«Thanks to e-guma, our voucher sales have quadrupled!»
Too small for a voucher system? Not at all! Many catering and hotel businesses believe that a professional voucher system is only for large companies. Such a system can save considerable effort and costs, especially in smaller businesses with fewer staff – and harbours enormous potential for increased sales.
The Mesnerhaus in Mauterndorf impressively demonstrates how the e-guma voucher and ticketing system makes everyday work in the tourism industry easier and at the same time gives guests the freedom to purchase the perfect gift flexibly and at any time. In an interview, Maria Steffner, who runs the Mesnerhaus together with her husband Josef, talks about the many advantages of the system and her enthusiasm for the uncomplicated process.
go to Mesnerhaus voucher shop go to the interviewFacts Mesnerhaus Mauterndorf
The 4-toque restaurant in the mountains, with roots dating back to 1420, has established itself as a unique gourmet address.
are thought through down to the smallest detail to make guests’ stay unforgettable.
At the Mesnerhaus restaurant, local roots and regional ingredients are combined with creativity and imaginative flavours.
Maria & Josef can count themselves among the Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europe and inspire with their warm charm.
Voucher and ticket system with online shop
Simple administration and sale of vouchers, increase in turnover, simplification of accounting
Thanks to e-guma, our voucher sales have quadrupled! The accounting process is now also much easier and a real pleasure.
Interview with Maria Steffner, owner of Mesnerhaus Mauterndorf
Dear Maria, would you like to start by briefly introducing your company? What can guests expect from you?
«Our restaurant Mesnerhaus is located in Mauterndorf, nestled in the picturesque landscape of the beautiful Lungau region in Austria. We have been running the Mesnerhaus ourselves for 17 years. About three and a half years ago, we added seven charming rooms to round off our small, fine hotel. We are proud members of the Jeunes Restaurateurs d’Europa and my husband Josef is a fantastic chef. It’s a perfect fit for us.»
What has changed for you since the introduction of the e-guma voucher system?
«I need to expand a little on that. At first we didn’t have a voucher system until a colleague told me about e-guma. So I called you and was delighted to have the boss, Martin Gerber, on the line, who was immediately very helpful. The whole team is super friendly! I’ve learnt a lot since we started using e-guma. For example, how important it is to promote offers and vouchers specifically through social media, among other things. Thanks to e-guma, our voucher sales have quadrupled! The accounting process is now also much easier and a real pleasure.»
Voucher management & accountingWhat is particularly important to you in a voucher system? What helps you the most?
«As I do everything myself, accounting for the vouchers was always a challenge. If a guest wants to buy a voucher on Friday – when the house is full – it can be stressful. I used to have to quickly issue a voucher in situations like this, which wasn’t really nice and that bothered me. With e-guma, guests can now download a voucher independently and at any time. I find it particularly exciting that many vouchers are bought late in the evening or even at night – guests are flexible and can organise a gift at any time. That’s brilliant.»
Sell vouchers onlineMany of your guests are probably last-minute gift-givers, aren’t they?
«Yes, exactly! For spontaneous gift-givers, e-guma is simply perfect.»
How has the print@home offer been received by your customers? Are there any difficulties?
«No, on the contrary! Only a few older guests don’t want to print the voucher themselves – then I’m happy to do it for them. But 99 per cent get along wonderfully. You did a really great job, so that the guest can print everything out at home and have no problems.»
Is the e-guma voucher system simple and easy to understand for you?
«Absolutely! Whenever I have questions or need help, you always give me great support. This is a real relief, especially for me as a “one-woman show” in terms of service. If I’m planning a Black Friday campaign, for example, I can rely on you and it’s great fun!»
Marketing toolsDo you often take advantage of promotions and special offers?
«Rather too little, but I’ve resolved to make more use of it. A site visit with you showed me how we can work even more specifically with vouchers – and it’s already working very well.»
Who would you recommend your e-guma to?
«Actually, everyone who values a reliable, uncomplicated voucher system. I have already convinced many colleagues and they are delighted. A good colleague from Austria said he should have used e-guma much earlier – it’s fair and a big relief when processing.»
What is your personal favourite voucher?
«I love it when guests stay overnight with us and enjoy an all-round culinary experience. The overall package is simply special because it means a real pampering programme for the guest. Thanks to e-guma, we can also offer smaller vouchers – so there really is something for every budget.»
Finally, would you like to mention anything else that might be important to readers?
«Yes, I’m particularly impressed by how reliable e-guma is. For us restaurateurs, that’s worth its weight in gold. If someone calls you in Switzerland, you are there immediately to help. That’s rare these days and I really appreciate the quality of your handshake.»