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You've tried to give your bottom line a boost, but it's not working. You're still flatlining when it comes to sales and you need some additional ideas. What other things can you do to boost your income?
Meet people: "Because word-of-mouth referrals make up most of my sales, I would have to say that meeting people is my best tool," said Margie Lenau, travel consultant and owner of Wonderland Family Vacations. "Whether it is doing an event, or just meeting a previous client or friend for coffee or lunch, getting out of the office is important. When I talk with people I often find we both know some of the same people. This builds trust and if they don't want to book a vacation at that time, they will most likely pass my business card along to someone else and recommend my services."
Tag, you're it! The best tip I have for boosting sales is to treat your clients like royalty and ask for referrals," said Greg Antonelle, managing director of MickeyTravels LLC. "Regardless of what we do to promote MickeyTravels, the number one most important thing in boosting sales is getting word-of-mouth referrals. When clients take their vacations, we ask them to tag us in their photos or posts on social media. When someone sees a friend/relative having a good time on vacation, it inevitably gives them the itch to plan a vacation as well."
Add on to the package: "Your clients are likely going to go on excursions, use the spa, golf and want a candle light dinner on the beach," said Tracy K. Drechsler, owner of Your Dream Travel Concierge. "These are all commissionable if you offer it to them prior to their arrival."
Samarah Meil always tries to upsell. "Whether it is showing the client what the per night difference is in an upgraded room, doing private transportation, selling travel insurance and pre-adding on any tours or excursions," said Meil, of Amarillo Travel Network. "We are leaving money on the table when we do not offer these items to our clients."
Make sure they have insurance: "Since registering with my state to sell travel insurance, I have added thousands of dollars to my yearly revenue," said Drechsler. "Yes, there is a fee to do so, at least in my state (New York), but it's a worthwhile investment."
Add service fees: "At the start of 2017, we implemented a fee for Foreign Independent Travel, and for all the planning that goes into a Walt Disney World trip, so we expect to see a huge increase in earnings this year," said Drechsler.
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