TTG061109

P44-45 MS Nov6 4/11/09 14:04 Page 45
ttglive.com
mystery shopper knowledge
This week’s contenders: high street v internet
First Choice Thomas Cook Dreamoman Bestatarabianholidays
10 Northumberland Place 1 Abbeygate Street Dreamoman.com Bestatarabianholidays.co.uk
This branch was The store was not This website was I thought the
inviting from well lit but the quick to load and website was
the street and service was the homepage attractive and
was tidy inside. immediately was eyecatching. professional
I was greeted immediately by a friendly and welcoming. I also found the search facility looking. It loaded quickly
consultant. The agent asked While the consultant searched easy to use. However, it was and was easy to navigate and
several questions about my for a holiday that suited my also very basic and the details I search for holidays. The search
requirements, although I did needs, they kept me informed could enter about my require- facility was basic; like dreamo-
feel a little unsure of the of their actions and progress. ments were limited, so I was man.com I wasn’t able to search
progress being made as they They also spoke of their own unable to narrow down the hotels by facilities. However, I
searched. However, they did travel experiences that related type of hotels I was after and was presented with a good se-
source a holiday that matched to my booking. Unfortunately had to look through the offer- lection of options and found a
my needs. The hotel offered the final quote came over ing to find something suitable. spa hotel in Muscat offering
spa facilities and the board budget by £56 despite the However, I found one that bed and breakfast within my
basis included breakfast. agent attempting to bring the ticked the boxes and the budget. Transfers were also
Unfortunately no extras price down by changing travel information about the hotel included. Although I needed to
were offered, however the dates. However, they said that was comprehensive. Extras speak to a consultant to book,
price was very enticing as it if I booked, they were sure I were not offered but I was I preferred using a high street
came easily within budget. could get a discount. attracted by the excellent price. agent and talking face-to-face.
✔First impressions ✔First impressions ✔First impressions ✔First impressions
✘ Sales process ✔Sales process ✘ Sales process ✘ Sales process
✔Product match ✘ Product match ✔Product match ✔Product match
✔Incentive to book ✔Incentive to book ✘ Incentive to book ✔Incentive to book
This week’s winner: First Choice
Although searching took time, both bestatarabianholidays.co.uk
next
and dreamoman.com met my needs and budget. However, I
week
preferred booking face-to-face with an agent. Of the two high street
agents, Thomas Cook’s service really impressed, but the quote was
almost £600 more expensive than First Choice. Mike suggested 10
Mystery Shopper goes
Mike found a well-
priced holiday for the
nights’ bed and breakfast at the Shangri La Barr Al Jissah Resort &
to the East Midlands
mystery shopper,
giving him the edge
Spa, Al Waha in Muscat, departing Heathrow on March 4, 2010 and
over the other agents costing £3,766 for two people.
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