Oh dear. While in my local town centre today I thought I'd pick up a few travel brochures to take home and gently browse through at my leisure.
This was all I intended to do as I do not yet have a destination in mind having only returned from Montreal a month ago and finances and health not yet permitting another holiday in the near future.
However, I forgot, on my brain-fuddled wander around the shops to go to most of the travel agents within the town centre. This was the only one left, First Choice (ironically!) on my way back to the bus station.
I just ambled in casually to look at the brochure display when POW! immediately a pushy advisor was at my elbow. I suppose, given that the shop only had one other customer in there at that point, I should have expected it.
She immediately asked, "Can I help you? Where were you thinking of going?" My thoughts right at that moment were to say "Home!" but I didn't! I just replied politely "I'm OK thanks, just want to pick up some brochures". Now, in most shops this would be enough to signal to the assistant that they weren't required. Oh no, not here!! She continued to fish as to where I had already been, where I wanted to go, when, etc etc. I found this almost intimidating as I really had no idea at that point and repeated that I just wanted some brochures.
I turned my attention to the brochure shelves - half empty! (or should I say half full??!)
The assistant remained at my elbow and said "Turkey's nice" I shook my head and explained that I wasn't really a sun-seeker and would quite like the idea of Scandinavia or Germany. She said "Oh, we don't really have any brochures for that. have you thought about Cyprus?" NO! because that's not where I want to go! I repeated myself and she eventually rooted out a "Lakes and Mountains" brochure for me, put it in a carrier bag and stuffed it in my hand.
At that point I'd had enough. I no longer wanted to browse myself for fear of this over-enthusiastic monkey on my shoulder.
So there it is, they MAY be very good at the actual travel part but the quick, pushy experience has completely put me off going in there again.
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And I bet she was trying to push Airtours brochures on you! I have also found them to try and push brochures on you - and like Lunn Poly they don't have the selection of brochures.
judithritchie 30.03.2001 11:55
oooohhh i dont like that approach i havent been in one of their shops yet but i think ill
avoid! thanx jude :-)
bottles 30.03.2001 00:45
Good op - I really hate sales assistants like that too!
Just thought you might like to know the First Choice website is pretty crap as well!
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Splendia, a unique selection of luxury and design hotels with character in the most beautiful locations: Marrakesh, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Dubai.... Book directly online or contact our customer service available any day of the week.
Record Rent a Car is present in the main spanish airports and has a very wide fleet. We offer: exceptional discounts, free additional drivers,
unlimited mileage... subscribe to our Club Record and take advantage of special offers.
Advantages: Very good at pretending they care PRIOR to travel... Disadvantages: ..Once you've boarded the plane for your holiday resort, they lose all interest!
Winterwonderful 24.01.2007 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of First Choice
Mar 28th, 2001
very helpful by (91%):
helpful by (9%):
