One of Six Trends to Watch Out for in 2012

SOCIAL SHARING. Ideas, opinions, media, status updates are all part of what makes social media a powerful and often disruptive force. The media industry was one of the first to understand this, adding sharing options to content, which led to more page views and better status in search results. What comes next in social sharing is more closely aligned with e-commerce or web transactions. For example, Sears allows a user to share a product or review with their networks directly from the site. Sharing that vacation you just booked, or recommending a product, or service from any site to a social network is where sharing goes next. We probably don't know what we are willing to share until we see the option to do it. 

Isn't it about time we show you how to add a "Reserve A Space" link on your Facebook page?  And then direct your follower to a page for transacting and tracking?  This is the future and you can have it now.

We will share the "LIKES" of this strategy at the Client User Conference.

This is last posting for 2012.  

Happy Holidays from your friends at SMC!

Have you ever said to yourself or others? "I wish I took the time to learn more about ..."

2012:  Please think for a few minutes on what consumers (you and your customer) will be introduced to with respect to information (the expanded fast moving, internet highway), technology (simple cloud-based software accessible anywhere), devices (mobile apps managing daily routines) and media (socially connected through various channels) in the year ahead.  Transformation, also known as change of circumstance, is very scary to most people, especially in business!  Why?  Because management will have to adapt or simply get left behind, thus resulting in lost market share.

For the entrepreneur, executive vice-president, general manager, or recent college graduate, I highly recommend you begin preparing yourself to take advantage of market opportunities and help ensure growth, whether personal or business. 

I found an excellent 20-minute presentation on YouTube that I want to share with everyone.  We can always use fresh information in our business life.  And if I had to take a guess, the audience in the room paid over $500 to attend this conference. But for you, it's FREE.  Enjoy!

20 Things to know about the Internet

Click Here to Read

2012: What is your online strategy?

A successful online marketing program is more than just a web site. It’s integrating online marketing with your overall business goals. It’s using the best technology available to reach the right customers at the right time. It’s identifying measurable goals and developing the best programs to achieve those results.
Building an online strategy consists of:

• Search engine optimization (SEO) programs
• Pay per click (PPC) campaigns
• Directory listings
• E-mail marketing campaigns
• Setting up channel partners
• Social Networking

In review of the above, if you do not have a clear understanding of these strategies, I strongly recommend you take the time to learn, and quickly.  To get the most from any of these, you need to exploit the unique advantages of each to achieve specific goals.

The Client User Conference will help you: 

• Define your business goals
• Identify your Key Performance Indicators and Measurables
• Learn what your competitors are doing
• Understand your targeted users and determine how your site and all your online marketing programs will help them achieve their own goals

By visually showing you, SMC will develop your online strategy that will ensure a strong return on your time and investment, drive conversions and sales, and grow your business.

SMC cares about your business.  Let us help you thrive in 2012! 

Private lots take away parking revenue from Tampa International Airport

U.S. Airport Authorities are aggressively seeking ways to increase revenues, efficiencies and positioning its brand in the market place.  With many confirming that their parking business is the 2nd largest revenue source, it is only a matter of time before some Airport Authorities implement a reservations system.  Although many off-airport parking companies think "...why would they do that", there are 20 good reasons.   

To read a recent article on an Airport Authority "preparing to fight back", please CLICK HERE.

Text Messaging in the USA

CLICK HERE NOW TO READ SOME STAGGERING STATISTICS AND TRENDING!

Ever heard of Zingle?  What's a Zingle??

Please click here to learn more about this company.

Late last year, I spoke to a small parking operator who removed his company information from the baggage claim area of the airport and saved over $10,000 annually.  This company implemented Zingle's program.

Earlier this year, we learned that over 70 airport operators were using Zingle at their company for sole purpose of providing a text messaging service for returning parkers (pick-up at the airport).  And when asked about the new digital customer service concept, many of these operators said their customers "love it".

A few months back, Zingle contacted SMC for a possible integration partnership.  After several meetings, SMC decided to move forward in working together with Zingle.  In the weeks/months to come, SMC will be testing this system integration service in a few markets.  With Zingle attending the User Conference in January, we hope to provide a demonstration to you.

