BLAG, BLUFF, BULL… OR, SIMPLY TRUST IN YOUR CRUISE SPECIALIST?

In my blog published 16 May 2016, I challenged my readers to see if they really knew the difference between a gimmick, clever marketing and a genuine offer. This is something that always gets me, that some people who travel are not necessarily getting what they think they are getting. So, continuing on this same theme, I thought it might be a good idea to introduce a few more spanners into the works.

Is your travel agent really honest when they sell you a cruise, or any holiday for that matter?

Can you honestly say that, on each and every occasion that you book a trip, you are absolutely convinced that your agent is being totally honest with you, in the information they provide? No bluff. No blag. No Bull.

If you can answer yes to all the above, then read no further. If you’re even a little intrigued though, I suggest you read on, if only to be a little better informed when you next come to plan a cruise.

My credentials are very good. I’ve been in the cruise business for so long now and clients trust me, and they know that I cover everything, as it is. Of course, I’m human, and you cannot please all customers all the time, but, generally, any minor faults that occur, tend to be in areas that were completely outside my control.

Recently, someone suggested to me, when I was discussing a potential trip for a client, that I should just “blag it…    you’re a salesman. You can sell them anything”. I was horrified by this statement and told the person so. It got me wondering about the message here in more detail, and the message was clearly…     just tell them anything, whether it’s correct or not, just get the sale. The advice came from someone who is not involved in selling, but is more involved with marketing. Hence, the connection to my previous blog.

Does your agent sound like the above when you are planning a cruise?

I will say to my readers here, loud and clear, when I book you a trip, I never have this thought in my mind. I have always put myself in the position of the customer, so I can see the trip from their position. In this way, I am almost experiencing the trip myself.

The world over is made up of salesmen selling. Everyone is selling someone something. There is a great difference between blagging, bluffing and telling someone a load of bull, simply to get a sale. If your agent is like this, perhaps it’s time to try someone new.

There is absolutely no substitute for an agent who you can honestly say you trust. Trust is the be all and end all. Have that element of trust in your agent and the relationship will blossom…       and talking of blossom, if you really want to see some of the most spectacular cherry blossom you’ll ever see, then think Japan in April time. Now, that’s information you can trust!!!