd go for a standalone Skype phone instead, like the one you saw in Camden Place. No PC required, you just plug it into a network connection, like a router or switch.

There's still a question of billing and tracking, but basically it's free for landlines. I guess there's an option to check the length of calls though... but even the phonecard companies work through VOIP systems, so you would only get rid of third parties and make more money on your own... or just get rid of another cost! ;)

It would be a good option for calling other hostels for free: "Book your next bed for free with us..." :D

Did the company gone bust or they just realized they could make more money for less efforts?

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gordo

16 years

Yeah, I've thought about the Skype phone but if its free, people will never stop using it. If they have to pay for it, they limit their time a little better, letting others use it.

And yeah, we do make a little bit off each card ;)

I've got this new card printer that you can make scratch-off panels on, so I was thinking of downloading a bunch of codes and printing our own CalePhonian cards (or something like that).

we do use a skype phone in reception though.

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aboriginalhostel

16 years

Well, I bet you and Stu can figure out a home set VOIP system in the hostel. I was thinking of Skype because it's just easy to set up and have no clue about the technical side of it.

I was thinking some combination of both... Using Skype for intl. phone calls for example 20p a minute or so, then you don't even have to print and them to scratch... It's 1,5p for a global rate over 30 countries. There should be a restriction for cell phones though. You could make 18,5p a minute profit. 20p doesn't sound bad, it's about 5-10p for a minute on local landline BT calls, innit?

If you tell them the charge is for using the phone, not for paying the actual cost, it doesn't sound like a rip-off. If only there would be a widget to counting calls/minutes on reception, just like an internet cafe software, it would be all sorted.

You don't have to offer it for free... Just an option among the possibilities, like build into the price as a package service, like FREE five minutes call to speak your friends and well promote it on your website/BE microsite, you could have a step ahead sucking guests away from competition. I mean, who doesn't want to give a call home?

And if there are too many people to handle, you could always increase the rates or put more phones in charge...

BTW, happy birthday... You just achieved 300 posts now! Did you choose a member title for yourself? :D

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gordo

16 years

we can probably set up a coin operated system, flat fee, call anywhere for a £1 for 15 minutes or so... its eay enough to hook a coin operated network connection (insert a coin, it switches the network on for a predetermined amount of time) to a skype phone. that could work quite well actually...

really, i just want to use this card printer :p
plus if people carry the phone card with them on their travels and its got our logo and details splashed all over it acts like a flyer. im designing our new key cards on the same idea. keep the card, its got our details on it - hopefully a map - and people can hand them off to other travellers (include a discount with it when you re-use the card).

now to get the damn printer working again... it died the other day. rats.

a title? havent given it much thought really.

and cheers for the birthday wishes mate!

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aboriginalhostel

16 years

You've got a PM! ;)

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gordo

16 years

You've got a PM! ;)

er... do i? :confused:

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