Selling Your Clients "The Sandals Difference"

Post written by : Jennifer Dobrijevic - Diva Weddings and Events

When it comes down to it, the number one objection we face from clients is price. I’ve found that explaining the added value a Sandals vacation provides is an easy way to overcome the price objection.

 From the second you step through the customs line, Sandals begins to set itself apart from the rest. Airports in Montego Bay and Hewanorra both have luxury Sandals lounges where guests can relax in air conditioning, lounge on couches and chairs not unlike the ones they may find in their own homes, and enjoy a cold beverage (yes with alcohol) while waiting for their transfers. This is the start of the Sandals difference. Booking your guests into a concierge or butler level category allows them the luxury of private check-ins in one of two private lounges. Upon arrival guests are greeted warmly, with a chilled towel scented with the signature Red Lane spa lemongrass fragrance. Bags are delivered to their rooms promptly, none of this 4-6 hour wait, and the butler will even unpack and iron for you thus allowing your guests to hit the beach or the pool right away! Travelling makes you hungry, and unlike other resorts where buffets are the predominant fare, a la carte dining is a staple at all Sandals. The gourmet restaurants boast a variety of cuisines ranging from local fare to Italian and even Japanese (complete with Sushi). Forget drinks that leave you wondering what that mystery alcohol was, Sandals carried premium brand top shelf and Berringer Stone Cellar wine. Aside from the fantastic food and drinks, the accommodations are among the most spectacular in the world! Unique concepts like the Millionaire suites, Rondovals, and swim up suites offer that extra wow factor. Outside the room, they boast some of the most stunning beaches in the world and multiple pools per property to suit every personality from quiet and relaxed to party animal. A must try while at Sandals is the signature Red Lane Spa. I can say without a doubt the pedicure and massage (signature West Indian) were the best experiences I have ever had at a spa. From the moment you step in, the scent of lemongrass and calm atmosphere ease all your worries away.

The biggest selling feature is not cosmetic, nor is it something that can be seen or felt. It’s the people. Hands down, the staff at Sandals are the most warm, delightful and accommodating people you can ever hope to meet. On one of my first trips to Sandals I got to chatting with one of the housekeeping ladies. She asked for my card and I thought nothing of it at the time. Upon my return I had a voicemail from her thanking me for staying with Sandals and saying she hoped I had a safe trip home and was welcome back at anytime. Every property has a staff member who has left a special place in my heart, everyone has gone above and beyond to make sure I felt at home and thoroughly enjoyed my stay. Rest assured that sending your client to Sandals will keep them coming back for more and earn you a client for life.

SANDALS RESORTS’ CULINARY AMBASSADOR TAKES HOME A THIRD EMMY AWARD

Sandals Resorts International is proud to announce that its very own Culinary Ambassador, Chef Walter Staib, received a third Emmy Award for his television cooking series A Taste of History® during the prestigious 29th Annual Emmy® Awards held in Philadelphia. The second season of the show won Best Historic/Cultural Program or Special, while in its first season, Emmy® Awards went to Chef Staib and James Davey for “On-Camera Talent – Program Host/Moderator” and “Director” respectively.

Chef Staib combined his passions for history and Caribbean cooking for seasons two and three of A Taste of History®, by filming in Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Antigua and The Bahamas to share the story of the influence that the West Indies had on Colonial culture and dining.

His love affair with Caribbean cuisine began in the 1970’s as he completed major food and beverage projects on the French side of Saint Martin and in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Studying intensely under Jamaican cooks in jerk huts, food stalls at Faith’s Pen, in the Blue Mountains as well as in local markets, fruit and spice orchards, molasses, rum and coffee plantations, Staib became a veritable authority on Jamaican delicacies and dishes.

Chef Staib also founded the Caribbean Culinary Federation, bringing authentic and delicious Caribbean flavors to the various restaurants and menus throughout all Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. As the Sandals Culinary Ambassador, he ensures guests experience top-notch dishes, ranging from genuine Caribbean cuisine to Asian and Italian cuisine.

To taste Chef Staib’s culinary creations at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, or to book your Luxury Included® Vacation today, please contact your travel agent or call 1-800-545-8283. 

Luxury Included / Value

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hello Canada,
Thank you for all your comments on my last blog. Many of you raised some interesting points and there was one comment that I want to open up for discussion. Cheryl from Ottawa wrote that “people are starting to realize the value of what we are offering versus the cheap deal”.  What is your definition of value?  When a client asks you for a “deal” do you automatically offer them the lowest priced vacation you can find or do you offer them something that offers value along with quality?
Sandals and Beaches Resorts are LUXURY INCLUDED. There are so many factors that make up the Luxury Included concept. Here are just a few:
All Meals, Drinks & Snacks
Golf Green Fees (Ocho Rios, Jamaica and St. Lucia)
Luxurious Accommodations
Scuba Diving & Water Sports
Weddings Included
Gourmet Dining
Premium Brand Drinks
Stay at one play at ALL
Gratuities
Airport Transfers
Now why would anyone want to sell something that is just considered cheap and not sell something that has value to it? If you add up everything that Sandals and Beaches Resorts offer it is an easy sell. I don’t understand why someone would want to sell something “cheap” because there is no money to be made from “cheap” and chances are you are not selling a quality product.
 
 Have you seen all of our sales and our promotions that are on our resorts right now? The savings are incredible and you are still making money by selling our resorts not to mention the free nights you earn. Another really important factor about selling value and quality is the repeat business you will get; once a customer experiences our resorts they will come back to you because you recommended a quality vacation to them.
 
I believe that anyone who is involved in selling travel should consider themselves to be a sales person not a consultant because at the end of the day we do not make any money consulting, we make money when we close a sale. I also believe a sales person should have the skills to influence their customers’ decision as they are the experts who have the education and the product knowledge and this is why a customer will go to them.  
 
The other day I read an interesting article by Tom Hopkins and I love his statement: 

“If you believe in your product or service, if you have qualified your customer and believe that they have the resources to buy from you, and your product or service is a good fit, then it is your responsibility to help them make a decision to buy from you.” 

On that note, don’t be afraid to spend your customers’ money because if they didn’t want to spend it they would not come to you to seek your expertise. When they ask you for a deal don’t assume they want the lowest priced resort but use your sales skills to sell them something that offers quality and value.

Please send me your comments and remember that every comment you send me and it is posted you will automatically be entered to win a 4 night trip to Sandals or Beaches Resorts. There will be one lucky winner a month and the draw will take place the first week of the month. Save my blog address in your favourites or read it on the Sandals News Network. 

 
Below you will see a few pictures of what luxury is...Enjoy!
 
Wishing you all a great day!!
 
Gina
 
Quote Of The Day
 
“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”
 Will Rogers
 
 
 

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