December 17th of 2014 I wrote a quick article on my personal travel blog about an experience I had at an RV Park in Ajo Arizona, and using the word Netflix. I’d like to share it with you here:
The number one way to make a RV Park owner or Park Manager’s eyes bug out? Say Netflix to them!
Today we’re stopped off in a normal park in Ajo, AZ. Taking a day off from the boondocking to get some laundry done, refill the tanks, etc. Tomorrow back to the boondocking!
Registering at the office today the woman at the counter was beyond super friendly. So of course we got to chatting as she told us about the park, the cable access, and the now obligatory “Free Wi-Fi” that all parks offer. I responded, “Oh, we don’t use cable at all, but might use Netflix.”
It’s fun to watch folks when you say something scary and terrifying. Having the effect on people equivalent to telling them, “The Walking Dead is real, and at your door,” might seem a little cruel, but really it isn’t. Saying Netflix at a park usually elicits saucer sized eyes, instant brow sweat, and often people dodging under the counter in the way they would if someone pulled a weapon. And for our poor host today, we saw the whole reaction.
“Oh, well you might not want to use the Wi-Fi for Netflix. It only takes a couple of people to bring the whole system down!”
Ah yes, it continues at parks across the country. Free Wi-Fi is something you say you offer. Functional Wi-Fi is something 93% don’t really offer. Sure you see the signal on your computer, but it’s just a tease you know. Download text only e-mail, browse drab websites that offer no images, and perish the thought you might stream a video to your computer.
Don’t be cruel. Bring your own LTE network along with you. Otherwise you’re gonna rock a boat.
So, while we sit out an unusual rain storm (unusual for this time of year) in Southern AZ, we’ll have to watch our Netflix over our own Wi-Fi. I have no interest in bringing the zombies to my door or anyone else’s for that matter.
Free WiFi
Businesses across the country offer free WiFi. And businesses who cater to travelers (RV Parks, Hotels, Motels, Hostels, B&B’s) also offer free WiFi. But when push comes to shove, the free access might not be the best. And getting 5 or 6 guests who decide to watch their favorite series on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video could bring your network to a grinding halt. And you know what that means?
You’re getting a phone call or two to let you know the WiFi is down or having issues.
Do you restrict service, or educate your customer?
In our travels we’ve seen just about every “Free WiFi” setup out there. Managers ask that you curtail your video streaming while visiting. Some say nothing about it. And others actually restrict what you can do while online with them. Bottom line, complaints and bad reviews could be close at hand. In the case of our own traveling? Well, in December I left a park after one night of my week long stay. Why? I couldn’t use their WiFi to work, there was a cap on usage that was too restrictive.
So, here are some questions you need to ask yourself:
- What’s my WiFi policy?
- Do I even have one?
- Should I ask my guests not to stream?
- Do I need a better WiFi Setup?
- What can I tell my guests today?
If you haven’t really setup a WiFi policy, we’re here to help. RLC Design not only helps with RV Parks’ Online presence across the country, we also understand the needs and wants of the RV’ing community. We’ve been full time RV’ers for over a decade, and we’ve seen it all.
The Quick Conversation That Can Improve Your Wi-Fi Today
No, it’s not a call to your service provider. And no, it’s not going to require you to purchase new equipment. What’s the fast track to improving your guests’ Wi-Fi at your park today? It’s a short conversation with your guests at the time of check in, and the free download we’re offering to you today. This one document will help improve your park’s Wi-Fi, it’s free, and you’re allowed to print it out and share it with your guests!
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