First Choice v Thomas Cook

After a year of claiming and helping others, kids doing fantastically well in school and me being struck down with a muscle condition the OH decided to take the family away to the Domincan Republic. It began with scouring the internet as everyone we spoke to said you will get the best price from there. We got a price online of £2600 for 2 weeks all inclusive for 4 adults (kids are 14 and 16) not be or so we thought.

Then I watched Dont get Done get Dom. He made it look so easy at haggling but he has never met anyone like me If you were desperate for a glass of water in a desert, and I had one for sale, I would be left with the glass of water and had paid for you to fly first class to the oasis 100 miles away!

Anyhow I thought lets give it a try. OH was as supportive as reclaiming money...you wont get it! We went to First Choice (FC) with our printout. The girls in there were so helpful and with a little bargaining we got it down to £2450. Then we went to Thomas Cook (TC) and told them what FC could do it for. It was a TC hotel we wanted to stay in and so the girl called the mamager and we began the fight. She reduced the cost to £2250. We then said thanks but FC said they would beat any price TC gave us. So the manager (excellent customer service and a credit to her company) asked what would it take for us to take the holiday with them. OH suggested for it to be free and after all the laughter, she then, (not on the record) reduced it to £2150. Ok we said, but we had promised to go back to FC and give them the chance to compete.

Off we went back to FC, who met us with a cup of coffee and biscuits. But couldnt beat the price no matter what she used. She even gave her 10% discount but was unable to let the holiday go for any less than £2150. We thanked her and left (after drinking the coffee of course)

Back to TC. We told the mangeress that FC had reduced it but we would not tell her by how much (yes i know a little lie but it is our money ) She then offered seats together (saving £80), and we got the holiday for £2100. With a total saving of £580.

So a few tips to be remembered:

1. Always talk to the person selling the holiday by their first name (more personal and they feel like they know you)
2. Never take just one quote. Shop around it is worth it.
3. Tell them you only have a budget of £500 less than you really have.
4. Ask for a discount, you will be pleasantly surprised by what they can do. Our branch of TC used a local Football team and if you supported them you got a little discount!
5. Dont be scared to tell them you are going between agents, the staff loved the game as much as we did.
6. Get the most recent print out available, its amazing how much it can change over a few weeks. Oh and maybe it was just me but the prices online were always a little cheaper on a Tuesday and Wednesday.

Lots of appreciation to Thomas Cook and First Choice as they were fantastic, really knew how to look after customers and very friendly. I would recommend using them any time.