Should you explain how free walking tours work? If yes, in which way? When starting the tour or at the end? When and how is it okay to suggest a high payment? Etc. As you see, there are lots of questions around the payment on a free walking tour and it’s actually a big debate among gurus.
In this post, you’ll figure out why and when it’s important to make the concept clear to your walkers. And the most interesting: many different ways to share it properly! Because no one likes to talk about money while on holiday.
Furthermore, in the booking email, we remind them about it as you can see here.
Most travelers already prepared the money they are going to give before the tour. But it can always be more, or less, according to the experience you’ll provide. |
But anyway, it’s always possible to have a traveler who doesn’t know about the payment-system. It could be because someone else booked the tour or because he/she saw your ‘Join this tour for free’ flag. That’s why we recommend mentioning it.
Most gurus make it clear when starting the tour or by reminding it at the end of the tour.
If you have to choose one of these options, we recommend you do it when starting the tour. I personally do it twice, when starting and finishing the tour. Again, to make sure there is no confusion among the travelers.
There many ways to share it. But there are some golden rules you should respect:
The following ones are all good ways to share the payment-system with your travelers, according to your style.
This technique focuses on the organization, work, study and training of the tour that most travelers don’t even think about. So it’s great to remind them. If you choose this way, it should also appear when introducing yourself.
“Hello everyone, my name is X and I’m so glad I’ll be your guide for today! I’ve always been in love with my city, getting to know every detail of it, and I fulfilled my dream, working hard, by becoming an official guide and making my passion a job.”
As a rule, it’s better not to suggest a price. Because low-budget travelers will feel uncomfortable and high-budget travelers will give you less than they thought the tour was worth. The only exception would be if someone is confused and asks you directly. |