If you would like to reach out to Zingle, please contact Henkel Smith at 858.207.6324 or hsmith@zingleparking.com.

PCI DSS: The Importance of Securing Payment Information

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a widely accepted set of compliance policies, rules and procedures designed to ensure the security of credit and debit card transactions and protect cardholders against identity fraud, America's fastest growing crime.

The goal of PCI DSS is to ensure the security of payment card data by education and issuing a set of standards. The card brands require that processors have compliant merchants, and the processors in turn require the merchants to comply. Fines and loss of credit card acceptance are the risks to the business.

Click Here Now to familarize yourself with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).  Why?  Because PCI DSS is important to a business wanting to avoid fines and the risks of noncompliance in the event of a breach of security both internal and external.

Q: To whom does PCI DSS apply?

A: PCI DSS applies to ALL organizations or merchants, regardless of size or number of  transactions, that accepts, transmits or stores any cardholder data. Said another way, if any customer of an organization ever pays the merchant directly using a credit card or debit card, then the PCI DSS requirements apply.

If you would like to learn more about PCI DSS, Register Now for the Client User Conference where we will share our experiences in order to help you prepare your business for the inevitable.

Update on Groupon

"Groupon is a disaster," says Sucharita Mulpuru, a Forrester Research analyst. "It's a shill that's going to be exposed pretty soon."


Click Here to Read More!

Used Shuttle Buses For Sale

Sky Harbor Airport Parking operates a large fleet of Shuttle Buses for their off-airport parking business.  The company's president, Jason Pasley, is interested in selling some of these vehicles to fellow operators in need of this type of equipment.

2005 Champion E-450

14+ Passenger

200K+ Miles

Large Luggage Rack

Large Rear A/C

All Maintenence Records

Very Well Maintained

Is Facebook Worth The Hassle?

We all take care of our cars with the typical maintenance issues; oil change, flat tire, brakes, etc.  And then there are sometimes where we need to address some bigger and more serious problems; leaks, belts, electrical, and much more.

In regards to a bigger problem, such as a radiator leak on a Friday evening, where does one find an auto service repair store on a Saturday...affordable...trustworthy...and has your parts?  A better question is, how do you search for an auto service repair store?  Since I was fortunate to have this happen to me a few days ago, I thought it would be appropriate to share my story.

Here is the Where and the How options:

Yellow Pages - not in our home or business these days; who wants to call all over the community?
Newspaper - no more delivery at our house; stopped reading old news 10 years ago
Direct Mail - not too much promotion here; currently receive car dealerships advertising their services
Internet - the only timely way to find anything; Google search 'tampa auto care services' and voilà

Along with the basic keyword search, a shopper receives multiple choices in the community.  This is how business is done today, right?  Absolutely! 

------------------------------------>

I clicked on three automotive websites who appeared to be a trusted brand, open on Saturday and have the necessary parts for a 9-year old BMW.  This is where the fun begins for a shopper, and that is trying to locate pertinent information (value and service) fast (right now, not Monday) on a website full links from tires to services to parts (like looking for Waldo).  The three companies were Firestone, Pep Boys and Sears.

Please allow me to cut to the chase and make this 30 minute story real short.  When I visited the companies mentioned,  I found myself thinking...who wants my business?  Who is going to make it easy for me to drive my car into your facility and pay you money?  Good question right?

So why or how did Pep Boys earn my business?  The answer is simple!  After reading up on their services, I clicked on their Facebook link and it directed me to a "Monthly Deals" page. This page convinced me and closed me, and from there, the savings of 10% looked good on my invoice.
------------------------------------<

Knowing this, if you were responsible for Sear's or Firestone's online strategy, would you change your strategy to drive more customers into your business?  Of course!

In summary, I asked the Assistant Manager at Pep Boys a question:  "Do you receive many of these Facebook coupons?"  His answer:  "More and more each day".  And then he said, "Next time, just pull the coupon up on your phone and we will honor it."  That is what I am talking about....Keep It Simple & Smart!

