Where have all the experts gone?

Yesterday, my husband and I went out to buy a new TV for our living room.

We knew that we wanted about a 50″screen but, apart from that, we needed advise.

The range of different makes and models is quite immense and as they range from about £400 to about £3000, it’s not an easy decision. We decided to go to a well known store to ask the “experts”, rather than go for an internet offer, as it was all rather a minefield of information for us to try to navigate alone.

Being a Sunday, we didn’t expect to be served immediately but after 20 minutes confusing ourselves even further, reading labels and various adverts in store, I went in search of a member of staff. Eventually, I found someone holding a clipboard who said I could be put on a list and someone would be over to help me in about 20 minutes. I agreed and we continued to read signs and try to see the miniscule differences in screen quality.

A young man came over to us in due course to assist. We asked a couple of basic questions and he started to read the labels and quoting the information from them. I asked if he knew the difference between 2 of the models and he said he was new and didn’t work in the TV department.

At this point we thanked him and left the store.

The small amount of information we gleaned from this expedition I could have got from the internet in the comfort of me own home. We are still none the wiser.

I give free advise and information daily in my job. I am an expert in cruises as are all my colleagues. I could not sell cruises without this level of expertise. Why then is it so hard to find this in other industries?

The average high street travel agent has not cruised before. At cruise.co.uk, we are all well travelled and have sailed on many occasions. We visit ships in port whenever we can. We have on-going training in all the cruise lines and are all qualified to sell the trips we do.

Would you go for the first attractive looking offer on the internet or want bespoke service when parting with your hard-earned money for your dream holidays?

I just wish I could find our level of service and expertise when I shop for other things.

How much extra do you pay for our service, long opening hours, direct phone numbers and email contact…..nothing so call me!!