Best bonus you've got booking with a TA

[Autumnrose]

Your clients buy you gifts? Is that like reverse rebating LOL? Holy cow I am learning a lot, so my loyalty and thank you's to my TA are not enough I need to send her gifts now? Oh man all this is making my head spin I think I need a vacation

 

Your loyalty and thank you is enough. But it is nice to give a gift of thank you if someone does do a lot of work for you. Unfortunately most people on this thread seem to judge a "good" travel agent by what freebies are offered. That is unfortunate but probably the reason that I see so many complaints about TA's on CC.

 

I have made this point before on the forum but I feel I should state again that just because you know what date, ship and cabin you want does not mean that your agent is doing nothing for you. Those of you who think that a TA just makes a call and books and then is done just doesn't have a clue. That's what you would do at home but that is because you are not running a business. If every agent just picked up a phone to make a booking and that was it they would not stay in business very long. We do build files for your paperwork, build a record in our computer system so that we can invoice your booking for you and our accounting department, make sure payments are made on time and make sure documents arrive on time. All of this takes time and time is money. Because if I wasn't taking the time to do all of this for your file then I could have been helping someone else. If you want too much of my commission than it is not worth my time to claim your booking. Some people might think "well isn't some commission better than no commission?" My answer is no. Because any booking takes time.

 

What it basically comes down to is if you only care about freebies than you will probably never get a "good" TA. Because "good" TA's don't have to give freebies.;)

[robtx100]

The best we've ever had with a travel agent is on NCL. My agent called 10 days prior to the cruise and said she is getting us the owner's suite. She has since been promoted to trainer and we've booked the Voyager with her replacement. In between, we used a PVP with Carnival and she is beyond wonderful. I recommend her to all my friends booking with Carnival. I feel like I have a personal relationship with her. We'll see if the new agent comes through for us.

[Alexru12]

These are all perfect examples of businesses rewarding clients for REPEAT or REFERRAL business ... not first time clients coming in and saying what are you giving away?

exactly, this was going to be the second and third cabin i was giving her, though already booked with the cruiseline, only awaiting final payment, no airfare, no hotels, just accept the final payment. did not ask, nor expect anything from the original cruise i booked exclusivly thru her and paid for on the spot. when transferring booking were mentioned i asked what would be the benefit or incentive to do so. have only done business with this ta for a week so did not know her practice

but to hand over two CC balcony cabins on celebrity to an agent i have just met and just paid 2500.00 to for another cruise, yeah, make it worth something to me.

now after i see how the cruise i booked with her is handled, i may transfer future bookings, or not. may deal exclusivly with her for all new bookings.

but this one is all done and in the bag, she owes me nothing for a transfer, and i owe her no transfer for nothing:cool:

[pandabebe]

Some bonuses we received on our last RCL cruise:

 

$25 casino credit

Free RCL slippers (can't believe how comfty they were!)

Free dinner at specialty restaurant

Champaigne for every cabin

Free photo for every cabin

 

...but we did have 80 people cruising with us for our cruise wedding. Nonetheless, our families cruise a lot so our agent can usually swing either free dinners or some casino credit.

[Ivanova]

Some bonuses we received on our last RCL cruise:

 

$25 casino credit

Free RCL slippers (can't believe how comfty they were!)

Free dinner at specialty restaurant

Champaigne for every cabin

Free photo for every cabin

 

...but we did have 80 people cruising with us for our cruise wedding. Nonetheless, our families cruise a lot so our agent can usually swing either free dinners or some casino credit.

 

those are typically amenities available from the cruise line to TAs for booking group space.

[LSAUNDER]

booked 3 SUITES FOR MY FAMILY, THIS IS THE 3RD VACTIONS THIS YEAR SHE HAS BOOKED FOR ME, i LIKE MOST OF YOU GET ALL OF THE INFO, CABIN NUMBERS, ETC. AND GIVE THEM TO HER. She does NOTHING, i ONLY DO THIS SO SOME ONE CAN GET THE COMMISSION SUNCE i CAN'T. Just TRYING TO BE NICE. WE TRAVEL AT LEAST 3 TIMES EVERY YEAR, BUT HAVE ALSO RECEIVED NOTHING IN RETURN. When THERE ARE PROBLEMS I HAVE TO HUNT HER DOWN TO CORRECT THEM. i USE TO DO ALL MY BOOKINGS OF ANY KIND AND TTHINK i WILL ALSO GO BACK TO THAT. i AGRRE, SOME OF YOU HAVE GOOD Travel AGENTS. You ARE LUCKY.

