Online TA Not very professional

[iowacruiser]

I posted an earlier thread about our efforts to transfer an existing reservation from one on line agency to another in order to save close to $1000 per couple.

The transfer is now complete but not without what I consider to be unprofessional behavior on the part of the original TA.

We offered to let the original agency match our new price. They said they couldn't and we began the transfer process with HAL's assistance.

Instead of simply okaying the transfer (which HAL says is quite simple and seamless) the first agency cancelled our exisiting reservation putting our two aft S suites back on the open market.

Fortunetly I just happened to be on line and saw both cabins available. We called our new agent at xxx cruises and she was able to grab them.

Because of the cancelation we had to put down a new deposit and wait for a credit on the first.

I know we were gambling but the way xxx.com handled the situation was pretty poor for a service oriented business. Never again

 

[Edited to remove the identity of travel agents in accordance with the new policy]

[General Max]

So noted. Who is the new online TA?

 

General Max

[stillfrantic]

Many TAs will not transfer or accept transfers form another agency our of professional courtesy. There isn't a problem transferring from a cruise line to an agency, but I can actually understand why the first agency cancelled the reservation rather than dealing with receiving and sending faxes. Sure, they could, and it would have been nice of them to do so. But, they spent their time booking the origional reservation, sending confirmations and basically doing their job. They don't have much of a vested interest in making life easier for a different agency, especially for a customer they know would would switch for a better price. There aren't many people in any profession who work for free. JMO.

[dewhit6959]

Internet Agencies ...............Professional Courtesy............so much work invested....................hogwash and balderdash.........................I am of the opinion that the vast majority of the online agencies are sweat shops with receptionist who have been conned into becoming "vacation specialist" or

"tour advisors". The really good travel agents are something and worth every cent and a Christmas Bonus, but there are so many hack jobs out there.

[iowacruiser]

Just one note.

The original TA said a transfer would not be a problem. Then he cancelled the reservation.

If you won't do it say so. Don't say no problem and then cancel

[HighRoller]

I'd order and have delivered a 100 pizza's in the middle the night to that TA's home for monkeying around and cancelling my booking...that is reprehensible!

[HeatherInFlorida]

Good business should relate to any business, whether online or brick and mortar. My bad experiences have been with brick and mortar agents while I've had no problems with internet agents. So it's the luck of the draw sometimes.

 

I tend to agree with Stillfrantic. It would have been good business sense for the original TA to make it easier for you. But on the other hand, they don't expect to see your business again so what's in it for them?

Unfortunately, in the end, brick/mortar/internet, it's all about money ... not about us. That's just the way it is. If you think you've found a friend in your TA, good for you. But maybe I've been around just a little too long and I'm a little too cynical.

I just read a wonderful email going around about the good 'ole days when you knew everyone in town and the family doctor was your friend. Sadly, that's just not our world anymore.