Uteguiden

Uteguiden AS is the leading guide company on the northwestern coast of Norway and a winner of Innovation Norway’s Tourism Prize. 

Uteguiden was established by Oscar Almgren in 2012. The founder of Uteguiden. Oscar Almgren is a highly recognized and profiled mountain guide and adventurer from Åre in Sweden. Oscar moved  from Sweden to Stranda in 2009 and immediately saw the area’s potential, based on previous experience with guiding and activities. The company is geographically located in Ålesund and on Stranda, with the spectacular Sunnmør Alps as its speciality. They combine guided tours with equipment hire for their guests. 

Uteguiden offers trips and courses throughout the year to their customers. Join a guided tour, a spectacular mountain walk or rent a kayak, SUP, bicycle, skiis and a lot more. 

Challenge

One of the challenges for Uteguiden was the ability to build product packages combining various variants such as ski lengths and ski boot sizes. Previously, the rental of equipment was only presented via a PDF. 

Uteguiden tested three different “booking” suppliers before the choice fell on Sharefox for renting equipment for the activities they offer. Creating a better customer experience, making the ordering process more efficient and having less administration was important, especially in the high season.

Implementation

Uteguiden has an inspiring website with great photos from various activities that they offer. The customers are presented with professional photos online of the rental equipment, product information and can book directly in a calendar. They also combine rental with upselling of both accessories and services. 

For Uteguiden´s employees, the system keeps track of all the customers, equipment, orders and all the payment transactions. With pre-order and pre-payment, Uteguiden can focus on the delivery of equipment, safety checks and just have “the customer in focus”. The use of a deposit reservation by credit card has also minimized the risk that the customer does not “show up” on time. They have secured coverage in the event of damage to the equipment to charge additional services fees from the deposit  afterwards.

Results

Less administration – more skiing

Uteguiden immediately noticed the effects of getting less manual work and follow-up. This efficiency has allowed them to free up several hours a week to follow up on customers and focus on their tour experience.