Awkward travel agent question

[Travelcat2]

First, TA's that are escorting cruises cannot solicit business - even if they are introduced to a passenger. Our TA warns all of us about this. This is more of a Regent rule than a TA rule. If a TA is onboard and you want to recommend them, they need to call the TA after the cruise!:rolleyes:

 

Second, In my opinion, Facebook would not be the best way to find a TA but is an option. Getting recommendations from fellow cruisers, friends that cruise on luxury lines and the internet is the best way.

[Stickman1990]

 

Second, In my opinion, Facebook would not be the best way to find a TA but is an option. Getting recommendations from fellow cruisers, friends that cruise on luxury lines and the internet is the best way.

 

 

There’s lots of cruising groups (including Regent) on Facebook - they are communities frequented by very experienced cruisers who may be able to assist with recommendations based on their experience.

 

Like any recommendations just how much credence you give it is up to you

 

I note you say the “internet” is a good source - just what is that? It’s a technical vehicle for various sites including Facebook and I think most would agree there are many sites in the internet that aren’t worth anything in terms of credible opinion and advice

Edited September 30, 2018 by Stickman1990

[Travelcat2]

We are just wondering how you (or anyone actually) make yourself comfortable with your agent being so far away? We prefer doing business like that face to face with a TA.

 

Good question! Our TA came highly recommended by many people. Most of our contact is via email as I like having a written copy of what they have told me so that I don't forget. Since our TA escorts many Regent and Silversea cruises, we were able to meet on a Regent cruise. They also have Regent sponsored events every few years either in Miami where Regent headquarters are or in the state where our TA lives. We met former Regent President Mark Conroy at one of these events. The last event was in Miami where we had a tour of Regent headquarters as well as a cocktail event with Regent management, a dinner with them and an onboard luncheon in CR upon embarkation (CR was closed as usual to other passengers). So, we do know our TA.

 

Your question brings me back to how things were done in the "old days" (really not that long ago) when we needed/wanted to visit our local TA to discuss future vacations (land or sea). In my opinion, our connection with our TA is just as good as it was with our local TA with the additional benefit of having them know just about everything Regent. However, as I said, we do not get the highest rebate but are most satisfied with what we get. For us, loyalty is extremely important and we would not change TA's unless there was a heck of a good reason.

[Jonoro7]

A link to Regent's policy on rebates:

https://www.rssc.com/media/hostedfiles/PDF/AntiRebatingPolicy.pdf

[boblerm]

We are just wondering how you (or anyone actually) make yourself comfortable with your agent being so far away? We prefer doing business like that face to face with a TA.

My TA/friend lives literally 5 minutes from my home. But all of our travel related business occurs via phone and email. The only time we have a face to face meeting is for socializing.

I really don't see much advantage of using a local agency.

Bob

 

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[boblerm]

A link to Regent's policy on rebates:

https://www.rssc.com/media/hostedfiles/PDF/AntiRebatingPolicy.pdf

I am sitting on a pool deck enjoying a cocktail right now, so perhaps this is not sinking in:rolleyes:, but after reading this, it seems to me that it only apply to what an agency can advertise, not to what they can actually offer their clients in rebates, am I understanding this correctly?

Bob

[fluckey]

Bob, you are correct. Our agency, which is a top discounter, says on its web page, "call us for our unadvertised prices".

[Host Dan]

I think its naïve to think that a TA simply takes a reservation, works maybe 30 minutes and makes easy money. They may work very hard to get the best price, accommodation, transportation, etc. to simply have the client jump ship and book with an on-line agency that doesn't provide service, or not book at all. I am a Realtor by trade, and I can't tell you how many countless hours I have worked with clients that end up with exactly zero in my pocket. (or money out of pocket, and yes, I will rebate my commission on very high end properties)

[flossie009]

A link to Regent's policy on rebates:

https://www.rssc.com/media/hostedfiles/PDF/AntiRebatingPolicy.pdf

This raises a number of questions:

• Does this 2012 policy still apply?
  
• Does this policy still apply following the acquisition by NCLH?
  
• Does the policy apply outside of the USA? Seemingly not in Europe as UK TAs specialising in luxury cruise lines regularly show discounted prices for Regent on their websites
  

[Travelcat2]

Fairly certain that the same policy applies (based on TA advertising). Many people on the NCHL board are the same people that worked with Regent prior to the acquisition which could be the reason that many (most) policies have not changed.

 

Policies seem to differ outside of the U.S. and Canada. I would check with my TA.

[MalbecWine]

I think its naïve to think that a TA simply takes a reservation, works maybe 30 minutes and makes easy money. They may work very hard to get the best price, accommodation, transportation, etc. to simply have the client jump ship and book with an on-line agency that doesn't provide service, or not book at all. I am a Realtor by trade, and I can't tell you how many countless hours I have worked with clients that end up with exactly zero in my pocket. (or money out of pocket, and yes, I will rebate my commission on very high end properties)

 

As a realtor myself Dan is spot on. You spend time and money schleping clients around on both the buyers side and the listing side plus the advertising and we pay MLS fees to boot and confining education to keep our license required hours every two years. This expense all adds up. We can work our butts off and handle negotiations and end up with a big fat zero. This is just the Cliff Note version.

