Taking bookings from tourists: what a shop in a tourist town should do

How tourists book differently

Five things worth knowing first:

• Most do not have LINE; they use WhatsApp or email
• They avoid calling, because of the language and international call costs
• They find shops on Google Maps and decide from photos and reviews
• They book at short notice — the same day, or a few hours ahead
• They come as couples or groups more often than locals do

1. An English booking page with clear baht prices

Service names, lengths and prices should be understandable without asking. "Thai massage 60 min ฿400" is clearer than a photographed menu in Thai only. Clear prices also build trust, because many tourists worry about being charged differently from Thai customers.

2. Booking without a conversation

Chatting with an unknown shop in a second language is tiring for a tourist, and a message at eleven at night may not be answered until morning. A booking page that shows real free times lets them choose and confirm on their own in a minute, at any hour.

3. Confirmation in writing

Tourists want proof. A confirmation email with the date, time, service and shop name reassures them the booking is real, and they can show it to a driver or hotel staff to find the way. Your shop's Google Maps link on your shop page helps a lot here.

4. Couples and groups in one booking

A couple wants a massage side by side in the same room. Four friends want their nails done together before a night out. Bookings like these have to hold several therapists or technicians at the same time in one go. If each person has to book separately and hope the times line up, most give up halfway.

5. A reminder before the visit, with a link to reschedule

Tourist plans change all the time: the island tour runs late, it rains, the boat leaves early. A reminder with a link to move or cancel lets them tell you in one tap instead of simply not turning up, and you get the time back to sell to someone else.

6. After the visit, ask for a Google review

This tourist's English review is what brings the next one. Ask soon after the visit, while they are still in the area and remember the shop. A message with a direct link to your Google Maps review page works better than asking at the counter.

Common questions

Should I take a deposit from tourists?

Usually not. Automatic reminders and self-service rescheduling cut no-shows a lot, and a deposit makes new guests hesitate to book at all. Keep deposits for long packages or large groups.

What about languages other than English?

English covers most tourists, including Europeans and Asians for whom it is not a first language. A booking page in simple English with clear numbers works for nearly everyone.

Does Toosabai have an English booking page?

Yes. The shop page and booking page come in both Thai and English, guests choose their language, and groups of up to four can book in one go.