Off to Cruise3Sixty...

Come visit the ARC booth # 706 at Cruise3Sixty next week. I'll be ready to answer any questions you have for me regarding the VTC Program. If you don't have questions, but have suggestions, comments, or even concerns...throw them at me. The Program will only become stronger with your feedback. And if you're interested in setting-up some time to chat, ping me at cflores@arccorp.com and we can arrange something.

I'll blog from the hotel next week and give you my thoughts (this will be my first Cruise3Sixty). Hope to see you in FLL!

Chris Flores

March Madness!

It's that time of the year when sports junkies go nuts for college basketball. I admit, I'm one of those sports junkies but I'm not one of those who pumps-out $10 a bracket for an office pool. My historical return on investment...not so good.

But a deal that I think will yield a positive return on investment is The Travel Insititute's special offer for VTCs. We have partnered with The Travel Institute to extend the popular Education Stimulus Program, exclusively to ARC VTCs between March 15 and April 15. Purchase the test only and receive the supporting material FREE. Have you been thinking about finding a niche destination? Thinking about taking that step to become a CTA or a CTC? Here's a great opportunity to do so at a discounted rate. Visit www.arccorp.com/vtc to view the flyer.

Chris

Your Biggest Fear...

So what is it? I'm not talking Boogey Man or Death...I'm talking business. And no, "Going out of business" is not a legitimate fear for this post. There are several things that lead-up to one going out of business; some are controllable while other are not. Anyway, for example, do you fear of letting down your clients? Do you fear exuding too much energy for a prospect that will go down the street? Do you fear "down the street"? Do you fear not being able to use your IATAN Card because you have to hold the fort down and sell? You get my drift.

Let us know. Really, this is your opportunity to tell us what you think.

Chris

Travel Agent Service Fees - Money on the Table?

I travel to as many shows as my budget will allow. While at these shows I love chatting with travel professionals. I love to hear about the great ideas you guys come-up with, like stuffing invoices with information about products/services they can use while on their trip or sending a newsletter that includes information on the most popular and affordable places local clients go to vacation. But you know what idea I like best? Presenting the travel agent service fee. I'm very surpised that very few travel agents collect in this area. By no means is this statistical, but I would say only 2 out of every 10 travel agents I speak to at a show actually assess a fee of any sort. And what are the main reasons why my friends do not collect? They're afraid they will lose the business; they've never done it in the past, so there's no need to do it now; and they do not know what the fair market value is.

This is money on the table; money to your bottom line. Your business provides such great service to clients that they come back to you each and every time they want to travel (at least I hope they d0). What does your service include? Surely more than just finding the best possible price for their trip. If you operate on a price-based model...ehhh, that's a whole different post. Anyway, that service, which is unique and different than the agency down the street, is your justification for assessing a travel agent service fee. So assess it!!!! You're worth it and you're efforts are worth it. Now it's up to you to show your clients that is the case.

I'll give an example of something I expect each an every time...good service at a restaurant. A waiter or waitress greets my wife and I, takes our drink order, takes our food order, serves our meal, inquires about dessert, makes one last call, and then hands me the check (I'm a gentleman, I always pay). Nothing out of the ordinary, right? But what if that waiter or waitress constantly refills my drink before I ask or even when I don't need it to be refilled or if they make a recommendation on a particular dish based on personal experience or if he/she asks us how their service was or finally...asking if we would visit his/her section next time we visited...I wouldn't think twice about giving a little extra tip. Why? Because that waiter/waitress left such a good impression, it separated her/him from others. Not exactly apples to apples, I know, but the point being, remind people why you're service is valuable and unique and they will be happy to pay that fee...myself included. You just have to sell you. You're the product in this instance and that fee is your commission to yourself.

I'm sure it's a lot more complex than that so I welcome feedback, thoughts, and opinions.