Feeling proud of myself! Let me tell you why…
Today I was in an automotive club to take care of transferring tags. At the booth next to us, was a family sitting across from someone who I assume was a travel agent. He was going over vacation choices with them. It’s not every day that you get to watch someone else do the same job you have, so of course I had to listen in! 👂😊
They started with Punta Cana because the clients wanted to go to the beach. Then the agent mentioned how Punta Cana is “almost recovered from the hurricanes.” (Mind you, there was very little damage there and everything has been open for months, unlike other islands who ARE still recovering.) Then the agent said if they have allergies that they don’t want to go there. That seemed odd to me, but I didn’t hear the whole conversation. If someone has food allergies, I know which resorts can accommodate them and which can’t, didn’t he? You don’t say Punta Cana is out.
But the options in Punta Cana that this agent was able to pull up must not have met the family’s budget either. It’s unfortunate that the agent couldn’t check numerous suppliers to find the more specials going on. So they started talking about a Florida vacation. Which I agreed with… if I have exhausted all specials and can’t meet the client’s budget, I’ll suggest a Florida vacation instead of a Caribbean one. So I listened some more.
Next I see, the agent turning the screen around to face the clients. (It was identical to one of suppliers I use, so that was cool to see.) He started scrolling through Fort Lauderdale hotels, nice! But sadly he had no clue about any of them and the clients looked lost. He suggested a hotel – not realizing that it is in the marina area, nice but they want the BEACH. He scrolled past the ones I know are fabulous, including one that I stayed at which is very budget friendly and still great! I wanted to yell over… “Go there, it’s perfect for you!”
So frustrating because if the clients wanted to just scroll through a website of resorts and prices, they could do that at home. They packed up their kids and came to this office for help, expertise, and insight.
Then the husband asked if they would save money if they took connecting flights. The agent didn’t really give him an answer. (Why not look at flights with them so the clients can see and compare?)
Next thing I knew, the agent started talking about the Grand Canyon with them. Maybe because he has been and liked it? But they wanted a beach vacation, right? So then I was lost too.
It was hard to sit there and keep quiet. I wanted so much to sneak my business card into their hands. But I had to leave before they were done talking.
My husband stayed later than me and he said they left without booking anything. They wasted a bunch of time with that guy, gaining nothing. I felt badly for the family, but now I feel like a rock star! 🌟
Left me wondering if this guy is a travel agent? Or is he just on the staff and takes the next available customer, no matter if they they are asking about vacations or transferring tags like we were? He sure didn’t have much knowledge when it came to travel destinations or booking flights.
I know I approach each client’s vacation as if I was planning my own, just according to their expectations and budget. Why wouldn’t every travel agent do that?
It’s not often you get to witness your worth first hand, so forgive me, but I had to share! Thanks for reading! ❤
Happy Travels! ~ Laurie
Laurie@fivestg.net
215-435-4151
Laurie at Five Star Travel Group 