Last Chance for a $1500 Website

As many of you know, our core business services are Reservations, Point-Of-Sale, Integration, Consulting and Marketing Services.  Do we build websites once-in-awhile?  Yes!  Since 2010, SMC has designed and developed 10 websites for our parking clients, and we have enjoyed participating in a variety of marketing initiatives to drive traffic.  

Dynamic Websites are so important today for your business.  Like with your clothes, your hair, and your car, your website must be updated to reflect the modern day demands and pressures.  To learn more about a dynamic website, please click here. 

If you would like for SMC to build your business a new website, the time is now. Right Now! The development cost is $1500.00 and annual maintenance (excludes hosting) cost is only $100.00.  Beginning December 16, 2011, the website price will increase to $2000 and annual maintenance to $500.

• Professional Design (over 3000 templates to choose from)
• Search Engine Friendly Structure
• Optimized Website Layout and Design
• Front End Design includes:

• Home
• About
• Rates & Services
• Rewards
• Testimonials
• Reservations
• Directions, Google Map and Widget
• Contact Form
• Constant Contact Widget
• Other
  
• Discount/Coupon
• Includes up to 8 photos
• Includes up to 2 videos
• Basic Search Engine Submission
• Social Media

BONUS:  We will build landing pages at no charge.  What does this mean?  If you find a corporation, travel agency or association to work with and they want a link to your website with a preferred reservations system, or you would like to have a Facebook page on your website with a reservations system, or you would like to run a Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaign to point shoppers to a promotional page with a reservations system, we will add these pages complimentary.

NOTE:  Websites using Flash are not mobile friendly.  Therefore, if you have a flash application on your website or you are thinking about it, please be advised of the loading problems.  With mobile phones and tablets growing so rapid in the marketplace, you must be aware of potential problems for your customers.

If this is you - "we need to upgrade our website and get with the times" - let us know!  SMC will take care of you.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Client User Conference

SMC is thrilled about its first-of-a-kind gathering for parking operators from around the country. Is it really a first-of-its-kind? Yes, and this is why. At no cost to you (other than your trip to Florida), SMC will hold educational workshops and sessions to share a combined 50+ years of expertise in various fields to help your business grow in 2012.  As internet marketing and innovative technology evolves, the time is now.

If a picture is worth a thousand words ...

... then a video is worth a million.

CLICK HERE NOW

to preview the Agenda and Register for the Conference. If you have any hesitation, please call me so I can share my thoughts on how important it will be for you to network with fellow parking operators just like you who are "fighting the fight". Furthermore, if you have thoughts to share with us on the Agenda, please let us know.  We are always listening.

The SMC Team looks forward to seeing you all.

Press Announcement

Playing Around with "Call-To-Action" Buttons and a Badge for Emails and Websites

New buttons are popping up everywhere in the reservations space. From the industry leaders (airline, hotel, car rental, rail, and cruise) to skeptical followers (parking, limo, taxi, golf, restaurants, salons, and many others). So why is this phenomenon growing so fast?

There are many reasons for this change of circumstance. For this writing, let's discuss three.

1. Businesses spend X amount of dollars promoting their brand through various methods and channels on the internet. Researchers have found that when people arrive at a website, at least 50% of them will leave that website within 8 seconds. Please click here to read more.

2. Mobile Devices. Not much too say here other than - "Watch Out, because you have not seeen anything yet". Okay, let me share a quick one with you. Last week, we reserved a free Chick-fil-a sandwich online which we had to pick up today between 8a-9a. (Personal note: Eating chicken for breakfast is tough to swallow). Anyways, a 30-something man walks up to the counter with his Tablet PC, in place of a printed receipt, to redeem his sandwich with a bar-coded stamp on his screen. You get the picture, right?

3. The element of surprise - no full disclosure. Consumers want to know the total price of what they are buying in a real time environment. No one likes surprises. Car dealers are the best example here. "This car will only cost you $300/month". We all know how that story ends after driving your dream car off the lot for only $349/month...if you're lucky.

Having said all that, we are creating Call-To-Action buttons for email campaigns. We are also playing around with a "Best Rate Guarantee" badge for websites. Many companies are adding these features to their marketing strategy and we feel it is important to follow success. So, if you have thoughts to share, we are listening.

