Looking for a tour guide system? If you search online, you’ll find numerous options. It’s hard to cut through all the noise to determine which one is right, let alone which vendor or partner to work with.
The company you choose is just as important as the product itself. We developed a list of the top five common mistakes that facility managers, tour guide operators and event planners should avoid when deciding which tour guide system company to partner with.
- Not Asking About Customer Support & Referrals
- Settling for Limited Product Options
- Choosing a Vendor Without Customization or Flexibility
- Limiting Your Rental or Purchase Options
- Not Being Able to Demo the System
1. Not Asking About Customer Support & Referrals
Question: What kind of customer support do you provide, and do you have testimonials?
Considerations: It can be tough to discern how well a company will provide support after the sale. Let’s face it, every tour guide system vendor is going to promise you that their customer support is top-notch. Sadly, the true measure of support is often felt only after an issue occurs.
Asking for referrals is one way to help ensure your tour guide system partner will actually deliver on their promises and be there for you when you need them. For example, here are a handful from our Implecho customers:
“When working through a new event, plans are ever changing and evolving and Implecho's team was flexible and extremely helpful!” — Sun-Maid
“I had a couple special requests on headphones and mics. My questions, information and corresponding quotes were well done and received.” — Whirlpool
“I have been in customer service for 30 years. I will say my rep was a breath of fresh air. She was very responsive and her communication and attention to detail was top notch.” Firestone Industrial Products
Long-term relationships like those noted above indicate more than just quality products; they indicate quality customer service and the people who provide it.
In addition to helping you choose the right system and features, Impecho’s team will walk you through each feature, make sure it’s ready out of the box and can even offer onsite support as needed. Our onsite teams handle everything for high-stakes events, from setting up the equipment and handing it out to boxing it up and sending it back, allowing you and your team to focus on your event details.
2. Settling for Limited Product Options
Question: How many tour guide system options does the provider offer?
Considerations: Many vendors take a one-size-fits-all approach, suggesting that a single product or system they offer will work the way you need it to across multiple applications. But don’t settle for only one option that doesn’t provide all the functionalities you need.
A manufacturing plant tour guide may need a system that reaches long distances with hands-free functions, attenuated microphones and noise reduction rating (NRR) headphones. On the other hand, an event planner for an international expo with silent conferences might require a two-way system with a built-in language interpretation mode and guest headsets that allow participants to ask follow-up questions at the end of a presentation. There are many more scenarios from campus tours and sporting events to corporate training or stakeholder meetings, each with unique requirements.
Insist on more than one option.
No matter which system you choose, you’ll want exceptional audio quality. Poor audio quality can lead to ineffective tours, frustrated participants and miscommunication. Implecho offers four diverse tour guide systems designed to meet your individual needs and deliver a great tour experience. And we test each system before it goes out the door.
RELATED: Compare the Top 4 Tour Guide Systems
3. Choosing a Vendor Without Customization or Flexibility
Question: Is there a set package or can I customize the quantity, accessories and headset options?
Considerations: Just like no single system will fit everyone’s needs, there is no single configuration. A partner who offers customization helps ensure you get a solution tailored to your specific requirements. If you need 22 units with multiple headset and earbud options, extra battery chargers and unique programming, you should be able to get it without a hassle.
4. Limiting Your Rental or Purchase Options
Question: Can I rent or purchase the tour guide system?
Considerations: Will you use your tour guide system one or more times each month? If so, purchasing a system probably makes sense. Your provider should be able to arrange delivery along with thorough training on setting it up, programming and maintaining your system.
If you host only a few events each year, however, purchasing an entire system may not be necessary. Not only do you need to store it, you’ll also need to make sure the batteries are charged. For less frequent events or training, renting might be a better option.
Determine whether your provider offers the option to rent or buy.
LEARN MORE: Buying vs. Renting a Tour Guide System
5. Not Being Able to Demo the System
Question: Does the provider offer a free demo of the system I’m considering?
Considerations: Whether a provider offers a single system or several to choose from like Implecho, you should consider requesting a free demo. No matter how good a system’s instructions or how many tutorial videos there are, there’s no substitute for having it in your hands. Details like the feel of the system, its audio quality, how easy it is to use and more can only be known when you use it in real life.
At Implecho, we provide free demo kits to help ensure you’re happy with the system you ultimately choose and that you’ll know how to use it.
RELATED: How Do Tour Guide System Demo Kits Work?
In the end, look for a tour guide system partner, not just a vendor. At Implecho, we care about your tour’s success and will do whatever it takes to help you achieve it. Contact our team today to talk through your needs. We’re here to help.
