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As a travel advisor, the key to delivering unforgettable client experiences often lies in the partners you choose to collaborate with. Jessica Woods of Woods Luxury Travel joins this episode to discuss selecting the right industry supplier or partner for each client proposal. Jessica walks through the process of evaluating the best partners, the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, and the differences in services offered by direct bookings, DMCs, and wholesalers. She also touches on aspects like proposal timelines, financial considerations, and the flexibility required in different travel scenarios. If you've ever wondered how to strategically select the right partner for each proposal, this episode is packed with advice to help you fine tune that process!

About Jessica Woods:

Jessica is the owner of Woods Luxury Travel, based in Metro Detroit. She lives with her husband, two dogs, and two cats. A cocktail enthusiast and passionate reader, Jessica loves spending a quiet day curled up with a good book. With a strong commitment to providing luxury travel experiences, Jessica’s personal interests in refined tastes and relaxation help guide her approach to curating exceptional travel itineraries.

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instagram.com/jessicawoods.travel

Today we will cover:

(04:20) Jessica's journey into the travel industry; Virgin Voyages
(06:25) Utilizing partners when you aren’t familiar with a destination
(12:00) Leveraging supplier relationships; overcoming intimidation when approaching DMCs
(17:10) Questions to ask when choosing between a DMC, wholesaler, or direct; Classic Vacations, UJV, Curated Greece, Authenticus Italy
(29:30) Managing expectations concerning proposal turnaround times
(36:45) The importance of initial consult calls; providing detailed information to suppliers
(47:00) Combining wholesalers and DMCs for optimal service
(56:00) Putting yourself out there and building strong relationships with trusted suppliers; Index Select and Experience Morocco
(59:45) Financial considerations in supplier selection
(01:03:00) Being transparent with clients when working with a DMC or wholesaler

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110. How To Select The Right Supplier For Each Inquiry with Jessica Woods

TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel Advisors

110. How To Select The Right Supplier For Each Inquiry with Jessica Woods