Client User Conference 2012

On September 15, 2011, we will publicly announce the 2012 Client User Conference. Please mark your calendars in January for this educational opportunity of a lifetime.

If it were me, knowing what I know about the meetings scheduled, my Manager would be riding shot-gun.

Stay Tune!

Inside Parking Logo

NEW
LOGO
FOR
INSIDE PARKING
When you see this logo on emails or web pages, just click it to read fresh content!

National Parking Assocation (NPA) Conference in early October

SMC will be making its rounds at this years NPA Conference in Las Vegas, October 3-6. Click here to learn more about the Conference. To glance at the agenda, click here.

If you plan to attend the Conference and would like to meet with us, please drop us an email.

The Importance of Collecting Email Addresses

GET READY FOR 2012!

Please let your shoppers and customers OPT-IN to receiving emails from you. Soon, we will be saying "please let your shoppers and customers to OPT-IN to receiving text messages from you". Lets start with emails since email marketing is one of the more powerful and affordable branding tools available. Your customers must see your branded business on a regular basis

The first step to email marketing
In talking with business owners they often admit that they are not collecting email address information about their customers. If you fall into this group of businesses that is ignoring the value of email marketing here are some techniques you should consider implementing.

Most companies that have tried to collect data on customers have -- at one time or another -- used long forms, thinking, "We have one shot at getting this information. Let's ask for everything." But with identity theft being a genuine concern these days, your customers are reluctant to offer up anything but the most basic of information.

One way to gather more information is to do it slowly. Customers are usually willing to offer up information if they trust you, and in small amounts. If you use a little information in a trustworthy manner, they may consider giving you a bit more information. Email simply happens to be a great way to implement this technique

Start by asking for an email address in a simple subscription form on your website. Here are a few suggestions:

NOTE: When I say "simple" I mean simple. Just ask for an email and address and perhaps a name; nothing more. Here are two examples - 1) landing page on your website for visitors to add email address - there is no database for managing emails - manual administrative process, 2) managed database by Constant Contact.

Upon receiving the email address, immediately send a welcome email to the email address. The welcome email should be informational and should acknowledge the subscription to your list and put the subscriber at ease with her choice to offer up her email address.

Over time, your company can quietly attempt to gather a piece of data missing from her customer profile such as purchase preferences, etc.

If you match the data collected in your email marketing efforts to the data residing in your main customer databases, targeting messages becomes much easier and it increases your opportunity for cross-selling and other purposes.

Helping out email
Simply put, you can't send email without email addresses, and companies often fail to take full advantage of their touch points with customers to gather email addresses.

It is recommended to every business that engages in email marketing is to identify every touch point your company has with customers -- customer service, at your cash registers, package inserts, direct mail, online shopping carts, newspaper ads, billboards, radio, banner ads, events, search engines, radio, television, etc -- and turn those touch points into email address collection points.

If you would like control of this essential business practice, SMC will help you (no cost to you) get started with a 'self-serving' footprint. This includes:

1. Setting up your account for both SMC and YOU to have complete access to your account. Please click here to view Constant Contacts monthly pricing plans. Most of you will fall under $50/month.
2. Training you on Constant Contact with respect to database management, email distribution, creating ads and viewing reports.
3. Embedding the Constant Contact Email Widget on your website.

Beginning January 2012, if you would like for SMC to manage your email campaign (one per month) from design to distribution, this is possible for a monthly fee of only $99/month. This excludes all new clients who signed an Agreement after May 1, 2011.

Free publicity about your business is more valuable than paid advertising

Better than advertising, really? Absolutely. Please click on the link below to read a recent article on Covered Airport Parking in Panama City, Florida.

http://www.newsherald.com/articles/covered-96003-expanded-offers.html

How do you get free publicity? Use press releases.

"First Things First"

1. Make your press releases news NOT advertising.

   A sample news item could be your business sponsoring a community program, offering a free service or introduce a unique product.

2. Research the Media

   Read several back issues of the publications you plan to send your releases, most are niche-oriented and only acceptable submissions of interest their readership.

