I sometimes think I should have gone into dentistry, as getting information out of some clients is like pulling teeth.
“When do you want to go?
“Anytime.”
“B&B, half board or all inclusive?”
“Don’t mind.”
And, of course, every travel agent’s favourite: “What’s the budget?”
I have a visit from exactly this type of client today.
“It’s our 30th wedding anniversary and the Mrs always wanted to do a safari,” I’m informed. “And then a week on the beach,” he throws in.
“When are you thinking of going?” I say, thinking he’ll have at least a rough idea – it’s for a special occasion after all.
But no, Mr Flexibility can go anytime in 2024.
“Is it bed and breakfast you were thinking about?” I ask.
“We would prefer the all-inclusive as we like a drink with the entertainment,” comes the reply.
It’s obvious he’s done zero research but I’ve a few minutes free and I’m keen to see where this goes.
“And what’s your budget for this trip of a lifetime?” I ask him.
“Hmmm…” he goes, rubbing his chin.
“We haven’t really got a budget” he says, which translates as: “I’m skint, I saw you had no one in and thought I’d waste your time, the bus isn’t due for another 20 minutes and it’s warm in here.”
“Well, how about 1 January for the departure and we can look around the four grand per person budget as a starting point,” I say.
Watching the colour drain out of his face is the highlight of my day as he makes his excuses and leaves…
Next, a lady waltzes in and asks about the cruise deal on the board outside.
As the board holds 20 fabulous cruise offers, I ask her which one she’s interested in.
“The £429 one,” she replies. “What date is it leaving?” I ask her hopefully.
“Oh, I’m not sure,” she says.
Knowing I’m going to have to lumber my exhausted carcass outside to look for it, I heave myself up out of my chair and wearily follow her to the board.
It’s a P&O and it clearly says it’s a five-night France and Netherlands departing 19 September.
“This one?” I say, pointing at it.
“Yes,” she replies. “What countries does it go to?”
“France and the Netherlands,” I reply.
“And what date is it departing?” she asks.
“19th September,” I tell her, pointing to the card.
“Hmmm… do you have anything similar going end of August to the Canaries?”
Give me strength!
More Secret Agent tales can be found here.