It is completely reasonable to ask Travel Agents to price match. That is part of their job to find you the best deal available. As long as you are upfront with them and ask from the start that should be fine.
Try to negotiate in price per person, not total cost, as discounts will seem less to the travel agent. Then continue the process with a few more, quoting the best price you got (maybe knocking a tenner off to speed things up) and see who can beat it.
Not only do you get to plan trips for others, but you'll also be able to take advantage of special discounts on many facets of travel. This is true for your clients, but also for yourself. Travel agents have access to a variety of discounted rates on both airlines and hotels, even when booking travel for themselves.
Contrary to popular belief, booking through a travel agent won't necessarily cost you more than booking online. While some travel agents charge a nominal fee for planning your trip, many agencies don't charge anything extra, instead earning commission off the airline, hotel, or tour they book for you.
How much does a travel agent cost? The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and often, they won't charge you at all. Much of their money comes from commissions the hotels and wholesalers pay them. Before you decide to book with a travel agent, inquire whether or not they charge fees.
Travel Agents Can Save You Time
Booking a trip, with all its working parts, can take hours, especially if you're researching and comparing the best deals, said Avery Harris of Viking Travel. A travel agent will take much less time to help you find what you're looking for, Harris said.
More expensive - Travel agencies often charge large booking fees for their services. Lack of flexible payment options - Some types of travel agencies, such as business travel management companies, ask all their clients to sign a rigid one-year contract with complicated fine print.
A good travel agent can be a game-changer when it comes to helping you book your ideal trip and receive the best services once you arrive at your destination. Travel agents can also be of great assistance when things go wrong, especially during this summer of excessive flight delays and cancellations.
But cost isn't the only barrier. The perception of “one-size-fits-all travel” is another barrier to travel consumers choosing to use travel agents. In fact, the study found that nearly one-third of travellers list 'the inability to customise their trips the way they want' as a top concern with using travel consultants.
Yes—and now they're called travel advisors. They could be more helpful than you may think. If the idea of using a travel agent to plan your next trip sounds like recommending a rotary phone to confirm your flight reservation, think again.
For the travel agent industry at large, commissions are the centerpiece of how travel agents get paid. Let's say a client wants to stay at a nice hotel during their trip. They connect with a travel agent, who books the client's room on their behalf. The hotel will then pay the agent a percentage of the total room cost.
Be Firm and Persistent – Be confident in your way of asking. Say, “Will you give me 10% off my purchase since I'm buying two pairs of pants? That would help me afford this and be able to buy both” rather than “Do you think I'd maybe be able to get a little discount? If it's ok with you?” Be firm!
Travel agents can provide local expertise
In-destination specialists who work exclusively with travel advisors and can connect travelers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences they wouldn't otherwise know about. Exclusive experiences not available to the general public.
When you book directly on an airline's website you have more leverage when it comes to delays, booking changes, and cancellations. If you call the airline after having booked through an OTA, there's a chance you'll be directed back to the OTA when service can be subpar and confusing.
The commission percentage agencies earn depends on numerous factors, the most important one being which private contracts you have access to. Here's a general rule of thumb on the airline ticket commission range you can expect as a travel advisor: Domestic: 0-5% International: 10-22%
One of the best and most reliable ways to decide on a travel agent is their reputation. Word of mouth is still a good way to find out about a travel agent. Personal recommendations from friends and family are a good source. But you can also look at what other people think about them online.
The main difference between travel consultants and agents is that travel consultants plan trips, while travel agents book them. Travel agents may be better skilled at locating the best prices for flights and hotels.
Online booking travel solutions save time and money
Bookings made through online booking tools (OBTs) incur lower fees than those made through Travel Agents. In addition, travelers are more likely to opt for cheaper airfares if the cost difference is visually represented before them.
How do travel agents make money? Most travel agents have a base salary that's topped up by commissions, fees, and bonuses. For example, base travel agent salaries in Australia range from around $32,000 to $62,000 with the median at $44,000 per year.
How much money do travel agents make? This comes down to certain factors such as the type of clients, level of expertise and the ability to offer specialized services. According to Indeed, the average salary of a travel agent in the US is $49,608 but there are many making up to six-figure incomes.
The primary role of a travel agent is to help people make travel arrangements, which might include booking flights, hotels, sightseeing tours, and making dining recommendations. A travel agent assesses each customer's unique needs, preferences, and budget to ensure their trip goes as smoothly as possible.