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How to follow up a travel quote without chasing
A quote that goes quiet has usually not been refused. The traveller is waiting for their partner, comparing two options, or simply busy. A good follow-up gives them a reason to reply. A bad one gives them a reason to stop reading your messages.
Silence is not a no
Families decide holidays together, and the person who sent the enquiry is rarely the only one deciding. A quiet day or two after a quote is normal. The mistake is reading it as a refusal and never writing again, because the agency that does write again is often the one that gets the booking.
When to follow up
- The same day, if they asked something you have now answered, such as whether breakfast is included or how long the transfer takes.
- About two days later, if they have gone quiet with no question outstanding.
- Before a hold expires. If you are holding a family room or seats on a flight, the deadline is a genuine reason to get in touch, and the most persuasive one you have.
Say something new
"Just checking in" gives the traveller nothing to reply to. Every follow-up should carry one new thing: an answer, a deadline or an alternative. "The family room at JBR is held until Friday, would you like me to confirm it?" is a question they can answer in a word.
Every follow-up should be worth reading on its own.
Know when to stop
Two or three follow-ups, each with a reason, is enough. After that, ask one direct question, such as whether they have booked elsewhere, and close the lead if they have. A clear no frees your team for the travellers who are still deciding.
Where an agent helps
Follow-up is the work that slips first in a busy week, because it is never urgent until the lead has gone cold. Socavi's Follow-up Agent sends follow-ups on time, only to travellers who have opted in and on the rules you set, and hands the conversation to your team as soon as the traveller wants to talk about price.