3. Keep Your News Story Current.

   Writing about past or far future events can lower your chances of publication. If your news is time-sensitive include the words "For Immediate Release" in your press release.

4. Use a proper news release format. Although some editors may run your release "as is", others may edit it. Either case, you get the word out.

5. Email Press Releases vs. Fax or U.S. Postal Service.

   Many publications will accept email and fax press releases, but you should inquire first.

   Keep a log of who you submit press releases. When you get publicity save the clipping and post them on your website, and in your ezines and include them in your next press kit.

6. News editors receive thousands of press release daily, persistent and patient can produce free publicity rewards.

SMC Welcomes New Parking Clients

As you know, SMC is regularly adding information to our Inside Parking Blog for the sole purpose of helping our parking customers with new programs, concepts, ideas, trends, successes and important issues related to the industry. We do hope many of you walk away with something simply because the parking industry is rapidly evolving.

For this particular posting, we would like to welcome the following off-airport parking companies to the SMC family:

Best Value Airport Parking (Seattle, WA)

Flight Park (Nashville, TN)

Covered Airport Parking (Panama City, FL)

Select/Payless Valet Airport Parking (Boston, MA); in addition, Select/Payless implemented a reservations system at their parking operations in Providence, RI and Manchester, NH earlier in the summer.

We looking forward to helping all of our parking clients increase traffic and convert online shoppers into parkers.

AAA South Penn Gets First Parking Reservations System

Please visit http://southpa.aaa.com/Travel/Parking to find the Cramer Airport Parking reservations system on AAA South Penn in Pennsylvania. If you are prompted with a zip code, enter in 17401.

Click on the 'Travel' link on navigation bar and then find the 'Airport Parking Reservations' link on the right side of page.

Congratulations Stan.

Anonymous Letter (exerpt) from Another Industry's Perspective

This email letter was distributed to the media of another $25 billion industry. It is right on the money.

I have used several aggregator websites (3rd Party Marketing Sites) in the past. I use them no more. My comments are in no way personal. I have no ill will against any particular business. I just have a huge set of concerns about the proliferation of these sites and the industry’s acceptance of them with open arms.

In short, here are 5 reasons why I believe we should see these aggregator websites as more of a hindrance than a help to our industry.

1. Utilizing the 3rd party online customer capture model will reduce revenue for the operator. Since the main differentiation on these sites is price, we are conditioning the consumer to think price is the only basis in choosing a facility. Lowest price wins (we all lose).

2. In the yellow-page days, at least we’d get a phone call and a good manager could deflect the price question and entice a potential renter in. In the aggregator environment, we’ve lost direct contact with the consumer. These aggregator sites add a layer of “insulation” between us and the consumer. We lose the ability to out-shine the competition.

3. Indiscriminate use of these aggregator sites will damage what brand equity you have built. You cannot tell the difference between 1st generation facilities or 3rd generation facilities. If you run an outstanding operation, you’re brought down to average on these sites.

4. If you already have good online visibility, these aggregator sites are now competing against you. The aggregator now has become your competitor, trying to capture potential renters and direct them to their site and send them to you for a fee (and many 'a fee' to the consumer).

5. These aggregator sites have inserted themselves between us and the consumer as the middle man. Ask people in the hotel industry or airline industry their opinion of these aggregator sites in their industry and what it has done to pricing. They HATE them.

If you doubt that, then read this article at portfolio.com about why airlines are now fighting third-party reservation sites. Make the analogy to our industry and imagine what it looks like today and then 5 years from now.

http://www.portfolio.com/business-travel/2011/01/05/why-legacy-airlines-are-warring-with-expedia-and-orbitz

I’m not telling you what is best for your particular situation. Only you know. I only ask you to consider what the blind acceptance of these sites means to the industry. I believe in capturing business online, but from your own website, not another’s.

To our parking clients, if you allow any company to use your trade name on their website with or without out your permission, you will be competing against your brand.

Please don't get grossed out by this next story, but to my surprise one day last week, I found ticks on my two dogs about the size of an aspirin. Although our pups receive monthly dosages of medicine, these resilient pests did serious damage from head to toe within 24 hours. Unimaginable damage to their skin. These pests hopped on and sucked a serious amount of blood from their healthy bodies. Who knows what the real damage would have been if we did nothing to help them.

