Raising prices is typically not a fun decision – especially if you’re getting negative feedback from campers. You can do a few things to smooth out the potential impact. Here are 8 tips to make raising prices at your campground easier.
Timing
This may go without saying but raising your prices mid season is not ideal. Neither is raising them just prior to when you start taking bookings. If you are going to raise you prices plan to do it right at the end of your season. This will give campers the most time to prepare for the change and plan accordingly.
Consistency
Ideally, you want to raise your prices in a consistent manner so people learn to expect it. For campgrounds, this likely means raising prices yearly. By making a small increase each year rather than a larger increase every few years you’ll be met with less negative feedback.
Increase Value
If possible, try to increase the value of staying at your campground. By raising prices, you’ll be able to improve your campground to make it better for campers.
Play a Numbers Game
If your ultimate goal is just to generate more revenue your best opportunity is to increase your occupancy rate. Very few campgrounds are operating at a 100% occupancy. However, most bookings take place on weekends. By incentivizing longer stays your campground will be more full throughout the week leading to a higher nightly rate on average.
Rely on Loyalty
According to our stats, campers are incredibly loyal to specific campgrounds. Both nostalgia and a sense of place at a specific campground mean that the majority of campers return to the same campground year after year. While raising your prices may deter some price-sensitive customers, you are less likely to see a drop in campers due to pricing alone compared to other industries.
Create Bundles
By creating a bundle option, you are able to increase the perceived value to your campers. Consider bundling in firewood with longer stays or use a stay and play package if you have a golf course at your campground. There is no need to offer only items from your campground. Consider partnering with local businesses for mutual benefits.
Raise Prices Based on Demand
At the end of the day if you are just looking to increase revenue this strategy may work for you. If you’ve been using Let’s Camp for at least a year you’ll be able to pull reports to identify your most popular campsites and weekends. You’ll likely have a pretty good idea of this as a campground owner if you spend a lot of time on site as well. Consider just increasing the prices for these sites or weekends. These times or sites are in higher demand and so people will be more willing to pay a higher price for them.
Communication
Be prepared to answer questions as to why you are raising your prices. Whether it is increased costs or bringing more value to campers you and your frontline team should have clear messaging and communication about this.
