I started charging fees ($250 per trip) when my newly redesigned website went live this month (completed with Website in a Weekend). So far past clients (booked multiple trips with me over the years) that have reached out for new trips have not responded well. I sent them the TMM Onboarding Packet that explains my value and fee structure. They said they understood but preferred to DIY to avoid paying the fee. How do I politely respond to this and try to find new ideal clients?
I've booked over one million in sales every year since 2019, including 2020, because I shifted to marketing to destinations that were open. I'm really struggling to understand how I can continue to grow my business if my foundation of repeat, referral business seems to be crumbling with this recent change. Others have shared that their repeat clients didn't bat an eye when they started charging fees. While, I know everyone will have different experiences mine is not starting off well.
I'm a new agency owner and am trying to rebuild my own status back with suppliers after leaving a host agency and it seems like the decision to start charging fees was a mistake. Any advice or encouragement?
What are the average budgets of your clients? I can see if you were booking a ton of vacations at $3-5k those clients might not want to charge a fee because of the low amount they’re spending on a trip. But $10k+ those clients shouldn’t bat an eye at your new fee.
Besides the packet you send them, are you verbally having the conversation with them too? I feel like when I email someone my fee
They say ok thanks. But when I’m in the zoom consult with them, they learn to like me and trust me and I explain what I all offer.
Do you have it broken down on your new website too what you offer? I even put with the planning fee they’re getting an itinerary, me choosing their seats, adding their TAA numbers etc. It might seem like small stuff that everyone gets but I list it out so they can see the things they get!
Sorry your previous clients aren’t seeing your value