Market research!!! Please assist

[Bos en Dal SAFARIS]

Good day, everyone! As part of our long-term planning and strategic analysis, I would like to gather some information about our target market. I will have the poll running for 7 days. If you could please respond to this for me to get enough information, I would greatly appreciate it.

Kind regards

 

[BnC 04]

For the most part we book our trips at the shows. Gives us time to visit face to face and discuss details.

 

[jbirdwell]

I visited with a list of outfitters that I pre-made before the Dallas show and currently weighing my decision for next year

 

[Ridge Runner]

I'm going with option 3 shop and book later. However I may book with an outfitter or outfitters I talked with at a show or I may book with an outfitter that was recommended to me.

What I like most about meeting face to face with outfitters at shows is gathering information not aways found on the outfitter's website.

 

[Matthias5662]

I did it backwards. Shopped around then went and met the outfitter at a show - it sealed the deal (twice).

 

[LivingTheDream]

I did it backwards. Shopped around then went and met the outfitter at a show - it sealed the deal (twice).

I tend to do this. But there is a lot of people I meet at the shows and kind of save in the memory bank and come back to when I am ready to do that hunt.

 

[62flint]

I like to meet who I will be trusting with my safety and well being face to face.
A international trip is not a small undertaking. My last safari I took my family. I wanted to be certain they would be taken care of and have a good trip.
Shaking their hand and looking them in the eye goes a long ways.
How does the booth look? Well thought out, neat etc.
I will visit the booth multiple times through out the show.
I have only done one africa safari trip. But I have done multiple North American trips and this has always worked well for me.
I have booked a couple bad trips and I learned. Talk to the outfitter multiple times and check references. With the internet today. Google helps a lot

 

[pilar]

I did it backwards. Shopped around then went and met the outfitter at a show - it sealed the deal (twice).

Same research, research
we didn’t go to DSC this year and will not go to Atlanta same with Memphis
hopping San Antonio or San Angelo has a good turnout

 

[JimP]

For me it has been word of mouth and others recommendations.

The two shows that are within driving distance for me haven't had any of the outfitters that frequent this forum and I have been burnt by getting reviews from outfitters clients. They also haven't had either outfitter that I have booked with for my African hunts.

 

[mark-hunter]

I voted no, because there is no major hunting shows in my country.
However, I would like to attend them.

 

[Boyd Brooks]

I went to Africa hunting shows in Toronto, ON before the anti’s got them all shut down. Ended up booking with an outfitter that I saw at all the shows. Was always willing to answer my questions, even though the first couple times he knew I was just kicking tires. I booked with Jan Taljaard of Impisi Safaris, it was a toss up between him and Marius of KMG Hunting Safaris. I just had a better connection with Jan and he offered the exact experience I was looking for. Price was also a factor in my decision.

 

[AimSmall]

Just booked 3 @ DSC

 

[Scott CWO]

I do my research irregardless of who’s at the shows. Sometimes the outfitter is there, sometimes not. Word of mouth also helps.

 

[Manny R]

Usually when I go to a hunting show typically DSC I have an idea what country in Africa I wish to hunt and the top 1 or 2 picks of the animals I wish to harvest. I do a lot of home work before the show. I have a list of Ph's I wish to visit with. After my first initial run speaking with them I generally will speak to my Importer. They know how successful that PH is on specific animals. Remember they import and have very good knowledge who is doing the job. I have discovered that a good importer has a vast amount of knowledge where and who you should hunt with.
Then basically I will go back to the top 1 or 2 or even 3 and discuss more details with them. I will never give a deposit at the show till I am 100% certain this is the Safari Company I wish to hunt with.

 

[Scott CWO]

There are way more outfitters that don’t attend the shows than those that do attend.

 

[375Fox]

It really depends. I’ve booked a safari immediately after both DSC shows I’ve attended, but I’ve also booked on recommendations from other PHs I’ve hunted with, through a reputable agent, and through reports posted on AH and other internet resources. I’ve really enjoyed the two shows I’ve attended, but I primarily only spoke to the outfitters I had previously researched. This year I only spoke to the outfitters I had on my pre-written list. The show is nice but definitely isn’t a requirement to get my booking. Professionally answering emails in a timely manner is probably most important.