With the acquisition of Webervations and RezOvations by UK based Eviivo, many innkeepers and property managers are bracing for new structural and pricing changes that have been rumored to follow. Because Webervations/RezOvations software are no longer available, many businesses are finding this a good time to explore other property management software solutions that provide better value, stability, and all around customer experience.
What to know about Transferring Your Data
Regardless the reason to change management systems, one key factor to consider when transitioning to a new software provider is that of data transfer. Keep in mind the following:
1. GIVE YOUR BUSINESS ENOUGH TIME FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION
Ensuring accurate and timely data transfer is vital to ensuring a smooth transition that allows your business to continue running without costly delays or interruptions.
2. IS YOUR CURRENT SOFTWARE SYSTEM HOLDING YOU HOSTAGE?
It's understandable that any property management software company would be eager to keep its customers. A common tactic used by many PMS companies like Webervations/RezOvations is to complicate any attempted transition to new software by modifying/altering data fields so that it is difficult to import into your new software. In addition, sometimes the company will simply not allow the transfer of historical data such as customer notes.
Think of it as a retention tactic. If companies like Webervations/RezOvations want you to remain a customer, it is in their interest to make sure your data transfer doesn't sync seamlessly with the new software you have chosen.
No software on the market can transfer all data automatically if your current software refuses to export the necessary information.
3. PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS FROM POTENTIAL DAMAGING LAWSUITS
Some companies, such as ThinkReservations, claim to be able to transfer all your data automatically. But how your business chooses to transfer your data is important. Be very cautious in trusting any software that claims to be able to accomplish this. There are very important, and potentially serious, legal ramifications to be aware of when transfering your data.
When companies like Webervations and RezOvations deliberately change their data export to disrupt data transfer, there are only two potential ways to ensure complete and total data transfer.
The first is to use a reverse engineered data scraper. This infringes on copyrights and trade secrets and can violate the legal agreement you have agreed to when signing up for the software. Any company that uses this tactic, whether openly or secretly, makes themselves and your business potentially liable for legal action that could have serious adverse effects on the stability and financial well being of your business.
The second option requires your business to provide the new company with your login credentials, and have the new company log in as you to obtain and transfer all of your data. One important thing to keep in mind when using this method: the data is yours, the software is not. By providing your login credentials to the company (aka, a third party like Think Reservations), you may in fact be in violation of the "terms of use agreement" you made with your current software provider. This could potentially open your business up to legal action from the company you are hoping to transfer from. In short, there is no data transfer method out there that is guaranteed to be 100% fool-proof if your current software is determined to make your exit difficult.
4. REVIEW YOUR TERMS OF USE AGREEMENT WITH THE NEW PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE YOU ARE MOVING TO
If you choose to give your new property management software company access to your current software provider, make sure that both companies are not violating the "terms of use agreement" you made with your current software provider.
Property management companies, such as ResNexus, might already make it easy to export your data, but prohibit you from giving competitors access to their system. Keep your business safe from lawsuits by understanding your "term of use agreement".
5. AVOID TRANSFER AND SETUP FEES
Companies like ThinkReservations have setup and import data fees to transfer your data. Some unique differences of ResNexus is that we do not charge import data fees and we offer free setup from the start.
The ResNexus Difference
While no software on the market can transfer data automatically if your current software refuses to export the necessary information, ResNexus successfully imports thousands of guest reservations every year. And we do so at no additional cost to our clients. The simple fact is that our reservation importer works great! Should any potential hiccups arise, we will work diligently to ensure any problems are resolved quickly.
As we approach our 15th year, ResNexus continues to grow and develop as the #1 innovator in the hospitality industry with websites, booking engine, property management, channel management, credit card processing, and customer service. We save your business time and money by providing an all-in-one solution.
ResNexus is more than a software company. That is why we have the highest rated customer service satisfaction in the bed and breakfast industry. Unlike our competitors, we allow potential clients to check Facebook, Google, Capterra, and Software Advice to see for themselves what users are saying. You can also check out a list of FAQ's to see how we shape up against the competition. The entire ResNexus team is ready to help you save time, capture more reservations, and increase revenue. We look forward to serving you.