[aqhacruiser]

Your loyalty and thank you is enough. But it is nice to give a gift of thank you if someone does do a lot of work for you. Unfortunately most people on this thread seem to judge a "good" travel agent by what freebies are offered. That is unfortunate but probably the reason that I see so many complaints about TA's on CC.

 

I have made this point before on the forum but I feel I should state again that just because you know what date, ship and cabin you want does not mean that your agent is doing nothing for you. Those of you who think that a TA just makes a call and books and then is done just doesn't have a clue. That's what you would do at home but that is because you are not running a business. If every agent just picked up a phone to make a booking and that was it they would not stay in business very long. We do build files for your paperwork, build a record in our computer system so that we can invoice your booking for you and our accounting department, make sure payments are made on time and make sure documents arrive on time. All of this takes time and time is money. Because if I wasn't taking the time to do all of this for your file then I could have been helping someone else. If you want too much of my commission than it is not worth my time to claim your booking. Some people might think "well isn't some commission better than no commission?" My answer is no. Because any booking takes time.

 

What it basically comes down to is if you only care about freebies than you will probably never get a "good" TA. Because "good" TA's don't have to give freebies.;)

 

I'm sure you are a good TA but I do my own booking, apply all C & A discounts, watch for price drops, make my own payments, book my own excursions, print my own setsail pass and order my own docs. RCCL makes it so easy to do all that on the website and it stores all my info too. If I ever had a problem I deal with RCCL directly. When I do transfer a booking to a TA the booking is complete and ready for final payment and yes, I do transfer for perks or I would never transfer it. I did the work not the TA. I do realize TA's help people book reservations, book excursions, etc. all the time but I am not one of those people. Without a good perk, there is absolutely no reason for me to use a TA.

[aqhacruiser]

If a base price of a cruise is 5098.00 and a TA is a high volume online TA for that cruiseline that makes 17 % commission and is prepared to give 500.00 onboard credit for a complete booking that is just transferred over and does not require them to do a thing except send in the final payment and if they are happy keeping 366.00 for doing nothing, than I'm happy with the 500.00 OBC. Some call it rebating, some call it doing business, either way, the cruiseline is aware of it and does permit it obviously or there would be several TA's out of business. It's not hidden but out in plain view and they are top producers for RCCL. I realize a small TA cannot compete with the volume of sales of a large TA but the consumer is going to get the best deal they can.

[cs]

We do build files for your paperwork, build a record in our computer system so that we can invoice your booking for you and our accounting department, make sure payments are made on time and make sure documents arrive on time.

None of this is for your customer though. This is all business overhead. Your customer doesn't need the record in YOUR computer system, they need it in RCCL's computer system. Your customer doesn't need YOUR files, nor do they need YOUR accounting department to be notified.

 

What I'm trying to say is that those things you mention are not benefiting the customer, they are things that are required for your business to stay organized. So you can't really count them as a service you are providing to your customer, this is just plain and simple overhead.

 

Granted, there are some customers that need constant hand-holding. An agent like you would be able to provide them the service they are looking for. Then there are customers like us (most people on this board) who are knowlegable enough to do all the work themselves.

 

Would it be different for you if I approached you and said, "hey, I know what I'm doing here. I've already booked, I plan on watching for price drops myself, I pretty much know the routine. I may need your help on a few things - like sending in final payment, or sending me the tickets, but otherwise I will not. Would you like to take me as a customer and we can split the commission?"

 

Win-win situation!

[stacynan]

Would it be different for you if I approached you and said, "hey, I know what I'm doing here. I've already booked, I plan on watching for price drops myself, I pretty much know the routine. I may need your help on a few things - like sending in final payment, or sending me the tickets, but otherwise I will not. Would you like to take me as a customer and we can split the commission?"

 

Win-win situation!

 

It's not a win-win situation. It's a "you win, TA loses" situation. I'd love it if you approached me this way though. At least you're honest and I'd tell you "No thanks" as I walk you to the door.

[jcanino]

If I booked the cruise already, and could get $500 onboard incentive by transferring my booking, I wouldn't care about the service so much. I've already did most of the work anyway. Why should I feel greedy about the TA sharing part of his/her cut with me?

