Tui assistant store manager Rachel Liversidge, who has been an agent for nearly 25 years, estimates she sells an average of 75 cruises a year, which means she’s closing in on 2,000 career cruise bookings.
So when TTG learned Liversidge was on the cusp of an incredible milestone, we just had to ask her the burning question: how does she make selling cruises look so easy?
“I’ve seen big changes in cruising over the years," said Liversidge, speaking to TTG from her desk at Tui’s store in Sheffield’s The Moor shopping centre. "Cruising used to be for one type of customer – now there’s a cruise for everybody and they’re more affordable.”
Interestingly, Liversidge believes cruise is “an easy sell” owing to the “five-star entertainment and the really nice food” onboard. She added there were a number of factors she looked out for in clients she believes signals whether they might consider cruising, such as a preference for fancy hotels.
Many new agents will often book whatever it is their clients want without suggesting alternative options because they lack the confidence or product knowledge.
So how does a new agent with little or no cruise knowledge build their confidence? TTG asked Liversidge what tips she can give agents who feel a bit overwhelmed about the prospect of selling cruises to their customers.
