How to Get More Bookings in the Marine Industry

In the world of nautical charter, two sectors coexist, with different types of sales. This means that sales channels and the way of selling vary.

Types of sales

Advance sales

Sales that the customer plans months or weeks ahead, from home.

• Bookings by the week.
• Sailboats or large yachts.
• The customer is an experienced sailor. Often a repeat customer.

Impulse sales

These respond to the urge to go out with you while already in your area, or shortly before.

• Bookings by the day or by the hour / seat-by-seat sales.
• Motorboats and inflatables, with or without a skipper. Seat-based activities.
• First-time customers. It would be unusual for them to be repeating the experience.

Sales channels

Advance sales

• Your website, email, and phone. You’ll need to offer your services, converting visits into booking requests. Work every sales opportunity until a booking is confirmed, in a professional, attentive, and systematic way.
• Agencies. These are specialists in these services. They can be physical offices in the customer’s home country, in your destination, or online. There are well-known aggregators known as GDS so you can work through a single channel with hundreds of them.

Impulse sales

• Your website. The customer wants to book right away, or make a quick inquiry before booking. Offering availability and the option to confirm a booking is essential.
• Online agencies. Portals that rank well in searches for your area and sell you customers in exchange for a commission. Examples include Samboat, Boatjump, etc.
• Offline agencies. Hotels, beach agencies, receptive tour operators, and companies that offer your products and receive a commission.
• Referrals. Handled by email and WhatsApp with acquaintances.

How do I get more bookings for boats and nautical experiences?

Whichever type of sale you identify with, you must stand out in your area through professional and friendly service, and demonstrate that you’re a company that’s always improving.

For advance sales, you should act as a consultant, finding the most suitable vessel for the customer’s request.

For impulse sales, you should offer the most comfortable and agile booking experience, ideally one where the customer can resolve their own questions independently.