TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel Advisors

123. How To Get A Client To Commit To A Budget with Courtney Gardner


Listen Later

Budget discussions with clients aren’t always easy, but what if they didn’t have to be so awkward? Courtney Gardner, founder of Fisher and Stout, unpacks how travel advisors can confidently navigate those tricky money conversations while building trust and delivering unforgettable experiences. With a 99% referral rate, she walks through how she sets the tone from the very first call, focusing on how clients want to feel on their trip and not just what they want to spend. Learn how to handle misaligned expectations with grace, educate clients on the value of what they're getting, and use transparent pricing as a trust-building tool. If you’ve ever struggled with vague budgets or felt stuck when clients dream big but spend small, this conversation is the clarity you’ve been craving.

 

About Courtney Gardner:

Courtney is the founder of Fisher & Stout Travel, a boutique travel advisory specializing in custom, high-end experiences. Born and raised in Idaho, Courtney spent 20 years working in theatre and film, honing her ability to craft compelling narratives—something she now brings into the world of travel. She doesn’t just plan trips; she designs immersive stories, using a mix of meticulous planning and gut instinct to create journeys that feel effortless yet extraordinary. After starting Fisher & Stout in Arkansas, she’s built a reputation for curating seamless, meaningful travel experiences that allow her clients to discover the world in a way that’s uniquely their own. 

 

fisherandstout.com

 

 

Today we will cover:

  •  (03:00) From theater and film to luxury travel
  •  (07:00) How unclear budgets lead to misaligned expectations
  •  (10:15) The initial call; focusing on feelings instead of numbers
  •  (18:30) How to suggest alternative destinations without disappointing clients
  •  (21:15) The art of language in client communication
  •  (28:20) Building trust and long-term client relationships
  •  (34:20) Why conversation always trumps transaction
  •  

     

    JOIN THE NICHE COMMUNITY

    An interactive membership for travel advisors wanting the community, education, & support to grow their business.

     

    VISIT THE TEMPLATE SHOP

    Create an enjoyable booking experience for every one of your travel clients.

     

    EXPLORE THE PROGRAMS

    Self-paced style courses for the modern travel advisor.

    _____

     

    FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tiquehq

    CHECK OUT OUR SERVICES & PROGRAMS: tiquehq.com

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel AdvisorsBy Robin Bradley and Jennifer Jacob

    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9

    4.9

    129 ratings


    More shows like TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel Advisors

    View all
    The Chalene Show | Diet, Fitness & Life Balance by Chalene Johnson

    The Chalene Show | Diet, Fitness & Life Balance

    7,264 Listeners

    Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15 by Host Agency Reviews

    Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15

    82 Listeners

    TravelPulse Podcast by TravelPulse

    TravelPulse Podcast

    124 Listeners

    The TIN Lounge by Korrine Johnson & Theresa Chu-Bermudez

    The TIN Lounge

    39 Listeners

    Masters in Travel by Whitney Shindelar and Brianna Glenn

    Masters in Travel

    87 Listeners

    The Lounge by Travefy by Travefy

    The Lounge by Travefy

    9 Listeners

    Trade Secrets Podcast by Travel Weekly and TravelAge West

    Trade Secrets Podcast

    32 Listeners

    The Art Of Selling Travel Podcast by Glenda Beagle

    The Art Of Selling Travel Podcast

    28 Listeners

    7 Figure Cruise Business by Korrine Johnson

    7 Figure Cruise Business

    23 Listeners

    The Social Takeoff Podcast with Kelli Hayes Smith by Kelli Hayes Smith

    The Social Takeoff Podcast with Kelli Hayes Smith

    39 Listeners

    Strategic Travel Entrepreneur: Business Tips for Travel Agents/Advisors, Travel Agency Owners, and Travel Business Owners by Rita M. Perez

    Strategic Travel Entrepreneur: Business Tips for Travel Agents/Advisors, Travel Agency Owners, and Travel Business Owners

    25 Listeners

    Flight Path by Tern by Tern Software Inc

    Flight Path by Tern

    6 Listeners

    The No BS Travel Advisor™️ by Marcie Muensterman

    The No BS Travel Advisor™️

    51 Listeners

    The Travel Business Unpacked by The Travel Business Unpacked

    The Travel Business Unpacked

    8 Listeners