To be honest my thoughts are this as well. If a couple completes their first 5 hours with the fishing bug still in them (We all know 5 hours isn't going to cure the bug once it starts), I plan on pushing them towards the other guides on the docks for another 5 hours at their full rates. Already people with groups etc, and multiple days are approaching so I'm already getting other guides business by doing so at their full rates. Most of these people are first timers, and women / kid, Dad, young kid, or retired couples that sort of things but I'm surprised most of them say "It's our first time". Now to that my thought is, what if I get them hooked on fishing, and they decide to go out again, only more in their local areas, and want to keep on fishing for years to come?. That really doesn't detract from anyone's business because next season I'll be full rate, and out of towners will pay lodgings etc too, so it might be actually more feasible to fish in their local areas once they have the bug going, and they'll be apt to check out other guys / stuff. Believe it or not 56% of the purchasers are women. Demographics is a good thing, and I'm more than happy to share what I know. I feel I made a mistake though in going so low only because it may have upset some people, which I wasn't my intention. If I upset you I am sorry. The groupon is over in a day, and basically it's gone. After doing this it seems like this is a gold mine for this kind of business but I have some suggestions for anyone wanting to try it in their areas. (Believe me it works). Figure out your very bottom dollar that you and your boat need to make per day (Remember you'll make more in volume), and then take into account the actual number Groupon takes as a % (Negotiable), and then factor in the discount, and you'll come up with a number that you should push your regular price to. Remember from what I have learned is people want to be sold, and you just need to make them feel like they're getting a deal.. 50% of 1300 is the same as 50% of 950 in a mind that wants to fish. It takes about 3 months to speak to groupon once you apply, but if anyone wants to try this using that theory and working the numbers it works.. I can put you in direct contact with a direct phone number for an account manager and you'll have your money before the season ever starts.
I'm not a dick like some people think I am. My intentions are not bad. It was a test to see how useful this could be for tourism. I just screwed up and got worked down too low, at their suggestion because of the Dave guy who did it last year. More than willing to help some others get their seasons booked with what I know at a better rate. On a side note it disturbs me a bit hearing some of the things I am hearing slowly filtering back to me.. A certain charter biz, emailing another mouthing, someone telling people we scab boats together using scrap materials hahaha.. We use cnc machines to cut them so they fit perfect and it takes a month of fabrication time out using "brand new" materials. Almost all the builders now are doing that, didn't you know?
. Anyways. Who cares. I don't talk **** about people. If someone is bothered I'm free to talk to on a humane level to my face. I know the mistakes, but at the same time I am not operating at any loss, so I don't need to be chastised. I hope I can help others, and help them avoid my mistake by informing what numbers they need to come up with to be profitable, and use the power of it's reach. Also for the record BB is not affiliated in any of this. This is my own doing. I'm just hoping some guests stay out there, and promote them some more business.
