Dear Tammy: I have some clients who want to book a future trip for family travel-like summer vacations and Christmas holiday trips-but they said they don't have all the money right now. I don't want to lose a sale. What are my options?

Tammy: Great question! Yes, you are definitely missing out on a sale if you are not able to offer your clients the payment options they need to book a future trip.

If you lose them as a client now, it would be a shame: They could turn out to be a regular client, which is what you want so they'll book all their future travels through you over and over again.

Understand the best way for you to please any client is to give them the absolute best customer service you possibly can, and that includes offering any payment plan options they may need so they can go ahead and book their next vacation.

Know that every new client you get is one step closer to building the client base that will keep you in the travel agency business for many years to come!

Payment Plan for Clients

While not every client needs a payment plan when they're plotting their next vacation, there are some who not only need but also appreciate when a travel agent offers them a payment plan option for their next vacation. For example, millennials often prefer affordability vs. luxury.

Another great example is when parents are planning on traveling with their children. Because adding children to any trip is going to cost more, these parents would surely appreciate some budgeting assistance.

When you create a payment plan for your clients, you're doing what's necessary to make them happy, and that's what matters. Paying very close attention to their needs so you can do your best to fulfill them is definitely going to be one of the best ways for you to find the success you're looking for as a travel agent.

So be sure to let your clients know that you offer vacation layaway payment options!

Also keep in mind that when you book a trip early enough, the client just may be able to get a few early bird perks, which they will surely appreciate.

Don't Lose That Sale!

Know that the majority of vendors are willing to take a client's payments versus requiring them in full.

The possibility of charging your travel agency's merchant account may also be a possibility if you come across a vendor who doesn't take payments. Your client will need to make a deposit, and you'll need to explain to them their monthly payment schedule to be sure everyone's on the same page.

When you give your clients the option of a payment plan for their next vacation, they're going to highly appreciate your professional assistance. Translation: They'll be back.

There are simply too many choices nowadays for you not to do everything in your power to win that sale. And if offering payment plans is going to set you apart from the rest, then payment plans it is!

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