 

Service does not stop when you make your cruise booking. Good customer service continues on after you make your final payment, and after you receive your documents and after you leave and after you return and should continue on and on. That is how relationships are made for you to keep coming back to me.

[StaceyMom]

I am not knocking TA's but honestly I have found better deals on cruises than they have. In addition when there is a price drop, I find it not the Ta. I realize the TA doesn't have the time to look for the drops or the incentive. I look for an agent who gives me the best deal with the best perks. Last cruise I found almost 2000 dollars in price drops. The TA was shocked and honestly was getting tired of my phone calls. I got close to 250 per cabin in OBC which I liked but it was a nuisance calling the agent for every little question or request. I know what I want and wish I could just contact RCCL directly. Not sure about going with a TA in the future. Can those of you who are TA's explain the advantage of going with travel agents for experienced cruisers?

[Autumnrose]

None of this is for your customer though. This is all business overhead. Your customer doesn't need the record in YOUR computer system, they need it in RCCL's computer system. Your customer doesn't need YOUR files, nor do they need YOUR accounting department to be notified.

 

What I'm trying to say is that those things you mention are not benefiting the customer, they are things that are required for your business to stay organized. So you can't really count them as a service you are providing to your customer, this is just plain and simple overhead.

 

Granted, there are some customers that need constant hand-holding. An agent like you would be able to provide them the service they are looking for. Then there are customers like us (most people on this board) who are knowlegable enough to do all the work themselves.

 

Would it be different for you if I approached you and said, "hey, I know what I'm doing here. I've already booked, I plan on watching for price drops myself, I pretty much know the routine. I may need your help on a few things - like sending in final payment, or sending me the tickets, but otherwise I will not. Would you like to take me as a customer and we can split the commission?"

 

Win-win situation!

 

Keeping files definately does benefit the client. Otherwise if they called with questions I would not know what they booked. If I did not put the information in the computer and they called with questions or called to pay final payment while I was either at lunch or on vacation no one else would be able to help them. We have offices all over the state. If the client called while I was out and wanted a question answered immediately and was connected to an agent in another office and the only thing I kept on the client was a piece of paper from the cruise line in my desk, there would be no way for that agent to answer a question on the booking. The client would get pretty upset at this.

 

 

If you came in to my office and asked if I would split commission with you for a booking that you think I don't have to do work on I would without a doubt say no. So would our other 75 or so agents. Our company policy is not to rebate commission no matter what. And this policy is definately not hurting us. Because what it comes down to is that even though you think I don't have to do work on your booking I will because it is required of me. So if I am not working with you I could be helping the many other people who would like to book something.

[jcanino]

We owned a Roofing/Siding company. Most of our customers had numerous quotes and would haggle with us based on their other quotes. We were never insulted by it. That's the way things are.

 

I'm sorry but you are comparing apples to oranges. The TA is selling a product that they do not own. You are selling a service where you can adjust your labor price to make your quote better than the next person's.

[Autumnrose]

I was just thinking that I really should have read this thread last week. I recently went into Lenscrafter to buy some eyeglass frames. Just the frames not lens. I looked online ahead of time so I knew exactly which ones I wanted. I guess I should have told the sales guy that I wanted a part of his paycheck because he didn't have to do anything for me because I already new exactly what I wanted when I walked in. What about a grocery store I always know exactly what I want there as well no one helps me pick it out. What can't they share what they are making off that. The last time I saw a doctor I told him I thought I had carpal tunnel he said no and sent me to a neurologist who said that my doctor was wrong and I was right. I really think that my doctor should pay me part of what he was paid by my insurance company because I did most of the work all he had to do was give me a referral!

[Autumnrose]

Service does not stop when you make your cruise booking. Good customer service continues on after you make your final payment, and after you receive your documents and after you leave and after you return and should continue on and on. That is how relationships are made for you to keep coming back to me.

 

 

Yes but what most of these people are saying is that they don't care or even want good customer service. Just freebies. What they don't realize is that they are not going to get both.

