Mmm. Freee coffee.
Sarah and I recently got back from a vacation in Alaska. It was a wonderful trip with too many incredible things to list. All I can say is that if you’re looking for a place to travel you won’t regret going to Alaska.
On the trip we had time to think about the great things that the travel businesses were doing that enticed us to stay with them, eat with them and to visit them to see things.
One thing that kind of stood out was the “free” services that were offered.
I’m not usually a fan of businesses giving something away, but it’s different when that something you give is not really worth a lot to you, but it is worth a lot to your customers.
Here are some examples.
1. WiFi
Just about everybody has a smartphone with them today. Sarah and I went over our limits with data. It was very nice when a place had free WiFi to use and it even made us more likely to stop at a place whether it was a hotel, restaurant, coffee shop or something similar.
If you’re already using WiFi in your business then go the little extra mile to offer public access. You’ll attract more customers because of it especially if you advertise it with your regular advertising.
2. Coffee
This one I wasn’t really expecting, but it was very nice. We went on water cruises, bus rides and all kinds of things where they offered free coffee. This was on top of the free coffee at hotels and even at a restaurant.
It’s a very nice perk especially for travelers.
3. Printer
Even with smartphones, it’s still nice to have a printer nearby for things like confirmations and tickets. Hotels often have printers today, but restaurants, conference centers and even little shops can offer free printing to get people in the door.
It’s something travelers need and if you offer it you can get more customers through your door to buy your main service or product.
4. Maps
When you’re somewhere that you don’t know very well it’s nice to have a map. Smartphones are coming a long way, but Sarah and I picked up the free maps in just about every free city.
If you can figure out a way to provide a free map to travelers you’ll make them very happy and likely to come through your door.
5. Water
You don’t have to give out bottles of water. It was nice to have access to water coolers and similar water devices as a way to fill up a water bottle before heading out for the day.
6. Sunglasses
This one is less common, but it can still work. I know that people forget their sunglasses or break their sunglasses when they’re traveling.
Sometimes you don’t need to replace them with something expensive. You just want something to keep the sun out of your eyes.
By offering free and cheap sunglasses with your logo on them or something will make customers happy. And think of all the photos they’ll take with those sunglasses to show to friends and family.
7. Cookies
This happened just once or twice, but I know people loved it.
I don’t own a travel business so it’s hard for me to say, but baking cookies isn’t crazy expensive. And you can really become known for offering free cookies.
Two examples: First, an airline here in Wisconsin used to offer free cookies on the flights. It became their hallmark. The same happened with a furniture store in our city. They offer free cookies to visitors.
People love snacks and they love free snacks even more.
8. Sunscreen
People forget the things they need when traveling. I don’t think I had sunscreen on the trip. It’s a hassle to bring on the plane.
I thought it would be cool if a business had a little dispenser with sunscreen. You see those hand sanitizer dispensers around. Sunscreen would work just as well.
9. Towels
Not as common, but you will see it. Just little towels around or even paper towels. People are always spilling things or doing something that makes them want to wipe something.
10. Kids Ice Cream
You know that kids often run the show. If you offer free little ice cream cones for the kids you know they’ll get their parents to come in the door no matter what your business offers.
Conclusion
Free stuff can get people in the door for your travel business. You don’t have to break the bank to make it effective either. Look for little things you can do that cost you little to no money, but that will add extra value to your visitors.
You’ll win them over and you might even become known for the free gesture, which can lead to more customers.
