Westside Recreation

From Manual Bookings to Digital Success: How Stellar Transformed a 12-Year Boat Rental and Dealership Operation

The Challenge: Breaking Free from Generic Booking Systems

For Phoenix, Arizona-based Westside Recreation, finding the right software solution proved to be a significant challenge. After experiencing the limitations of various booking platforms, including Peak Pro and other general tourism software, they needed a solution specifically designed for the boating industry.

The business had tried multiple solutions, including:

Zozi (early years)
Peak Pro
FareHarbor
Flybook
Manual Google Calendar system

“The boating industry has unique requirements that most booking platforms don’t understand,” explains Guy Bar-Am . “We needed software built specifically for boats, not something designed for general tourism or car rentals that we’d have to modify to fit our needs.”

The Solution: Finding a Boat-First Platform

After extensive research, they discovered Stellar through online searches. What immediately stood out was Stellar’s boat-industry focus and customizable features. Key requirements that Stellar met included:

Implementation: A Smooth Seasonal Transition

The implementation process was strategically timed during the off-season, allowing for a seamless transition. The Stellar team provided comprehensive support:

Helped set up operational hours
Configured availability settings
Provided training and orientation
Offered ongoing support through dedicated representatives

The Results: Transforming Operations Through Digital Excellence

The implementation of Stellar brought immediate and measurable improvements across multiple aspects of the business. Within months, the transformation from paper-based processes to digital operations delivered significant results in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and revenue generation.

Dramatic Shift to Online Bookings

Achieved approximately 80% online booking rate

Eliminated need for dedicated office staff

Maintained personal touch for customers who prefer phone bookings

Operational Improvements

Eliminated double-booking issues

Streamlined reservation management

Reduced administrative overhead

Enhanced reporting capabilities for taxes and audits

Customer Experience Enhancement

24/7 booking capability

Clear, transparent pricing

Easy-to-use interface

Comprehensive booking information available online

Innovative Use of Platform Features

The business leverages Storable Marine’s coupon system to:

Create personalized discount codes for loyal customers

Manage booking deposits efficiently

Convert non-refundable fees into future credits

Maintain customer relationships through targeted promotions

The Human Touch: Support That Makes the Difference

“The support team at Storable Marine has been a game-changer for our operation,” Bar-Am shares. “They’re not just responsive – they’re proactive about improving the platform based on our feedback and needs.”

The success of the partnership comes down to Storable Marine’s commitment to continuous improvement. “They regularly ask for our input on how to make the system better. When they say they’re listening to their customers, they mean it – we’ve seen our suggestions implemented in updates.”

Looking Ahead

Despite receiving frequent solicitations from other software providers, the business remains committed to Storable Marine. They’re now planning to expand their use of the platform to include boat club management features.

“What started as a solution to our booking problems has become an integral part of our business growth,” Bar-Am reflects. “Storable Marine’s platform lets us focus on what we do best – getting people out on the water – while they handle the technical side of our operation.”