[Autumnrose]

I am not knocking TA's but honestly I have found better deals on cruises than they have. In addition when there is a price drop, I find it not the Ta. I realize the TA doesn't have the time to look for the drops or the incentive. I look for an agent who gives me the best deal with the best perks. Last cruise I found almost 2000 dollars in price drops. The TA was shocked and honestly was getting tired of my phone calls. I got close to 250 per cabin in OBC which I liked but it was a nuisance calling the agent for every little question or request. I know what I want and wish I could just contact RCCL directly. Not sure about going with a TA in the future. Can those of you who are TA's explain the advantage of going with travel agents for experienced cruisers?

 

Wow! so you want OBC or other freebies from a TA AND you want them to constantly check your booking for price drops??:confused:

[babs275]

Everyone here can afford to cruise because they go to work everyday and collect a paycheck. Unfortunately everyone here seems to think that the TA's paycheck should be negotiable to their benefit - what if your boss did that at the end of every week.

 

"Hey Joe, I know you are a great worker but what are you gonna give me to keep your job next week?"

 

You wouldn't think that your boss valued the education and time you've put in to make you good at what you do.

 

I think it goes to repecting and treating the TA as a travel professional.

 

They might just know a thing or two more than you - and they got that way because they have invested time and money into traveling to a destination or learning the variances in the different products (a cruise is not a just a cruise) - or even the differences within a particualr cruiseline when it comes to ships, ports, itineraries during different times of the year. They do this because they want to be able to recommend to the client the destination/cruiseline that will bring that client the best vacation experience for their money.

 

I know many of you are very loyal to RCCL - but many have never sampled any other cruise line - what if there was something out there that might be a better fit and give you "more bang for your buck". You could risk your vacation time and dollars on trying it one year - or you could use the valuable knowledge of a good TA who will be able to go over the pros and cons of making a change. That knowledge didn't come for free to them (no matter what you've heard) - but the investment was made to better serve the clients because no amount of land based training can demonstrate the experience differences.

 

Oh, and at the big call centers - most of the people you have spoken to (even at the cruise line rez centers) have never even been on a cruise. They just tell you what the boss/cruise line wants you to hear.

 

To use the analogy of other service professionals - when it comes to having a root canal or even getting your car fixed - are you more comfortable working with someone who you have developed a relationship with and knows you, and you know and trust them to do the work based on your best interests - or do you merely shop around based on who will give you the best price or freebies?

[cs]

I was just thinking that I really should have read this thread last week. I recently went into Lenscrafter to buy some eyeglass frames. Just the frames not lens. I looked online ahead of time so I knew exactly which ones I wanted. I guess I should have told the sales guy that I wanted a part of his paycheck because he didn't have to do anything for me because I already new exactly what I wanted when I walked in. What about a grocery store I always know exactly what I want there as well no one helps me pick it out. What can't they share what they are making off that. The last time I saw a doctor I told him I thought I had carpal tunnel he said no and sent me to a neurologist who said that my doctor was wrong and I was right. I really think that my doctor should pay me part of what he was paid by my insurance company because I did most of the work all he had to do was give me a referral!

 

Well, if I were in your position:

 

I would check to see who had the best deals on frames - I'd shop around and get the best price - maybe even take a coupon.

 

Then I would go to the grocery store that gave me Green Points or some type of savings with my club card.

 

With the doctor's office, I would probably just let it be - but if you really wanted to, there are options for that one too.

 

Point is, that there ARE options out there. We have the option to go to a TA that gives perks, go to RCCL directly, or go to a TA that gives no perks. I'm not going to feel greedy in the slightest for taking the the first option.

[StaceyMom]

Wow! so you want OBC or other freebies from a TA AND you want them to constantly check your booking for price drops??:confused:

 

I know that TA's have no time or incentive to do that. What I am saying is that other than OBC or freebies what do TA's do for experienced cruisers. When I book a cruise I know which one I want and what week. I have tried I am flexible but the TA's never offer me a better deal for another week. They want to know what you want and when. I think many of us experienced cruisers are curious what service do you offer us that we can't get ourselves. I know you are professionals and I am not trying to be rude but what can you offer servicewise.

[Ivanova]

I'm sure you are a good TA but I do my own booking, apply all C & A discounts, watch for price drops, make my own payments, book my own excursions, print my own setsail pass and order my own docs. RCCL makes it so easy to do all that on the website and it stores all my info too. If I ever had a problem I deal with RCCL directly. When I do transfer a booking to a TA the booking is complete and ready for final payment and yes, I do transfer for perks or I would never transfer it. I did the work not the TA. I do realize TA's help people book reservations, book excursions, etc. all the time but I am not one of those people. Without a good perk, there is absolutely no reason for me to use a TA.

