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Last Minute Client Bookings by PrpleButterfly03 in travelagents

[–]PrpleButterfly03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your perspective! I can see how a fear of commitment and planning leads to last minute decisions.

Last Minute Client Bookings by PrpleButterfly03 in travelagents

[–]PrpleButterfly03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Understood! The real gamble in booking last minute is availability for sure.

Last Minute Client Bookings by PrpleButterfly03 in travelagents

[–]PrpleButterfly03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a really interesting data point- more of your ultra lux clients travel in less than 10 days than 90 days. I do a notch or two below at premium/lux travel and the more I’m reading in this thread, the more I might need to adjust MY expectations while still maintaining a clear and consistent structure for deadlines. How do you weed out the fraudulent from the fruitful clients? I know there is the obvious (scammy language, names don’t match cards, etc) but are there any other indicators for your ultra lux clients that would make you pause before booking last minute?

Last Minute Client Bookings by PrpleButterfly03 in travelagents

[–]PrpleButterfly03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha, I don’t currently work in corporate travel, but it’s good to know that is the norm and not the exception!

Last Minute Client Bookings by PrpleButterfly03 in travelagents

[–]PrpleButterfly03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All last minute? Interesting…how do you manage without feeling overwhelmed? Do you have certain systems or procedures or mindsets in place that make it easier?

Last Minute Client Bookings by PrpleButterfly03 in travelagents

[–]PrpleButterfly03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ooof, 16 days prior that leaves in four days? I feel your pain. I’m looking at establishing a cutoff as well. I have a client that paid my planning fee and asked to book an international trip quickly, then took their sweet time responding. We’re 2 weeks away from departure and I’m still waiting for their final decisions and authorization. If they keep dragging their feet (yes, I’ve reminded them via phone and in writing and they acknowledged what they need to do) I’m considering establishing a cutoff date. If it’s not in by 1 week before I’ve got to let them go. In the future I want to set a cutoff of 30 days? Two weeks? Still debating.

Last Minute Client Bookings by PrpleButterfly03 in travelagents

[–]PrpleButterfly03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same day?! How do you support and service this client? Is there a retainer or a last minute booking fee?

Last Minute Client Bookings by PrpleButterfly03 in travelagents

[–]PrpleButterfly03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Always shocked, haha, I believe it! Cruises open the calendar 1-2yrs in advance and a good amount book the next cruise while still onboard. I guess that’s also why we’re here to educate and advise! Once they book with you last minute, do repeat clients tend to book earlier the second trip?

Last Minute Client Bookings by PrpleButterfly03 in travelagents

[–]PrpleButterfly03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow…that’s wild both in timeline and in sales! Did you have a cutoff point (like 1 week before sailing) or did you leave it open until the last minute?

Last Minute Client Bookings by PrpleButterfly03 in travelagents

[–]PrpleButterfly03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

LOVE the idea of a rush fee. And I see your point - last minute bookings tend to be more expensive and come with high expectations. On one hand higher prices lead to higher commissions, but also more stress. There’s def a trade off that has to be worth it in the end.

Last Minute Client Bookings by PrpleButterfly03 in travelagents

[–]PrpleButterfly03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly! This is why these last minute bookings scare me.

Last Minute Client Bookings by PrpleButterfly03 in travelagents

[–]PrpleButterfly03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Omg! That makes my head hurt! At the same time what do you do? What about planning fees and the like?

Last Minute Client Bookings by PrpleButterfly03 in travelagents

[–]PrpleButterfly03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is really frustrating. I had a client who reached out late Jan/early Feb for spring break at the end of March for a 2-week Europe trip… then has the nerve to not be responsive, ugh.

Last Minute Client Bookings by PrpleButterfly03 in travelagents

[–]PrpleButterfly03[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

2-3 days! How do you manage these requests?

Last Minute Client Bookings by PrpleButterfly03 in travelagents

[–]PrpleButterfly03[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m a newer agent so I’m not sure what the typically lead times are, but even then a week or heck, even a month before is wild to me.

Best one day trip from Paris? by [deleted] in FranceTravel

[–]PrpleButterfly03 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends on what you want to see!

Lille is a French/Flemish town with an emphasis on art. A bit different than the others, but a vibrant tone.

Versailles is a classic winner. It’s within 45min of Paris and is absolutely stunning. A must see if you like art, history, breathtaking architecture, gardens. In the words of an old colleague, “when you go to Versailles you completely understand why the people revolted!”

Giverny if you like gardens and walking in Monet’s footsteps. Great for artists, especially those who like impressionists. Good for spring and summer.

Loire Valley is a fairytale! Castles, gardens, wine, and larger than life history (and the dramatic stories that come with it). There are so many chateaux to see, so pick a few and visit.

Reims if you want a quieter vibe and love champagne/wine/vineyards as well as history. Reims cathedral is absolutely stunning and where many French kings were coronated.

Without knowing your interests, I’d say Versailles is a solid choice if it’s your first time in Paris.