By Dale Bourdette

As campground owners, are you in the “Entertainment Business”?

Some campgrounds are more so in the entertainment business, some less, but all must have the minds set of being in the entertainment business.

If you don’t like the term “entertainment business” think of it as “Guest Satisfaction” business.  Your job is to pave the way for a satisfying visit to your campground.

Take for example the overnight park.  What does he want?  First of all you have to examine the customer.  This customer has probably driven for a long time, is tired and all he wants is a quick in to the site and a cold one!  So what does he want; I can list a few:

1. He wants the complete information via advertising, directories on what you offer, the price, and the REASON for staying at your park.
2. He wants complete directions to your park.  Most overnight parks are pretty handy to the major highways, but some are a few turns from the major highway and you better have even turn marked!
3. He wants a neat, clean first impression.
4. He wants quick and easy check in and good directions to his site and all the branches trimmed on the way to that site.  Some overnighter say to a customer with a reservation go right to your sight and then come back and sign in and pay. (This lets him get that quick beer, take stock of what he needs and then he is a much happier camper when he comes in to your registration/store and in a better mood to buy!)
5. He wants what he wants!  A clean restroom, a well stocked store for HIS needs, he wants quiet, he wants a quick internet connection to check his e-mail.
6. And finally he wants an easy out to get on the road.  Remember the signs OUT so he gets going the right direction.