 

And where do you go when RCCL won't/can't resolve your problem when you go to them directly?

 

I had a client that had to postpone her cruise by one week, but this happened the day after her penalties started --- was going to cost her $1,000 ($250pp) penalty --- because I book through a large agency with serious clout with the cruise line we were able to negotiate so she wouldn't lose her $1,000. The cruiseline admitted that if she'd booked direct with them, or through a smaller volume agency, she would've been out of luck. They don't care if they lose a single customer ... but they do care if they lose a multi-million dollar producing agency.

 

So there ARE reasons to use a TA ... it's not just about price, it's about VALUE.

[ozzy1210]

What it basically comes down to is if you only care about freebies than you will probably never get a "good" TA. Because "good" TA's don't have to give freebies.;)

 

EXCELLENT!! That about sums it up :D

[CGTNORMANDIE]

A FEW THINGS I HAVE NOTICED AFTER READING THIS THREAD:

 

The debate will never end over a TA or booking directly...bottom line...most of the folks who book directly never had a great TA.

 

One woman wrote something to the effect that: "We will have to find a good TA around where I live". Why???...with computers you do not need to have a great TA who lives in your town...you simply need a great TA...one who could live 3,000 miles away from you...but who is still a great TA.

 

A great TA will cover your rear from the get-go. They will advise you of a price decrease and get the reduction. They will get you a better cabin because they know the ship better than you do. They will put you into a group sailing that they have going and then give you a bigger OBC and other benefits. They will get you upgrades whenever possible...not because the line happens to be offering an upgrade...but because the TA knows who to call at company headquarters in Miami. A great TA will ALWAYS get you an OBC or a gift of wine or a restaurant certificate etc. A great TA will always be able to help you if you run into trouble...they know how to fix things and they know who to talk to. A great TA will be doing more than 1 million dollars in business with the lines...therefore he/she will be getting the top commissions. If a TA is only making 10% on his/her bookings then they cannot pass along the benefits to you. If a TA is doing more than 1 million they are being paid 15 to 17% commissions...which leaves more room to give benefits to you.

 

I have been blessed with a great TA for more than 20 years. He has gotten me upgraded, wined and dined me, and even saved me thousands of dollars with his creative advice.

 

The best things my TA has done for me:

One time I was on Celebrity and booked in a Royal Suite...he got me upgraded to the Penthouse Suite...all because he has a personal relationship with the management in Miami.

 

I was booked for a RCI cruise this year...it was canceled but my TA got me the replacement cruise...same dates same ship...just a different itinerary...for the exact same amount of $$. If I had booked directly with RCI...this same cruise would have cost me $6,000 more for my group.

 

I will NEVER book directly.:D

[ozzy1210]

I'm sure you are a good TA but I do my own booking, apply all C & A discounts, watch for price drops, make my own payments, book my own excursions, print my own setsail pass and order my own docs. RCCL makes it so easy to do all that on the website and it stores all my info too. If I ever had a problem I deal with RCCL directly. When I do transfer a booking to a TA the booking is complete and ready for final payment and yes, I do transfer for perks or I would never transfer it. I did the work not the TA. I do realize TA's help people book reservations, book excursions, etc. all the time but I am not one of those people. Without a good perk, there is absolutely no reason for me to use a TA.

 

Until you're stranded somewhere and can't figure out what to do first to get home. Or until the cruise line bumps you for whatever reason and won't give you want you want (or what all your expert buddies on CC tell you that you should get). Or until a new cruise line comes out and you know nothing about it and don't know if it's the right fit for you.

 

Cracks me up that you people all think booking a trip is just picking a cabin.

[cs]

I was re-reading some of the posts and don't understand why the agents think we want them to pay out of their pockets. I don't believe you should be paying, you are an hourly employee. Your company, who's obviously making money off of you, should be the one to offer incentives.

 

What was posted before made a lot of sense. I have been booking with an agency who books blocks of rooms and they can afford to give nice incentives. Your agency should look into that so they can compete with other agencies.

 

I know you're at the mercy of the company you work for. And I kind of feel bad for you. You work for a company that doesn't give you the tools it takes to compete in this industry. For that I am sorry. And I hope that you can still manage to keep up your quota despite that fact.