MEMBER BENEFITS
Working in our industry for You!
Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay NSW & ACT actively works on behalf of its members
to ensure that the industry is widely recognised for providing the highest levels of business
professionalism whilst at the same time offering uniquely Australian warmth and hospitality.
As the State's peak body representing the Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay industry, the
Association is involved in a wide range of issues including:
- seeking out additional member benefits
- training and support opportunities
- review and maintenance of professional standards amongst members
- promotion of the industry
- policy development at local, state and federal govt levels.
The Association provides information and assistance to new operators establishing their new venture; and for those more established, assists in the areas of promoting their business as well as the more practical benefits and savings in running a B&B or Farmstay.
The Association's long standing relationships at Government level ensures our industry has an effective voice.
In looking at member benefits therefore, the Association sets out to provide information and support for you as an operator and to assist in the provision of business skills through information flows about the requirements of our industry. It also works at providing a return on savings well in excess of the fees it charges for membership.
The substantial benefits of membership therefore are listed in this order.
Benefits of Membership - information and assistance
Operating Guidelines
New members receive a free copy of the Association's book "Operating a Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay Business in NSW and ACT" upon joining. Additional copies are available for purchase on-line at www.bedandbreakfast.org.au/shop/. Cost is $27.50 for members and $55.00 for non-members
Benefits of Membership - Communicating with Members
The Board of BBFNSW-ACT communicates regularly with members via electronic means. Bedhead newsletter is produced on a regular (usually monthly) basis, and provides comprehensive details of current industry news. Bed Heads Up is a one-topic newsflash providing you with breaking news, announcements or new initiatives of direct relevance to your business.
It is important that you keep your Association updated with your latest email address to ensure you receive these communications;
if you find you are not receiving regular communication from us.
Past issues of Bedhead and Bedheads Up are stored on-line and are available for members to download as required.
Annual Conference
The Association's annual conference is staged in August or September each year and usually coincides with the Association's Annual General Meeting. An ideal way to get to know and hear more about what's happening in the industry and to "network" with fellow operators. Watch Bedhead, and
Bed Head's Up for full information.
View the Conference Section and archives here.
Benefits of membership - Industry and Government liaison
Industry lobbying
Unseen and unsung, your Association is always working within Tourism New South Wales
and directly with government agencies to better the conditions for operating a B&B
or Farmstay business in the State. It is an activity that should - for all serious
operators - justify membership for its own sake. Watch for news on these issues from
time to time in Bedhead or Bed Heads Up.
Benefits of membership - raising the quality of our industry
National Tourism Accreditation Program NTAP (ACT and Region)
 The Association has an arrangement with the Tourism Industry Council of the ACT and regions whereby members of BBFNSW-ACT who are accredited through NTAP will be listed on the Accommodation Directory website after the (paid for) enhanced properties ahead of the basic listings, and the NTAP logo displayed on their listing.
New members who are already accredited will have the BBFNSW-ACT joining fee waived. The joining fee for the NTAP is waived for members of BBFNSW-ACT and the annual fee is reduced by 10% together with a number of additional benefits including access to training programs on aspects of running your business and discounts on insurance through MGIB. For further information visit the NTAP ACT and Region website.
Industry Training
The Association is proud of the high quality of service and industry standards provided by its' members To ensure that members are up to date with the latest industry expectations and requirements regular training is recommended. BBFNSW-ACT holds regional workshops and has worked closely with TAFE NSW to develop a course to suit all levels of experience. More details are available on the members website here; B&B Training.
Benefits of membership - savings on running costs
Westpac
Our sponsorship deal with Westpac alone can save a member the cost of
membership many times over. Among other things, it involves providing Eftpos
and debit card transactions at substantially reduced transaction rates.
Available only to B&Bs and Farmstays that are members of the Association,
and you do not have to be a Westpac customer to participate.
The more of our members that sign up the greater the discount Westpac offers
on transaction fees. At 1 July 2007 the transaction fee for the electronic
facility was 0.899% including GST.
