WHAT IS WRONG WITH TRAVEL AGENTS?

I have been reading lately from both the travel media and Expedia about their travel agent sign up program. The new program, like most travel affiliation programs, provide commission levels that aren't fit even for an MLM referral travel agent. I cannot understand why any travel agent professional would even consider signing up for these ridiculous programs. There are plenty of travel agent booking sites that are available that offer fair commissions. What is even worse, some of these affiliation sites do not require you to have any travel agent credentials. In addition, these same affiliation sites, especially the mega online agency programs, will probably capture( steal) your clients as you book them.

My word of advice to the travel agent professional is that they stop holding the hand that keeps on slapping them down. They really need to avoid working with those suppliers who will steal your clients, play games with your commissions and are not really interested in anything that recognizes you as a travel agent professional. I avoid doing business with those who have bitten me at least once. For example, Delta Airlines who was instrumental in eliminating your commissions has Delta Airline Vacations. The only reason for anyone doing business with these people and the others like them is because you are trying to serve your client's needs, which must come first. Otherwise, seek out alternative suppliers who haven't hurt you in the past.

Why not send a letter or email to your cruise line President asking him or her to be transparent with their "Non-Commissioned Fares" (NCFS). It's really not a big deal for the cruise lines to be honest about this. Why not report on Facebook or other social websites, suppliers who have wronged you if you can substantiate it. The bottom line is if travel agents continue to "let things slide" because they feel they can't fight the "big guys" are doing an injustice to themselves and their fellow travel professionals.

I know being pro-active as a travel professional can make a difference in the long run. I know my rhetoric over the years has made some differences. Can you imagine if a couple thousand of us became more active? It would make a difference

Comments

[John Frenaye]

Peter--I'd love top know how many legitimate agents actually sign up. I am sure several in YTB will simply for the NCL and RCCL inventory. But I see this more like the Sandals affiliate program where they offer a spif for bookings--designed to be placed on the Bait Store's website who might get a booking every few years.

[The Natural]

Did anyone see this?
http://articles.mcall.com/1987-07-31/news/2591815_1_defendant-s-mother-trust-fund-montgomery-county-prison

Sounds like someone has some "explaining" to do. That is pure fraud!!

[John Lobo]

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Thanks,
John Lobo
http://travelagenthelp.com

[Cheap Flights]

Thanks for the information John. It's a big help for those people planning to tour around the world.

[Cards Home Business In Australia]

I appreciate it very much, at least I know from it someone is reading the contents.Thank you for sharing

[Cards Home Business In Australia]

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[Exclusive Travel]

Great information that is definitely helpful. There needs to be more travel agents out there like AOV Travel. They are great.

[Travel Agents]

You're such an inspiration to me.
I'm getting closer and closer to my goals and your work is definitely motivating me.

[Audio visual hire]

Awesome post!It is a very unfortunate thing that happened and you should be compensated.
If the travel agency still wont compensate you to a reasonable level, then take things further, the head office or even a government fair trading office (if you have those in germany)
you should be compensated, go to the agents in person, then take things further if needed.

[traveller]

Everybody loves to travel. For many people it may be a hobby, for others, it may be for leisure purpose and get a break from their daily routine lives. One way to make your travel memorable and enjoyable is by being accompanied by some of your family members, especially children.

[Eiffel tower tickets]

Can you please let me know Good travel agents/websites for honeymoon tour to kerala which has good reviews?

[make money from home]

Awesome post! Thanks for sharing. So once again we are going to have to deal with an Adminstrator that doesn't know their left hand from their right hand and, probably, temporary CAA staff who have been drafted in to help and who don't have a clue about travel. One of these days they will all realise that we need industry experts on claims like this, both CAA staff and acccountants, and not money chasers.

[paul]

It would make a difference to consult a Travel Agentwho knows the ins and outs of the business.

[paul]

It would make a difference to consult a TravelAgency
who knows the ins and outs of the business.

[Surf Camp]

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[Cruises Perth]

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[Eileen Roberts]

I worked with Pro Travel Network and there is a total of #1,362.00 for commission and agent fee that is owing to me from April 2010 and no explanation was given to me why they refuse to pay although all the reference and information is in my back Office.I am ferious with this company

[Vacation Rentals]

Great post, and I just wanted to chime in and let your readers know that travel agents can find reliable partners in the vacation rental world that won't undercut them on our site and are, in fact, very interested in building relationships with them, which is why they put their homes on http://www.travelrentalnetwork.com. As suppliers, we know that these relationships are invaluable.

[Kailyn]

The company I work for just started a travel affiliate program, and the travel agents commission is pretty standard and fair. I think you had a bad experience. But I don't think its fair to label all treatment the same. I work for a small business and we take the time to work out a fair deal. Where as a larger company like Delta Airlines will have limited room to negotiate. I don't think you should throw in the towel just yet. Keep looking! ;-)

[Holiday planners]

Thank you for useful information. Now I got enough information when planning a holiday

[AQTF]

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[Sarees]

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[Marty]

I agree. Why promote businesses that are trying to put us (travel agents) out of business. They don't deserve our business.
We need to be smart about this. Otherwise we will need to look for a different travel job!