Letting Them Book it Themselves

I recently read something from a travel consultant who said, “Travelers don’t always need a travel agent; they can do it on their own.”

The agent went on to say that travelers who plan their own trips shouldn’t expect any assistance if things go wrong, but that “the stakes are relatively low and some vacation packages are just so easy to book—so why not just let the online booking companies have that business?”

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While part of the agent’s contention is absolutely correct—some vacation packages are easy to book—I have to ask, why wouldn’t you still want that business? You might as well be saying, “Thanks, but no thanks—I don’t need your business.”

I honestly will never say that and neither will any of my agents.

I love it when clients come to my site and book their hotels, flights, rental cars, vacation packages and cruises themselves. It cuts out all of the prebooking time that is spent advising a client on where to go and what to do, and I still receive commission.

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Why wouldn’t any agent love that?

I certainly do, and I give my clients who book direct on my website the same customer service and amenities that I give those who want or need advice from a travel advisor, no matter how big or small the trip.

So those who book on my site can expect the same level of service before, during and after their trips. What online booking company provides services like that?

Our booking tools not only attract self-bookers, but they also double as sales tools that help us easily qualify clients. If you want to grow your business and make some easy commissions, add booking tools to your site.

#BookingToolsAreGreat

Miki Taylor is founder/CEO of Auburn, AK-based Taylor & Co. Travel and creator of the Miss Travelous blog. She can be reached at miki@taylorandcotravel.com.