Frequently asked questions?
Here are the most common questions we get asked. If we haven't answered your specific question please email us on keepusbusy@fossick.com
Accommodation listings
Why do I need to re-enter my info?
Many sites have their details listed with channel managers or the ATDW, why does Fossick not just get my info from here. We could, but we don't for several reasons.
1. Fossick is for locals - we believe you should "sell" yourself differently when talking to your "neighbour".
2. Because it creates duplicate content. If 10 sites all list the same information about you - you are creating competition for the same keywords in a google search. Expand your opportunities for a customer to find you and write something new!
Who does Fossick list?
Fossick lists all commercial accommodation services, where staff are present or readily available, linen is supplied and cleaning is included in the cost. We don't list holiday homes unless they conform to the above criteria and are commercially rented year round. Holiday homes on Fossick are referred to as "residences" available for commercial hire.
My details are incorrect. How can I change them?
First register and claim your property page. You should now be directed to 'My Fossick: Profile'. On the menu look for a page called 'Basic Details'. Here you can make changes to your listing information and add more information. However fossick reserves the right to monitor and amend content changes for fairness and accuracy i.e. you canât change your name to a competitor's or decide youâre in central Sydney when youâre really in the suburbs.
I don't want to be listed, can you remove me?
Generally speaking no. Fossick only displays publicly held information about you to facilitate users being able to discuss your business. A user can add your business and write a review to the site without your permission. However we will always look at this on a case-by-case basis, if your have a problem being listed, please email us at help@fossick.com. If you believe we have added you in error and you don't conform to our criteria, please let us know on help@fossick.com
It appears someone else has my page, what can I do?
Ah, firstly check around the office that someone else hasnât unwittingly signed up without you realising. If the answers no, please email help@fossick.com and we will send an email to both parties asking for proof of business ownership and rectify any errors. Currently there can only be one owner to each listing.
How can I change the ownership of a listing?
The owner of the listing simply logs in and goes to the âmyprofileâ. At the bottom of the page is a cancellation section, where the user can cancel ownership of the listing. The users profile is then deleted but the content remains. This listing is now free to be claimed by someone else.
What content do I have control over?
As a registered user you can change nearly all information about your property, including your name and type of accommodation. However fossick closely monitors content changes for fairness and accuracy for customers. We reserve the right to amend and or lock your access to change content if we believe the content is misleading.
To change your location or offer new suggestions for location areas/regions please email us on help@fossick.com
Can I claim multiple listings?
Yes. If you manage multiple properties and want to centrally manage your reviews. Only one email address/person is associated to each set of listings. To claim multiple properties, register and claim one and once registered you can claim additional listings.
Adding content to the site
Should I just copy and paste my info from my website?
NO. Please donât do this. For one, it's terrible for search engines. But more importantly Fossicks approach is relaxed, informal and local. This is an opportunity to say something different to your local customers, who don't want to read the same thing again on your website. Customers are looking for reasons to choose you. Try a new tack, if you havenât in renovated in 10 years, say so and give reasons why your still great to stay at. The closer customers expectations are to reality, the happy the customer and the better your reviews.
How many images can I add?
Currently 6, but this is likely to increase over time.
I'm having trouble adding images, can you help?
Sure. Please email your images to help@fossick.com or drop us an email and we can help walk you through the process.
Can I add a video?
Not currently, but soon.
Reviews
Why do I need reviews?
Whether we like it or not your guests are looking for reviews. By encouraging guests to review their stay on an independent site youâre creating a trustworthy resource to help you sell tomorrows rooms. Research shows 20% of people trust advertising but 70% trust recommendations from other people.
Should I respond to all my reviews?
No. Your potential customers are here to read other people's opinions, not yours. Please donât thank customers for leaving reviews, only respond if an issue was raised and your response will help better inform new customers.
If a guest was unhappy why didnât they tell me?
Most guests are too embarrassed to talk to you about a problem in person, online they are able to express their opinion freely.
How can I combat negative reviews?
Get more reviews. The key is to get the customers whoâve loved staying with you to write reviews, as they will balance a few âdifficultâ customers. However if the same comments keep cropping up, itâs probably something you need to address.
Address any issues online, research has proven that it is your response to an âissueâ that has more impact than the comment itself.
Take a day or two to think about your response, remembering that your reply is for the benefit of future customers, not this guest, who may never see your comment.
How is my rating worked out?
Fossicks rating are an average of all your reviews with a quantity scale added. Which means you cannot get 100% with only 1 review. The more reviews you have, the higher the rating you can achieve. We believe this is a much fairer system. From a customers perspective they want to know that 25 people gave you 80%, rather than 1 person giving you 100%.
I believe a review is false, what can I do?
If you think a comment is fraudulent or grossly unfair, tick the flag as abuse link under the review and we will review it. We have a strict review policy, we donât allow personal attacks, bad language or off topic reviews, but we also don't remove reviews lightly. If you have additional evidence like mention of details/places that are inaccurate please flick us an email.
How can I respond to a review?
Log in and navigate to your property page, under each review you'll see a link called "right of reply". Click here to leave a reply.
We would encourage you to keep this response to a minimum; it is not a forum to communicate with past guests, positively or negatively.
Donât reviews just give people a platform to complain?
Actually most reviews on our site are positive but unfortunately negative reviews always get more publicity. People like to talk about good experiences and reward good customer service. Itâs our job to make it easy for them to do so. We think itâs like leaving a tip.
How can I be sure theyâve even stayed here?
Fossick enables anyone to leave a review, however if you use the Fossick Feedback email service we label those reviews as a verified guest. Interestingly getting people to take the time to leave reviews is a much bigger problem than over zealous reviewers.
