18/07/2022
Let's talk fees!
One question I've been asked so many times recently is 'Why are Travel Agents now charging fees?
The main reason Travel Agents are now charging, is due to the fact that during Covid a majority of airlines made the decision to cut all Travel Agents commission from between 5-7% per ticket to 1%. So to put this into perspective, pre Covid a Travel Agent would have made approx $70 per ticket but now they are only making a measly $10. This simply is not enough to pay the bills. So things have had to change.
It amazes me however that we haven't charged fees before now, I mean $70 per booking isn't really going to pay the rent, living costs etc .. yet until now we have all accepted it - but now we need to change our mindsets in both agents and consumers.
Let's think about this for a minute....
When you go into a retail store to buy a shirt, we look at the price and accept it. We then make a choice to either pay that price or keep looking. We never question how much profit that shop is making on that shirt, we just pay for the product (sometimes service comes with it) and walk out happy with our purchase.
We hurt ourselves so go to see a Doctor. The Doctor checks us over, patches up the cuts & bruises and hands us the bill We all know the Doctor charges fees and yet we never request a breakdown in costs for the stiches, the needle, bandage etc - We just pay the bill.
When we think about these professions, Travel Agents are no different, we all provide a service.
Booking your trip through a Travel Agent can actually save you time and money, as a Travel Agent is not only just booking your 'bum on a seat' we are providing
* Expertise
* Knowledge
* Advocacy
* Resources
* Convenience
* One Stop Shop (book your flights, tours, cruises, transfers, hotels, travel insurance all at the same time)
* Exclusive Deals via your Virtuoso Agent (that's me by the way!)
Did I mention also that when you book through a travel agent, you can contact them for any questions, changes or whatever your might need at anytime. This means no more 3+ hours hold times to the airlines.
So, next time you're planning a trip either for personal or business, give your local Travel Agent a thought. Yes we will charge you a fee but look at what you get in return - 100% peace of mind, now that is priceless.
If you would like to talk to me about your next trip, my email is [email protected] or phone 0223420570