 

Depending on what my broker will allow we can rebate a certain amount of commission especially if the buyer and seller are really close or we get nothing.

 

Some brokers will charge a penalty for canceling a listing agreement as some travel agents will charge a fee for canceling a trip. Both real estate and travel agents develop relationships with their clients and want repeat business and referrals. Works almost the same. Harder for us realtors and we pay our own taxes. No withholding or Social Secuity taken out at closing on commissions it is our responsibility.

 

Correct me if I misstated anything.

[WesW]

Thanks to both Host Dan and Malbec Wine for adding their realtor perspective to this discussion.

[jeb_bud]

Just curious - how many of you have rebated your product? If you were a doctor, did you reduce your fee to your patients? If you were an engineer, did you reduce your price to your clients? Just wondering why you think it’s okay to demand that their travel agents rebate some of their earnings to you.

 

 

 

I ha e never asked(or demanded) for a rebate or OBC. I ask for a quote and the rebate/OBC is part of it. No threats/coercion required.

 

It would never occur to me to include doctors, engineers and travel agents in the class of occupation.

 

 

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[flossie009]

I think its naïve to think that a TA simply takes a reservation, works maybe 30 minutes and makes easy money. They may work very hard to get the best price, accommodation, transportation, etc. to simply have the client jump ship and book with an on-line agency that doesn't provide service, or not book at all. I am a Realtor by trade, and I can't tell you how many countless hours I have worked with clients that end up with exactly zero in my pocket. (or money out of pocket, and yes, I will rebate my commission on very high end properties)

Good points, well made.

 

However, the cruise industry appears to work a little differently.

 

We were amazed when we first turned to cruising that we could invariably obtain a significantly cheaper price through an agent rather than booking direct with the vendor.

 

Not that many industries work on that basis, do they?

[Travelcat2]

I ha e never asked(or demanded) for a rebate or OBC. I ask for a quote and the rebate/OBC is part of it. No threats/coercion required.

 

It would never occur to me to include doctors, engineers and travel agents in the class of occupation.

 

 

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Agree - threats/coercion is not required.

 

In terms of doctors, etc., as another person posted, when you do not have insurance (in our case dental insurance - we self-insure), a dentist will offer a cash discount. A few restaurants in town have also began discounting cash payments (not high end restaurants) in an attempt to keep credit card fees low.

 

CC has an interesting article on how to select luxury travel agents https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=2666

[MalbecWine]

Well when you are spending $$$$$$ and others receiveing benefits paying less. I am not complacent and will look elsewhere but our agent is great no need to ask for anything as it is provided without asking.

[RachelG]

I ha e never asked(or demanded) for a rebate or OBC. I ask for a quote and the rebate/OBC is part of it. No threats/coercion required.

 

It would never occur to me to include doctors, engineers and travel agents in the class of occupation.

 

 

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I am a doctor, if a person without insurance pays cash upfront, they get a discount which is substantial.

[MalbecWine]

I am a doctor, if a person without insurance pays cash upfront, they get a discount which is substantial.

 

This is very true Rachel. We carry UHC insurance but at retirement we did not elect dental or eye care but when paying cash for the eye care and dental they give us a fair discount. BTW we have a female doctor who is wonderful. In our view women doctors have a whole different approach. We are with MDVIP which I am sure you are familiar with.

[Travelcat2]

I am a doctor, if a person without insurance pays cash upfront, they get a discount which is substantial.

 

Rachel - thank you for posting that information. Unfortunately, some people think that female doctors are different than males. Guess we just need to accept this misconception although it is a hard pill to swallow. Hopefully everyone will eventually get into the 21st century.

 

IF Regent were to find a way to discount cash payments, they would likely save a lot of $$$ in credit card fees. Can you imagine how much the fees are for luxury cruises? I suppose that cash payments could easily be made with Cashier's Checks. Something that Regent may want to think about.

[MalbecWine]

Rachel - thank you for posting that information. Unfortunately, some people think that female doctors are different than males. Guess we just need to accept this misconception although it is a hard pill to swallow. Hopefully everyone will eventually get into the 21st century.

 

IF Regent were to find a way to discount cash payments, they would likely save a lot of $$$ in credit card fees. Can you imagine how much the fees are for luxury cruises? I suppose that cash payments could easily be made with Cashier's Checks. Something that Regent may want to think about.

 

I totally agree. With cash payments the agency would avoid the merchant credit card fees. Especially American Express which has the highest rate in retail that could be discounted if you pay by check or wire transfer.