Your brand is your greatest asset. Please protect it.

Email Marketing: 6 Steps to Success

The information being shared here was gathered from Constant Contact and iContact to help you prepare for the next launch.

Step 1
Set your business up with a proven permission-based email marketing software; Constant Contact or iContact. Learn the importance of managing subscriptions, unsubscribe requests, and bounce reports; viewing reporting statistics like opens and clicks; and leveraging your campaigns with social media.

Step 2
Determine the type and frequency of the email campaign you will send. It is recommended that you send at least one newsletter per month or multiple newsletters if you sell more than one type of service (i.e. auto care services). You can also send promotional messages offering a discount or a coupon.

Step 3
Add a sign-up form to your website, so you can collect new subscribers. Both companies mentioned offer a widget application for your website.

Step 4
Use an attention-grabbing email template from your email marketing software or create an professional message through your in-house design team. Keep the message simple and create action with a hyperlinked button to your website.

Step 5
Develop relevant and high-quality content for your messages. Continue sending your newsletters, announcements, or promotions with consistent frequency. As your list grows, you will notice increased traffic and sales on the day of and the days following an email send.

Step 6
To improve message deliverability, add a line similar to the following to the tops of your emails:
To ensure receipt of our emails, please add something@yourcompany.com to your address book.

Note: Your emails should come from your company email address. Not many people will relate to an email address from peterparking@aol.com.

A Good Read: Valet Parking Services

----> Snip-it:

Our "confessor" (let's call him Mark) has worked both at upscale hotels and small valet parking companies and has seen (and done) his share of mischief. He shares his experience with us, no holds barred. Learning how valets think and how some of them treat your property might make you reconsider self-parking. Read More...

When Being Small is an Advantage in Tough Economic Times

While recessions are rarely good news for any business, they can present opportunities, especially for companies that can take the long view by focusing on the core business issues; driving shoppers to your business and converting them into customers.

In a recession, there is always some panic, and businesses withdraw from markets even if it is just downsizing. People who see those openings can capitalize on them. History shows that there are companies that have thrived in a downturn environment.

The niches that these opportunistic businesses occupy may be small, but markets can grow as the economy recovers. Fact is, people are still parking their vehicles - whether at the airport or at the downtown garage - maybe not as much, but look around you to see vehicles parked at your competition.

Small businesses have an important advantage over large firms. Unburdened by large bureaucracies, they can shift strategies more quickly in a changing environment. While bigger companies typically cut costs more steeply and more quickly than small firms, this opens the door for small companies to take market share. As larger companies focus on cost, smaller companies have the opportunity to differentiate what they offer...in a personalized way.

Like with anything in business, small business owners who can focus on the fundamentals (the bascis) and stay positive are poised for success as the economy revives. The bottom line is this:

• In a recession, small businesses need to step back and assess their long-term strategies. This often means resisting impulses to slash jobs, services and marketing tactics.

• Focusing on providing high quality services is an important strategy for small businesses in a recession. Great services can separate a business from its competitors and help it to retain customers.

• Small business owners and managers must stay visible and positive in a recession. Keeping communications open with employees, suppliers, lenders, and customers builds the trust and cooperation needed to overcome challenges. This is essential!

• Recessions can present opportunities for small businesses. Some firms will vacate markets when hard times hit, and these openings can be filled by other companies.

Opportunity is knocking hard. Consumers want your affordable service. Here is a "Beyond The Box" concept:

Parking Your Vehicle at the Airport does not have to be expensive or frustrating. Our Recession Rate of only $_____ per day is our way to show you "we get it". Experience the difference and save!

SMC Client User Conference staged for January 2012

Who should attend this Conference, your Conference? At the minimum, the Owner, and if possible, the General Manager.

Why? Because you will walk away with so much information it will be difficult (more like impossible) to relay the wide range of messages and then execute the processes upon your return to the real world.

Why else? In speaking with so many parking companies across North America, I find that 90% of the owners rely heavily on the opinions of their General Manager.

