How do you negotiate the best price for Opera Reservation System?

1 Know your needs

Before you approach ORS vendors, you need to have a clear idea of what you need from the system. How many rooms do you have? How many users do you need? What features are essential for your business? What are your goals and expectations from ORS? By knowing your needs, you can narrow down your options and focus on the solutions that match your requirements. You can also avoid paying for unnecessary or redundant features that you don't use.

2 Compare different vendors

Once you have a list of potential ORS vendors, you need to compare their offers and prices. Don't just look at the sticker price, but also consider the total cost of ownership (TCO), which includes installation, training, maintenance, support, upgrades, and fees. Ask each vendor for a detailed quote that breaks down the costs and benefits of their solution. You can also ask for references, testimonials, and case studies from other customers who use their system. This way, you can evaluate the quality, performance, and reliability of each vendor.

3 Negotiate the terms

After you have compared different vendors, you can start negotiating the terms of the contract. Don't be afraid to ask for discounts, incentives, or freebies, especially if you have a long-term relationship with the vendor or a large volume of bookings. You can also leverage your bargaining power by showing interest in other vendors or by asking for a price match. However, don't compromise on the quality or functionality of the system, as this could affect your guest satisfaction and revenue. Instead, look for ways to create a win-win situation for both parties.

4 Review the contract

Before you sign the contract, make sure you review it carefully and understand all the clauses and conditions. Pay attention to the fine print, such as the duration, termination, renewal, cancellation, and penalty policies. You should also check the service level agreement (SLA), which defines the expectations and obligations of the vendor regarding the system's availability, performance, security, and support. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask the vendor for clarification or modification.

5 Monitor and evaluate

After you have implemented ORS, you need to monitor and evaluate its performance and value. You can use metrics such as occupancy rate, average daily rate, revenue per available room, guest satisfaction, and online reputation to measure the impact of ORS on your business. You should also communicate regularly with the vendor and provide feedback on the system's features, functionality, and usability. If you encounter any issues or problems, you should report them to the vendor and seek resolution as soon as possible.