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Repatriation Websites: Whose been successful?
‘Repatriation Websites?’ Many people, including the travel insurance publications, are wondering what box to put these companies in. For those who are just as confused, let me be more specific. Over the past 3-5 years there have been a number of websites that have attempted to carve out a niche service within the repatriation market. Their primary focus has been air ambulance services along with medical escorts, organ transports etc. Some of those sites are:
Here’s my thoughts:
Under the guise of ’full disclosure’ I’m bias because i’m involved with three of the websites listed above. I’ll do my best to be objective but I would challenge you to look beyond that and think about what model really makes sense for the repatriation industry. Here are the range of inclusive business models:
- Operators pay the website to submit their credentials and be included in the online network. If they win business from the site they pay a flat rate commission.
- Operators pay the website a nominal flat fee to submit a quote on a qualified prospect.
- Operators pay the website a flat rate membership fee and gain access to networking tools.
- Buyers and Operators use the website directory, buying and selling tools for free. Website monetizes their site via advertising
- Buyers and Operators pay an inclusive monthly fee for a directory listing, buying and selling tools.
- Operators pay a monthly flat fee for a listing in an online directory.
I’ll discuss more on these websites in another post but thought I’d reiterate some of my thoughts shared during my presentation at ITIC Budapest.
It’s inevitable that repatriation buyers and sellers will use the Internet for some portion of their engagement, e.g. searching for providers, advertising, display of company websites etc. Although I cannot substantiate that, I’m going to say it’s a fact!. I’ve tried a couple of the models above and here’s what I believe are the five criteria for building a successful service site for the repatriation market:
- Most successful websites offer a baseline service for free, e.g. try before you buy.
- The website must achieve some type of critical mass, i.e. by attracting the majority of buyers and sellers and dominating a niche segment or the entire marketplace.
- The site cannot be biased because of commercial motives, e.g. you cannot play in my network unless you pay me to approve you.
- The site should be moderated by a blend of the users and the site’s administrator, i.e. ensuring the content and functionality is what the market wants.
- The site must be inclusive of all industry or market stakeholders, i.e. similar to point three. The more inclusive you are the better chance of removing commercial bias and achieving critical mass.
Only time will tell if I’m right so watch this space!
I think the model that gives me the “biggest bang for my buck” is the one I would pay for. Why pay for the privledge to quote if I don’t win the business? If a web site helps me obtain more business, then I am more willing to pay a reasonable fee.
I would have to agree with lst on this as well. The more revenue a site can generate for me, then the more I would be willing to pay for the service. The more competition that is on any one site the better, as it keeps costs in check, which will hopefully allow broader access to the services. Then, the real determination of quality becomes service. Whoever offers the best service, given that pricing remains competetive, will have the best results. This is great for the industry, as it keeps costs low, opens availabilty to more consumers, and ensures quality services.