Why do people wait untilt he last minute to book there trips?

Question

I know this is part of the business but as a travel agent i get great deals and don't charge a fee. When I give my clients the price they are happy because it is so low but they wait days sometimes weeks before they say "ok I'm ready to book" then the price is almost double. Then I loose the sale because now its too high. If the price is good, why not pay your deposit then. Why do people wait until the last minute?

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http://www.intriguedtravel.com

Answer 1

Good Question!

Patiently waits for the responses to come rolling in!

Travel is changing a lot people and it isn't just because of fuel costs like some believe. Many airlines are in Bankruptcy and are trying to pull themselves out. Expect very different higher prices this year.

Those that book in advance WILL get the better prices and sock it to the last min. people. About time in my opinion! I feel those that book in advance SHOULD get better prices! Don't you?

Answer 2

Greetings,
I have an online travel agency and may I say you have a great question. What I try to do is when I am quoting a price to someone, I try to let them know that the travel industry is a changing market and that what is a price one day is another price the next day. I try to walk a fine line from being a good saleperson to putting pressure on my clients. I never want them to feel as if I am pressuring them. I try to always give them the "price is good until" time frame. I also understand that people have it in their nature to shop around. They feel if you have a great deal then someone else may have an even better deal.By the time they get back to you, the price has usually gone up. What I find helpful is to provide the best service to my clients and I do not count the sale until it is actually booked. What you will find is people will come to apreciate your service and grow to trust what you have to offer them. They will then book with you everytime because they know that you really have their best interest at hand.
If I have done research for someone and they still do not book their travel with me, I look at the positive side of the experience and realize that I have just increased my knowledge of a referring travel agent and the experience will help be book the next person's travel.
Hope this helps and keep selling travel. It is one of the best business you can be in today. I always say..everyday someone is going to book travel, why shouldn't they book their trave with you.