Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
22 years.
What is your primary product or service?
Custom travel planning to Australia and New Zealand.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
As international travel consultant for an Canadian agency, I planned dozens of trips to Aust/NZ; then, as sales manager for Air New Zealand, I taught travel agents how to plan travel to the South Pacific in a day long class. I love my product, I love my job. Most of my clients now come as referrals from my past travelers.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
One on one personalized service, a total focus on one destination and my consistent study of my product. I am always learning, even after 22 years.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
One location, but I have an office in Auckland and in Sydney to assist clients while they travel, if they need anything at all.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Please call me for these; I work now out of a home office. I do not have 'walk ins' but take appointments. However, my clients are world wide, so most of my work is done my phone and email when distance is prohibitive.
What type of payments do you accept?
Check for land arrangements (although we can accept credit cards, there is a 3% fee for usage and most clients whose trips are several thousand dollars prefer to save that 3% and pay by check. Credit card for air tickets.
Which areas do you service?
World wide, but primarily the U.S. I am Chicago based.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Carol Hitchie is the president.
What are your hours of operation?
7 days a week 24/7; I do not have 9-5 hours necessarily, but am usually always available to clients.
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