Lock the logic before polishing the design.
This page documents the core assumptions so the prototype stays aligned with the business model as functionality expands.
Core economic rules
| Rule | Definition |
|---|---|
| Normal rate | The park's existing nightly rate for the comparable full-hookup site. |
| Added premium | The extra nightly amount charged because the site has a premium theme/experience layer. |
| Themed rate | Normal rate + added premium. |
| Pilot investment | Total cost for the initial three-site pilot, generally modeled at $35K-$50K combined. |
| Monthly added premium revenue | Number of themed sites x booked premium nights per month x added premium. |
| Breakeven | Total pilot investment divided by monthly added premium revenue. |
| Add-on revenue | Revenue from optional guest upgrades like firewood, s'mores, late checkout, birthday setup, or anniversary package. |
PMS / reservation rules
Existing PMS remains system of record
The park's current booking platform still handles core booking, payment, taxes, refunds, cancellations, and operational site assignment.
ParkLift tracks premium attribution
ParkLift cares about whether a premium site was booked, which site it was, what premium was charged, and how it affects ROI.
Start low-friction
The first pilot can work with booking redirects and manual tracking. Deeper integrations should not be required for launch.
Integrate only where useful
CSV, webhook, Zapier, or API integrations should be added based on the park's PMS and the level of traction in the pilot.
What ParkLift is not in the first version
ParkLift should not be positioned as a full PMS replacement in the early prototype. It should not handle tax logic, payment disputes, cancellations, refunds, long-term stay billing, OTA channel management, or housekeeping/staff scheduling.
Preferred pilot site requirements
Full hookup preferred
Electric, water, and sewer support the premium guest expectation and make the ROI model cleaner.
Space for outdoor setup
The site needs enough room for seating, lighting, themed accents, and safe guest movement.
Clear site boundaries
Premium sites should feel intentional and distinct from surrounding pads.
Operationally simple
The first three sites should avoid fragile, high-maintenance, risky, or insurance-heavy features.