I have attended a handful of NPA (National Parking Association) Conferences since 2002, and with respect to the off-airport parking meetings, there is one roundtable to discuss how airport authorities are taking action across the country. Don't get me wrong, this is good information, but there is much more to the parking business. Most off-airport parking owners choose not to attend NPA is simply because the information does not pertain to their business.

Serious Questions:

Do you want more customers?

Do you want to keep your current customers?

Do you want to be more profitable?

Do you want to grow your occupancy levels?

Do you want to measure your success?

The best question is, would you like to be around fellow off-airport parking companies who may share one idea to help your business attract one new customer a day - 365 days? Powerful!

Based on your quick feedback for attending the conference, we hope to finalize all arrangements this month and have invitations out by September 1, 2011.

Aggregator Websites: Consumers will always blame your brand for any confusion

NPA News Brief

Airport parking fees starting to multiply - posted in The Baltimore Sun Share

Like many travelers, Hal Frost is accustomed to being hit with fees everywhere he goes, from the airport check-in counter to the hotel front desk. But long-term parking used to always be pretty straightforward: the rate he was quoted was the rate he paid. Not anymore. When he parked his car in New York recently, he found several fees added to his bill, including a fuel surcharge fee, a customer service fee and an access fee. Click hear to read more.

Great Idea - Worth Sharing

Purchase Park2Fly

offers free weather-resistant luggage tags

for their parkers.

As a seasoned traveler myself, I believe this idea is out-of-the-box thinking. It makes perfect sense to keep your brand name in front of your customers.

Just another comment: If anyone has ideas to share, please send them to us. We would love to hear what is working at your business.

Welcome Purchase Park2Fly

SMC would like to welcome Purchase Park2Fly (PP2F) to its family of parking clients. SMC has provided PP2F with a turnkey solution to compete at the highest level:

• New Super-friendly Website (a must see - click here)
• POS/Ticketing Management System
• Real-time Reservations System

Congratulations to PP2F on their new business venture at the Westchester County Regional Airport near White Plains, New York. After starting up its operation on April 1, 2011, Bill Guerrero, President and his team have completed major milestones in his college community by offering superior valet parking services.

To learn more about PP2F, click here to watch a local news channel interview customers and Bill Guerrero.

Be Careful with Emails like....

Your UnitedAirportParking.com parking lot information has been updated. Please contact your administrator if you should have any questions regarding this update.

If your business does not respond with a response similar to "please do not use my company's information on your website" or "you are not authorized to use my company's information on your website", there will be consequences long-term for you and your customer. What are some of those consequences?

1. By not responding, you are authorizing a 3rd party company to use your company information.

2. If authorized, a 3rd party company will use your name in your market on the various search engines.

3. Using your name helps a 3rd party company get listed on the 1st page of Google and Bing.

4. Your website listing will be competing against the 3rd party listing who would love to incorporate a commission back to you (normally the first day rate).

5. Bottom line is, they want your customer's data.

In addition, these 3^rd party websites create mass confusion with their pre-paid program; charge-backs, refunds, auditing, and of course, administrative fees.

I cannot stress enough the importance of branding your business in the eyes of your community. Drive shoppers into your website, set the hook and then real them in one-by-one. Do not let other websites create the relationship with your customers. History shows this is not a good long-term strategy.

Example of a reply:

“You are not authorized to list any of my information on your website. We do not allow any 3rd party aggregators to use our branded and registered name for their own gain or to promote their website. This only leads to confusion for my customers. Thank you for your understanding in this manner."

Is your business still listed on a 3rd Party Parking Aggregator?

If your answer is YES, then please click here to read an article by Christopher Elliott. He is the author of the new book "Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals." He's also the ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine and the co-founder of the Consumer Travel Alliance, a nonprofit organization that advocates for travelers.

The same Chris Elliott wrote a car rental article several years ago where my former employer, Payless Car Rental, was mentioned as a culprit of misleading consumers on insurance coverage. The long-and-short-of-it, the "free" bad press was not good for the company.

If you want your business removed from outside interferences, please call me to discuss a "short" long-term plan to freedom.