Innkeeper FAQ: BedandBreakfast.com Gift Cards and Certificates

What are BedandBreakfast.com gift cards/certificates?
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 partner distribution websites that specialize in the sale of gift cards and gift registries.
• Retail stores: BedandBreakfast.com gift cards are sold in more than 20,000 retail locations, including Wal-Mart, Costco, CVS/pharmacy, Rite-Aid., and many others. You redeem them just like BedandBreakfast.com gift cards and certificates sold online. For security reasons, some gift cards have the order number protected by a scratch-off coating. After you or the guest removes the coating, you'll see the required number.
• 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. Beginning in November, 2007, The Getaway Gift Card is being sold on the BedandBreakfast.com website, and by participating innkeepers.
• Both cards and certificates are welcome at the same B&Bs, and the terms and conditions are the same.

How does the program work?
Guests present their gift cards/certificates 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.

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, please click here, email Sales@BedandBreakfast.com, or call 800-GO-B-AND-B (800-462-2632), or 1-512-322-2710.

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 85% 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 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 15% commission on the face value of each gift card/certificate, your actual cost averages 7.5%, since guests often spend double or triple the value of their cards or certificates.

Are BedandBreakfast.com gift cards discounted by retailers?
More than 20,000 retail stores sell BedandBreakfast.com gift cards at full price; cards sold in Costco stores are discounted 20%. Regardless of the retail price, your commission remains at 15% of the full price, not the discount price.

Who's eligible?
Any member property located in the United States or Canada is eligible to participate.

Do BedandBreakfast.com gift cards and certificates 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 or at check-in, request the order and certificate numbers for the gift card/certificate 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.

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.