Location: Dundee
Wanted: A family with children aged seven and nine, and an elderly mother with reduced mobility, would like a holiday in Menorca in August, flying from Glasgow.
Budget: £4,000
Barrhead Travel
High street
95%
The shop had a relaxed atmosphere and I was acknowledged as I entered. The first recommendation was seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Mestral and Llebeig Apartments with Thomas Cook, flying from Glasgow with British Airways on August 5.
I was quoted £4,000 to stay in a two-bedroom apartment, including private transfers and a late check-out. The second suggestion was also with Cook: seven nights at the Paradise Club for £3,883, including flights with Thomas Cook Airlines from Glasgow onAugust 5.
The agent spent time getting to know me, asking questions about recent holidays, each member of the family and extras such as booking a wheelchair at the airport for my mother.
Thomson
Overgate Shopping Centre
84%
I was offered coffee, but had to wait half an hour until I was seen. I was given two options departing on August 5: seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Mestraland Llebeig Apartments for £3,729 with Thomson; and seven nights at the Marina Parc Hotel, which cost £4,369 with Thomson SplashWorld.
The agent had good destination knowledge and was helpful in researching disability access, but the wait was too long.
Ramsay World Travel
Crichton Street
79%
I was recommended seven nights’ self catering at the Marinda Garden Club with Thomas Cook, flying from Glasgow on July 28 with Thomas Cook Airlines, for £3,949.
I was also offered twoself-catering options with Jet2holidays, flying from Glasgow on August 1: a week at Vacances Menorca Resort for £2,149 and a week at the Carema Gardner Village for £2,703. The agent was attentive but lacked enthusiasm.
Winning agent
Helen Jennings, sales consultant
I always have a chat with the customer to try to get to know them. There is no point suggesting a holiday before you know what they want, especially if they have specific requirements.
Verdict
The atmosphere in the winning store was relaxed and welcoming, and the agent made the Mystery Shopper feel valued and confident about their holiday choice.
Top-scoring agent each month will win use of a car for 10 days.
The winning agent must be at least 25, for insurance reasons. Winners under 25 will win a week’s all-inclusive holiday at an Elite Islands Resorts property. The prize is non-transferable and the car must be driven only by the winning agent. The winner must not have any serious driving convictions. Elite Island Resorts will endeavour to supply the car to the agency but reserves the right to request the winning agent to collect and return the car from Essex or a central location