In February, my team and I invested a lot of time building a plan for a women's group to Bhutan and after much back and forth, they rejected our quote because it was higher by 3-4k per head.
It stung because the lady who approached me is no stranger, her child and mine were in the same school setup, so she knew that a) we are experts and therefore a tad higher than our competitors and b) she knew that they were on a budget, yet, never revealed the said budget properly.
Any hoo, what irked me the MOST is how she had the impunity to send me these messages on WhatsApp last week, asking for help.
I had half a mind to ask her why she was messaging me; she should have messaged the travel agent they'd signed up with!
Am I wrong?
But she messaged me instead.
Why?
Because she knows that we are experts!
Since 2017, when I started Ease India Travel and earned the reputation of being a Bhutan expert of sorts, I've had countless people call me for "help."
"We are in Bhutan and we don't know what to do."
"We are in Bhutan and we can't get a car."
"Our MD is going to Bhutan and we've taken a package from xyz travel agency, but they are unable to arrange a Prado, can you help?" asked one lady from L&T.
"Can you help us get a guide?"
"Where can we get good momos?" (This one that took the cake was a referral from a school friend, and I DID tell them where to get the best pork momos in Bhutan!)
Some of them had the temerity to ask me for help after rejecting our quote and either venturing into Bhutan by themselves (and our customised itinerary) or with other travel agencies!
And almost all the time, I have done what I could.
But after countless such experiences since 2017, I have neither the energy nor the time to offer a proper helping hand.
I've had enough.
That's why I was curt with her over chat.
This may mean burning a bridge, but I really don't think this bridge was worth being there in the first place!
What do you think?
StartupWoes EaseIndiaTravel ExperienceTravel Bhutan Expert
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