We are excited to announce that FlipKey and Instant Software have partnered to allow Instant Software clients to easily and affordably (it’s free!) collect guest reviews. (Full Press Release Below)

Highlights:

• Beginning in July, ISI clients can opt-in to ISI’s Guest Review service (powered by FlipKey)
• The service is provided at no charge and will allow property managers to set their ‘collection preferences’ and then automatically begin collecting reviews from past guests through FlipKey at the conclusion of each vacation rental
• All guest review content will be made available through ISILink™, which will make it easy for property managers to publish guest reviews on their own site, FlipKey.com or any marketing channel they are leveraging to attract and convert guests.

The combined ISI-FlipKey service includes all FlipKey Features

• Personalized Invitations: Automatically email requests to past guests to leave reviews for the specific property they stayed in
• Manager Response: Respond to reviews and thank guests for their positive feedback and/or address improvements
• Low Rating Alerts: Emails alerting property managers of low rated reviews to allow quick response to critical feedback
• Extension Tools: Free tools to easily extend FlipKey reviews to property managers’ own websites. Click here to see an example of the FlipKey Guest Review Widget at Mermaid Cottages
• And much more….

This partnership provides ISI clients a wonderful opportunity to begin leveraging the power of guest reviews.

———————————–FULL PRESS RELEASE———————————-

FlipKey and Instant Software Partner to Create the Largest Collection of Vacation Rental Guest Reviews Online

FlipKey to power guest reviews for Instant Software’s 225,000 vacation rental homes

Boston, MA June 18, 2008 – Instant Software – the largest and leading supplier of software solutions and real-time online services to the Vacation Rental industry – has selected FlipKey to power an integrated guest review management service. FlipKey – the first and only independent reputation and guest review service built specifically for the vacation rental industry – will provide a private label guest review portal connected to Instant Software’s ISILink technology to enable Instant Software clients to automatically collect and publish guest reviews based on verified booking records.

“Instant Software understands the powerful impact guest reviews have in driving increased bookings – both online and offline”, said TJ Mahony, CEO of FlipKey. “By leveraging the FlipKey service, in conjunction with ISILink, Instant Software will enable its clients to more effectively compete against traditional vacation lodging accommodations, namely hotels, which have long benefited from the increased consumer confidence and information that online guest reviews provide.”

Vacation home rentals are quickly becoming the lodging option of choice for many vacationers. Vacation rentals provide vacationers superior amenities, more personal space, ideal locations and often lower prices compared to hotels. However, for many travelers concerns about whether the vacation home is as advertised and available guest services has discouraged adoption. According to a recent FlipKey.com study conducted in partnership with Compete, Inc, 78% of vacationers indicate they are significantly more likely to rent a vacation home if they can read a review of a prior guest.

Instant Software clients will be able to collect, manage and publish guest reviews through FlipKey in July ’08. Guest review content will then be available for consumers to view directly through the vacation rental manager’s websites, FlipKey.com and other Instant Software marketing distribution partners.

“Guest reviews help increase the predictability and highlight the advantages of the vacation rental experience,” said Ted Miller, COO Instant Software. “We selected FlipKey to power our guest review solution because FlipKey not only provides a best-in-class solution, but also allows the guest review content to live across the internet. The combination of the FlipKey service and ISILink will enable Instant Software clients to opt-in to a powerful and automated process to gain a competitive advantage and convert more guests, all at no cost. ”

About FlipKey

FlipKey is a community driven travel service that helps consumers find trusted vacation rentals throughout the world, by providing real reviews of verified vacation rental properties. FlipKey believes reputation, trust and feedback from past guests are the best resources to ensure consumers find the ideal vacation home.

FlipKey is available today at www.flipkey.com

About Instant Software

Instant Software Inc. (ISI), is the nation’s leading provider of vacation rental management software, real-time online reservation and distribution systems and related services. The Instant Software product portfolio includes First Resort™, PropertyPlus™, Entech™, V12.NET™ and ISILink™. ISI has installed software at more than 2,000 property management companies and vacation rental resorts throughout North and Central America and the Caribbean. The company, which was the first in the vacation rental industry to bring real-time booking, serves more than 225,000 vacation rentals and provides more software solutions for more companies than any other in the USA.

For more information visit www.instantsoftware.com

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 at 12:07 pm and is filed under Market Announcements. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.