Travel Agencies:Rumors to Reputation

The word reputation depicts what a company is known for. Reputation is much different than a rumor. A rumor can be spread by one person and may or may not be true. However, in order for a company to achieve a reputation for something, they must perform in the same manner most of the time for an extended period of time. For example, if a company is known for their excellent customer service, they have repeatedly provided satisfactory customer service to several clients in order to gain their reputation. Reputations need to be confirmed with more than one person and then put to your own intuitive test when speaking to them.

One time I called a well known travel company to ask a few questions. To me they seemed snobby on the phone and wouldn’t talk to me about any staffing locations or anything until they had a complete file with them. I quickly ended the conversation and continued with my search. Later, I discovered that the company had a large assignment selection, yet they had a reputation for being impersonal. My intuition could have told me that. Intuition can tell you a lot, if you listen to it.

Your intuition can also tell you a lot when listening to a traveler talk about their company. If you find a traveler talking bad about a company, take time to ask them about their experience with other companies as well. I know a traveler who has been traveling for 5 years and has yet to be satisfied with one travel agency and or hospital. This is when you know, this simply an unhappy person, not a bad company. The company may be fine.

So how do you know the difference between rumor and reputation? You talk to more than one traveler regarding the company, ask about their experience with other companies and listen to how they describe their experience. Are they objective or are they downright personal about it? Lastly, tune into your intuition and listen to it.