Cost: $350.00 (add $150.00 for each extra person) plus cost of accommodations where applicable

5 to 6 hours over 1 day covers the items listed below.

RECOMENDATION: If you are an experienced Innkeeper then this course will give you the academic skills as an Innsitter for other Bed and Breakfast Inns. If you have not previously operated a B&B then it is highly recommended you consider first taking our "Starting a Bed and Breakfast - for Aspiring InnKeepers" course to learn the business from the Innkeeper's perspective for who you will be working for.
 
'I had the pleasure of taking the Innsitters~ Interim Innkeeping Course with Dieter Gerhard in December, 2007. I was able to truly get a grasp on what is involved in being an Innkeeper for the B&B industry. We covered all major topics, and Dieter was open to answer all questions. The course was professional, well prepared, and I left feeling encouraged and excited about the industry. Thanks Dieter and all the best to you and your family.
- Layla Casper, Vancouver BC."
 
Employee or Contractor

• sole proprietorship or incorporation - pros and cons
• Worker's Compensation
• insurance
• taxation
• income tax
• write-offs
• cash

Marketing Yourself

• professional people friendly image
• non-smoker is a plus
• Internet
• printed materials
• life experience
• references
• education
• credentials
• volunteering
• networking
• B&B associations

Establishing Rates

• fixed and/or percentage rates - pros and cons
• first and last day of innsitting
• transportation to / from B&B
• local transportation
• time of year - high / low season
• size of B&B
• negotiating rates
• on location training

Innsitter Services to Innkeeper

• home base and abroad
• basic services - what's included
• planning, preparation and serving of breakfasts
• including the safe and proper food handling
• working with special dietary needs
• purchasing food and supplies
• housekeeping industry standards
• cleaning check list
• hosting / concierge
• financial
• record keeping
• telephones
• computer
• contract
• deposits
• reservations
• cancellations
• management
• maintenance reports
• pets, pools, flower gardens, grounds keeping
• extra services extra fee: weddings, conferences, special events

Client Expectations and Preparedness

• 3-star, 4-star, 5-star levels
• interview client
• advance preparation
• innsitter list - comprehensive
• innsitter questionnaire
• your lodging and food
• contingencies
• supervise and/or work with other staff
• front office procedures
• guest management software
• credit card processing
• basic bookkeeping software

Guest Services

• knowledge of area history and attractions
• reservations, dinner, theatre and attractions
• handling complaints
• setting boundaries
• early check ins and late check outs
• gift certificates
• handling unique situations
• emergencies
• directions