“Coach Hire Comparison is set to transition to an automated pricing system, moving away from the current method where operators manually submit quotes for individual customer requests. This change comes after a significant six-figure investment, positioning the company for more streamlined and efficient service.

The website, which connects customers with over 250 independent minibus and coach operators across the UK, will generate instant quotes, ensuring that a suitable operator will always be found to fulfill customer requirements.

At present, operators spend an average of 24 days per year submitting quotes, with “no guarantee of success”, explains co-founder James Stokes. The new system provides a “”Book It Now”” feature, allowing operators to log in daily to view and accept opportunities that match their fleet and location. This system ensures that operators are fully paid for every booking they take on.

The transition will occur in phases, with the goal of automating 80% of inquiries by the end of the year. The pricing model will rely on over a decade’s worth of data, including metrics such as search trends, conversion rates, and historical pricing behaviours. Factors like time of day, day of the week, seasonality, and specific onboard amenities will all be considered when calculating quotes.

Not only will this shift save time for operators, but it will also improve the customer experience, says Stokes. “”Currently, there are instances of overpricing by significant margins, as well as underquoting, which can result in delays in getting average quotes. This leaves many customers underserved and significant revenue potential untapped.””

He adds that the “”Book It Now”” system will address these issues by providing accurate, instant quotes and securing fully paid bookings for operators. This, in turn, will offer them more certainty, better cash flow, and reduced administrative burden. Customers, on the other hand, will benefit from a faster, more seamless booking process and a clearer understanding of journey costs.

With customers increasingly expecting a digital experience, Stokes believes investing in technology is crucial to maintaining their position as a market leader. Coach Hire Comparison, which was acquired by CMAC in June 2023, provides around 5,000 quotes per month for various events, including school trips, corporate bookings, airport transfers, travel to music festivals and sporting events.

Looking ahead, the company is targeting significant growth, aiming to double its size over the next year. It also plans to expand its services internationally, with Ireland and Portugal slated for 2025, and Spain and Greece also under consideration.

Describing the move as the biggest enhancement in the company’s 14-year history, Stokes says, “”We believe ‘Book It Now’ will be transformative for operators and customers alike. It represents a new, more efficient way of working and will bring a host of benefits, from increased earnings for operators to a better overall experience for customers.””

The company is confident that the automated pricing model will become a standard of excellence within the industry, with webinars planned to help operators adapt to the new system.”