Travel Agent Question

zdgp · #1 (**permalink**) October 15th, 2011, 08:01 AM

We have been loyal customers of the same TA for our entire cruise experience. A few years ago we used to get little �thank you� rewards such as bottles of wine or shipboard credit. This ended about two years ago.

Is this a trend in the TA business, or do we have a TA that is taking us for granted?

Trip · #2 (**permalink**) October 15th, 2011, 08:18 AM

I think things are tight for many agencys now, and, competition is tough. For me, I would rather have a lower price, & great service then a thank you gift....Also, for many ta's a first timer, might get a welcome to our agency gift, as long time customers, know the value of their ta, and that is their gift. I honestly don't think your agent is taking your for granted.

I am sure a ta or two, will post personal pov's.

MercedMike · #3 (**permalink**) October 15th, 2011, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zdgp

We have been loyal customers of the same TA for our entire cruise experience. A few years ago we used to get little “thank you” rewards such as bottles of wine or shipboard credit. This ended about two years ago.

Is this a trend in the TA business, or do we have a TA that is taking us for granted?

Since it is a direct question, I guess it is all right to mention that my DW is a TA and a CLIA MCC. "That other board" wouldn't let me ...

She usually spends 10% of her commission on some little gift. These days it is harder to send a bottle of wine as fewer people are wine drinkers. She may send a ship tote bag, or breakfast on the balcony, or even a casino credit if she knows the customer.

fun2cruiz · #4 (**permalink**) October 15th, 2011, 12:27 PM

With commissions being reduced and cruise fares lower than in past years, the funds are slowly dwindling away to give those extra bonuses as in the past.

I remember when our car dealer we have used for 2 decades used to provide us a free dinner for two at a wonderful restaurant after purchasing a vehicle from them....butr those days are gone I am afraid, but I do understand how higher costs and lower profits have required them to change with the times. The same has happened with TA's.

OP, if you feel your TA is not providing the service you have come to expect now compared to in the past, I would mention something to them about this, but to worry over a token of appreciation they may have provided in the poast but no longer do, to me is not worth the stress or worry.

In reverse to the OP's question, I may add that in the past our agency often received little thank you gifts or cards from clients, but they too have dwindled away...but the same clients still remain booking travel.

So I guess what I am saying is that it's not just your TA...it's people in general that seem to be holding on to what little cash they have right now in these difficult economic times.

JMHO for what it is worth.

Lakers Fan · #5 (**permalink**) October 15th, 2011, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MercedMike

Since it is a direct question, I guess it is all right to mention that my DW is a TA and a CLIA MCC. "That other board" wouldn't let me ...

She usually spends 10% of her commission on some little gift. These days it is harder to send a bottle of wine as fewer people are wine drinkers. She may send a ship tote bag, or breakfast on the balcony, or even a casino credit if she knows the customer.

I previously stated there are 9 other boards .I will now amend this to 12 other cruise boards .

fun2cruiz · #6 (**permalink**) October 15th, 2011, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henry43

I previously stated there are 9 other boards .I will now amend this to 12 other cruise boards .

And this answers the OP's question in what way ? If you have nothing to add to the thread that is not on topic, why post something like this ?

Manuel · #7 (**permalink**) October 16th, 2011, 01:48 AM

I don't think that your TA is taking you for granted.

Besides, what really matters is having a friendly and helpful TA.

I love mine.

TM

zdgp · #8 (**permalink**) October 16th, 2011, 07:29 AM

Thnks for your input; we found it helpful.

MercedMike · #9 (**permalink**) October 16th, 2011, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fun2cruiz

And this answers the OP's question in what way ? If you have nothing to add to the thread that is not on topic, why post something like this ?

And THIS answers the OP's question in what way????

If you have nothing to add to the thread that is on topic, why post something argumentative like this??

Threads wander ... that is part of the fun!

fun2cruiz · #10 (**permalink**) October 17th, 2011, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MercedMike

And THIS answers the OP's question in what way????

If you have nothing to add to the thread that is on topic, why post something argumentative like this??

Threads wander ... that is part of the fun!

I added a lengthy post to the thread to help the OP understand from a TA's point of view (see post #4)....But perhaps you missed that part before "spouting off", But I am not going to get into an argument with you over this...its futile. Point I was making is that a member rambled on about other cruise related message board websites which had absolutely nothing to do with the OP's question nor did they offer assistance regarding the OP's question.......Time to move on.

MercedMike · #11 (**permalink**) October 18th, 2011, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fun2cruiz

But perhaps you missed that part before "spouting off",

Oh my ...

Quoting your own post back to you was an attempt at IRONY, my friend. I guess you missed the point. Sorry.

The thing is ... chastizing someone for an off topic post is ... well ... OFF TOPIC!

::sigh::

fun2cruiz · #12 (**permalink**) October 18th, 2011, 12:40 PM

Oh my... we can agree to disagree