Jackson Lake Rentals
From Manual Bookings to Digital Excellence: How Stellar Transformed Jackson Lake Rentals
AT A GLANCE
- Business: Jackson Lake Rentals, Covington, GA
- Fleet Size: 4 pontoon boats, 2 jet skis (expanding next year)
- Staff Size: Under 10
- Experience: Established boat rental business with transition to new ownership
- Year-Round Operation: Seasonal operation on Jackson Lake
THE CHALLENGE: Breaking Free from Outdated Booking Systems
When Daniel English took over Jackson Lake Rentals, he was determined to start with the right technology foundation. The previous owner had been using FareHarbor but wasn’t satisfied with the platform’s performance.
“The previous owner wasn’t really happy with FareHarbor. Stellar approached us, and I liked what I saw. I eventually decided to hit the ground running with them.”
The business needed a solution that would:
- Prevent double-booking of resources
- Provide an intuitive interface for both staff and customers
- Offer reliable backend operations
- Include comprehensive support
the SOLUTION: Finding a Reliable, User-Friendly Platform
After evaluating his options, Daniel decided to implement Stellar’s booking platform. What caught his attention was the platform’s straightforward interface and robust backend capabilities.
Daniel was also impressed with Stellar’s willingness to work with him on custom solutions:
“I presented them with a challenge. I wanted to rent jet skis by the hour with dynamic pricing based on duration. At first they weren’t sure if it was possible, but they made it happen. We had a few hiccups during testing, but they fixed them and now it works great.”
IMPLEMENTATION: A SMOOTH TRANSITION
Unlike the rocky experiences many businesses face when implementing new software, the transition to Stellar was seamless:
- Detailed system walkthroughs for Daniel’s team
- Comprehensive training for all employees, including those new to the industry
- Responsive technical support throughout the process
- Custom solutions for specific business needs
“They took me by the hand and walked me through everything because I’m not the most tech-savvy person. They trained each of my employees thoroughly, even though they were all completely new to the industry. These staff members were green as grass but operated my business seamlessly thanks to the training.”
the results: transforming operations through digital excellence
The implementation of Stellar brought immediate improvements across all aspects of the business:
Operational Improvements
- Eliminated double-booking concerns: The system enables complete self-service through the website, including reservations and payments. The platform automatically sends confirmation emails, allowing staff to prepare for the next day’s schedule efficiently.
- Streamlined daily management: The system provides detailed information about equipment needs for each booking, including specific life jacket sizes required, ensuring everything is ready before customers arrive.
- Planned for expansion with confidence: The business is now positioned to leverage social media marketing and build a stronger customer base through digital channels.
System Confidence
- Built unshakeable trust: The platform’s reliability and the company’s immediate response to any issues have created complete confidence in the system.
- Maintained personal customer connections: For customers who prefer personal interaction, the system allows staff to quickly access customer information and complete bookings in just a few minutes.
Revenue Growth
- Simplified customer booking process: The intuitive interface guides customers through the booking process with real-time availability, reducing the need for assistance calls.
- Improved resource utilization: The platform’s fee structure passes costs to customers through website fees, creating a financial win-win situation while reducing manual work.
THE HUMAN TOUCH: SUPPORT THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Beyond the technology, it was Stellar’s human support that truly anchored the business relationship.
“Any issue I’ve ever come to them with, they fixed immediately,” Daniel explains. “If I called and said, ‘Hey, I got an issue,’ they’re right there on it and fix it. With any and every business, you have a little hiccup here. But the main thing with hiccups is how quickly your business handles it. And that’s what Stellar has done for me.”
The success of the partnership comes down to Stellar’s commitment to ongoing support for all customers.
LOOKING AHEAD
Daniel is now planning to expand his business, including purchasing a marina with a restaurant and campground. He’s confident that with Stellar’s support, his business will continue to thrive.
“We’re looking forward to strong business growth next year,” Daniel reflects. “Our customers consistently leave positive feedback. If you look at our Google reviews, you’ll see that everyone has a great experience with us.”
When asked what advice he would give to other marinas or boat rental businesses considering a switch to Stellar, his response was crystal clear: “Just do it. You won’t be dissatisfied.”
