blog post

Now and then someone will ask me if I “price match” and the answer 99% of the time is YES!  Because 99% of the time the cruise lines and the favored suppliers of Cruise Planners and American Express have the exact same prices/packages that are advertised out in the market (be it internet or print material).

In the case of cruises, many times we have an even better deal because of our block-space (group) rates, and special incentive offers that we get.

In the case of packages, though, sometimes we’re a few dollars off and I can match those WHEN:

* We are talking about the same travel dates, resort, category of accommodation, length of stay, air schedule, and inclusions/exclusions such as transfers and taxes.

What’s the advantage of getting a price-match from me versus just booking with whatsitz.com?

* You’re getting a better company to work with such as American Express Vacations, Funjet, Pleasant Holidays, or other preferred supplier.

* You get actual service from a person you know and trust.

* It doesn’t cost you any more (I get paid by the suppliers).

* I back up your decisions with solid research — is what you’re purchasing really the best value you can get?  It’s amazing how many times I find a superior resort or a better air schedule that frees up additional HOURS of precious vacation time for just a few dollars more.  And wouldn’t you want to know?

* No hidden fees or suprises from me!  Doesn’t it just burn you up when these internet companies don’t reveal all the taxes until you’re ready to click the “buy” button or hide the fact that you have to pay for transfers separately?  Why would you do business with them?

* Other problems I come across when I’m looking at such companies for comparison/research purposes is that they often don’t include transfers, and since they’re all about “price price price” they offer the most HORRIBLE air schedules.  Just the other day I was comparing a package for a couple, and I found an air schedule that gave them an additional 6 hours of precious vacation time for only $100 more.  So it’s always worth it to have me at least double-check something for you.

OK — what about the other 1% of the time?  Well, most of that is related to cruise pricing when Cruise Planners/American Express have sold out of their blocked space but company whatsitz.com still has a cabin or two at the old price.  I had this happen recently — our space was sold out, so I had to compare at 2 or 3 categories higher plus a couple of rate increases and I couldn’t match the other deal after all (but I tried every which way to figure out if I could!).

Some people have told me they would do business with me even if it did cost more – because I act like I care about having their business, an attitude you’re not likely to get from whatsitz.com!

So give me a chance — I’m more than happy to double-check for you, match prices, — whatever I can reasonably do to earn your business!