You may find out more and sign up for the scheme by phoning 1300 365 376
and quoting your membership number.
Diners Club
Members are eligible to a discount on the card transaction rate when
Diners' Club card are used; the normal rate is 3.72% + GST and the rate for
members of the Association is 2.93% + GST. There is no joining fee or
monthly payment as it runs on the same card machine provided by Westpac or
by the any other card facility provider chosen by the operator.
Linen and Soft Furnishing Supplies
Material World is offering members 10% discount off store stock (not applicable to already discounted items, 15% discount if the purchase is over $500 and free measure and quote service. Stores are located in Dubbo, Mudgee, Wagga, Orange, Tamworth and in Sydney at Chatswood and Hornsby.
Car Hire
Avis Australia offers our members 25% discount off the standard car rental rate or 2.5% off selected promotional rates (whichever provides the best deal at time of reservation).
Kitchen and Cooking
The Essential Ingredient at 477 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest is offering members a discount on all non-sale items. The exotic shop stocks a wonderful range of kitchen and cooking ware; glassware, cutlery and china; kitchen appliances etc. In-store shopping: discounts up to 25% apply (membership card is required). Mail order shopping: set up a trade account using your membership card and receive even better discounts (up to max 25%).
Accommodation Discounts
Many members offer reduced prices to fellow members of the association.
You may access these in the Egg Book where the contact telephone numbers
for all members are listed; a fully up-to-date list is available on the
Accommodation Directory Website at
www.bedandbreakfastnsw.com.
Benefits of membership - promoting the B&B Farmstay accommodation industry
On line listing on the Accommodation directory
Listing on the Associations' Accommodation directory at
www.bedandbreakfastnsw.com
is automatic once your status as full member is confirmed. You may increase your exposure with additional advertising opportunities on the directory website by selecting various options. View
Web Advertising Information online. Once you have decided on the level that suits you, order and pay online in our B&B Shop.
Listing in The Egg Book - the Association's annual Accommodation Directory
Listing is automatic as all full members at the "publication date"
are included so it pays to keep aware of your status and maintain all the
prerequisites of membership.
National Accommodation Gift Voucher Program
 Gift Vouchers are available for use with participating members Australia-wide. Details of the program and how it works can be found on the Member Information for Gift Vouchers pages. Visitors to the NSW and ACT directory website can order the Accommodation Gift Vouchers Australia online.
Wotif.Com - Exclusive Deal For NSW & ACT Members
Wotif.com is the leading accommodation website in Australasia, covering 36% of all online bookings in Australia alone. Becoming involved in the program arranged through your association creates another channel of exposure that members may not have been eligible for previously. Offer one or more rooms that you might not otherwise fill through the Wotif.com last minute 28 day booking program. Members FAQs are available here...
Sensis In-car Navigation POI
All current members are included as a POI (Point of Interest) in Sensis In-Car Navigation systems. BBFNSW-ACT works with Sensis to provide updated information prior to each new release by Sensis.
Discover Travel and Tours
Discover Travel and Tours operate a voucher based inbound service exclusively
for B&Bs and Farmstays and members of your Association receive a one third
discount off the annual fee. You may access this benefit by
.
The Bed-Link Program
If your guest is looking around for their next night's accommodation, show
them a copy of the Egg Book, help them with their selection of a fellow member
property and make a call for them; most will take a 20% discount for a
"late" booking - half of which goes to the guest and half of which
(if you want it) is a commission to you. You simply take the 10% deposit from
the guest and retain it as your commission. Everyone wins!
Full Membership ...
... is available to all Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay operators who agree to abide
by the Association's Code of Practice and complete the Association's Membership
Checklist. If you are considering or planning to establish a Bed and Breakfast
or Farmstay business and are not yet open, or cannot yet complete the checklist,
you are welcome as an associate member enabling you to receive many of
the benefits of membership.
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