Innkeeper FAQ: BedandBreakfast.com Gift Cards and Certificates
Do I have to be a member of BedandBreakfast.com to participate in this program?
Yes. Participation is open only to member properties in the United States and Canada. Of course, we would love to welcome you as a BedandBreakfast.com member. For information on our 90-day free trial membership, please
click here or contact us at
Sales@BedandBreakfast.com or 800-GO-B-AND-B (800-462-2632), or 1-512-322-2710.
What are BedandBreakfast.com Gift Cards?
This program is a risk-free way for innkeepers to find new guests. It is entirely separate from the gift certificates you sell at your inn, or those offered by your state, province, or local association. BedandBreakfast.com promotes its gift cards in the following ways:
- Internet: BedandBreakfast.com Gift Cards are sold to tens of thousands of inngoers throughout our website, via special emails and newsletters, through press releases and media advertisements, and through a variety of partner distribution websites that sell gift cards.
- Corporate sales: BedandBreakfast.com Gift Cards are used by corporations large and small, and are ideal for reward and recognition programs, sales and safety incentives, consumer promotions, gift with purchase premiums, corporate gifts, and much more.
What's the difference between BedandBreakfast.com Gift Certificates, The Bed and Breakfast Card, and The Getaway Gift Card™ from BedandBreakfast.com?
- BedandBreakfast.com Gift Certificates have been sold since 1999; certificates sold after August 31, 2005, do not expire. After logging in to check their value and validity, you can continue to accept them indefinitely.
- The Bed and Breakfast Card, and The Getaway Gift Card™ from BedandBreakfast.com have been sold in major retail stores since 2006. The Getaway Gift Card is being sold on the BedandBreakfast.com website and by participating innkeepers.
How does the program work?
Guests present their gift cards when payment is made. Redemptions and most payments are made online for both cards and certificates. If you do not have Internet access, we apologize, but this program will not work for you.
How do I get my money?
Once you sign up, we will send you detailed instructions on how to redeem cards quickly and easily online. You can also
log in to your Home Base with your property ID and password. From the grid on your Home Base, click Accept Cards/Certificates. By clicking the links from the menu in the left-hand column, you’ll be able to redeem cards and certificates, set up your direct deposit payment account, track payments, and more.
BedandBreakfast.com will pay you 80% of the dollar amount of every card/certificate you redeem. Payments are made via Direct Deposit, officially known as Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), to your bank account within four business days for properties located in the United States, and within six business days for properties located in Canada. Properties in the United States (only) can opt to receive a check within 30 business days; a $10 fee applies. Nothing to fold, lick, address or stamp. And best of all, no wait for your money!
What is the rebate program?
BedandBreakfast.com offers a tiered rebate program for properties that redeem more than $1500 worth of gift cards annually. This rebate reduces the effective commission paid by properties which receive a large volume of gift cards. The rebate period begins January 1 and ends December 31 of each year.
- When a property reaches the $1500 threshold, they will receive a 2.5% rebate on their subsequent redemptions (effective commission: 17.5%)
- When a property reaches the $5000 threshold, they will receive 5% rebate on their redemptions (effective commission: 15%)
These rebates are processed after the end of each calendar year. Innkeepers who qualify for the rebate will receive email notification when their rebate is processed. Rebates will be sent via EFT if the property has their bank account information on file; otherwise, the payment will be sent via check to the mailing address on file.
What is Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)?
More commonly known as Direct Deposit, the U.S. Department of the Treasury explains that Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) provides for electronic payments and collections. EFT is safe, secure, efficient, and less expensive than paper check payments and collections.
How will people know I'm participating?
Travelers can use several different search tools on BedandBreakfast.com to find properties that accept our gift cards,
including this one. A gift card participation icon will be displayed on your city search results listing. A badge on your property listing also indicates that you welcome the cards. You will be listed in the printed directory that is now distributed with most cards (updated annually)
What does it cost me?
Although BedandBreakfast.com retains a 20% commission on the face value of each gift card/certificate, your actual cost is likely to be around 10%, since guests often spend double or triple the value of their cards.
Who's eligible?
Any member property located in the United States or Canada is eligible to participate.
Do BedandBreakfast.com Gift Cards expire?
No. Gift cards/certificates issued after August 31, 2005, do not expire.
Are Gift Certificates/Cards transferable?
Yes. Although the name on the card/certificate does not need to match the guest's name, the card/certificate and order numbers
must be accurate for redemption.
What about credit card and gift card fraud?
For protection against the purchase of gift cards and certificates with stolen credit cards, BedandBreakfast.com cards/certificates
cannot be used until seven days after they are purchased/activated. This provides time for notification of credit card company/banks when credit cards are stolen. If someone does buy a gift card from a retailer with a stolen credit card and waits the seven days to use it, the innkeeper will get paid regardless. BedandBreakfast.com or the retailer (not the innkeeper) assumes liability if/when cards/certificates are purchased fraudulently.
How can I protect myself against credit card and gift card fraud?
When taking any reservation (with or without a gift card), get a credit card (including the security number) and check to be sure the card is good. At the time of reservation, request the order and certificate numbers for the gift card and check its validity by logging into your Home Base. Don’t hesitate to call us for assistance if something “doesn’t seem right.” If not during regular business hours, our call center staff is on duty 24/7 and may be able to assist you.
Is this a major problem for B&Bs?
Gift cards are a $35 billion business which inevitably attracts a tiny percentage of dishonest people. B&Bs are least likely to be affected; if someone is using a stolen credit card, he or she wants salable merchandise like TVs and jewelry. Staying in a B&B where one can be easily identified is an unlikely choice.
Do I have to accept gift cards/certificates in payment for group functions, such as weddings?
No. Gift cards/certificates are intended for individual travelers not large groups where you already provided a discounted rate and/or special services.
Can I charge a premium to guests to cover the commission cost?
No. You must accept the gift cards/certificates just like a cash or credit card payment. Please read the
Terms & Conditions for details, or contact us.
Can I black out certain dates?
No. You must accept gift cards for payment if you have availability, although your regular minimum stay requirements still apply.
Are BedandBreakfast.com Gift Cards discounted by retailers?
Costco.com and some Costco Warehouses stores sell cards at a 20% discount with the restrictions noted below. Regardless of the retail price, your commission remains at 20% of the full price, not the discount price.
- From December 2008 through June 2009, Costco.com sold cards that limit recipients to redeeming only two cards (total value of $200) per stay, thereby capping your cost and ensuring that travelers do not show up and try to pay for an entire $600 stay with discounted cards. Costco.com cards are clearly labeled to differentiate them from regular BedandBreakfast.com Gift Cards, but are redeemed just like regular gift cards.
- Effective July 1, 2009, both Costco.com and Costco Warehouses are testing the sale of the BedandBreakfast.com Online Reservation Card, redeemable only for reservations made online at BedandBreakfast.com. Do not accept this card for payment. You can tell the difference between these online reservations cards and regular gift cards by checking the back; the online reservations cards say Costco Certificate # and Online Reservation #.
| Online Reservations Card: redeemed on BedandBreakfast.com |
Costco.com card: limit two per stay |
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The U.S. Department of the Treasury says that Electronic Funds Transfers (EFT) provide for electronic payments and collections. EFT is safe, secure, efficient, and less expensive than paper check payments and collections.
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