At SafariBookings, although we verify every email address before someone can send an inquiry, it will be the case that the majority of people who send an inquiry won't book a tour.
On average, our partners generate one booking out of every five to six requests they receive. This means four to five requests don't end up booking. From our data, we know that one or two of those 'non-bookings' don't even reply to an email. Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do about this, and it's just a part of the consulting process.
We understand that some operators occasionally wonder whether certain quote requests are genuine. It’s natural to be cautious, but it’s important to know that the requests we forward to you are from genuine travelers who are actively planning a safari. Even if a request does not result in a response or a booking, this doesn’t mean it was fake — sometimes travelers change their minds, become busy, or book with a different operator.
How we safeguard quote requests
To protect you and ensure quality leads, we have a two-layer process in place:
Automated screening
Our system automatically flags any quote request that appears unusual or potentially fraudulent. This helps filter out low-quality or suspicious submissions before they ever reach you.
Manual review
In addition to automated checks, our team manually reviews suspicious requests. This extra step ensures that the inquiries you receive are from genuine travelers who are actively interested in safaris.
We can also track whether travelers open or confirm the quotes they receive, and whether they make bookings with other operators. This provides further assurance that the inquiries are legitimate.
How you can verify requests
To feel more confident about the inquiries you receive, you can:
- Check SafariOffice to see if a client has opened or engaged with your response.
- Call the client directly if you would like further reassurance. Some clients do leave incorrect numbers on purpose if they don't want to be called. Don't confuse this for a completely uninterested client, they may just prefer other methods of communication.
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Make sure to click 'Confirm Your Reply' after you have sent your quote to the client. Then the SafariBookings system will automatically send a reminder to the client, which is useful for bypassing spam filters in the client's inbox.
If you are still convinced a request is not genuine, you may ask to decline that quote request and we will investigate it further. Read our article on when a quote request can be declined for more info on this.
Focus on performance, not doubt
While it’s easy to question a request that doesn’t convert, missed opportunities usually have other causes. It often comes down to how quickly and effectively you respond, the competitiveness of your quote, or how your profile compares with others. That’s why the best ways to improve your success rate are by focusing on a professional company profile, good response times, and effective client engagement.
Check out our other articles on how to use email communication effectively and how to convert more quote requests into bookings for more advice.