Why use a Travel Agent? (2/1/2008)
Misconceptions about Using a Travel Agent
In this age of the internet and the do-it-yourselfer, more and more people are opting to search out, plan and book their own vacations. These are just some of the more common misconceptions feeding this trend.
1. It costs more to use a travel agent than it does to do it myself.
Not the case at all. Even though you have access to a multitude of Lowest Price sites and search engines, the travel agent has access to all the same sites plus many more that the general public doesn’t. Travel agents also have a stronger negotiating power with suppliers since they are also in the business. Because of these two factors alone, the travel agent can usually do it for less than you can. You don’t pay more for the same product by purchasing it through a travel agent. You pay the same price or less than you would if you purchased it on your own.
2. Travel agents charge a fee for their services.
Travel agents DON’T charge their client a fee for services. A travel agent earns his keep by receiving a very small percentage of the net sale price from the seller of the product that you purchase through them. Again, you don’t pay more for the same product by purchasing it through an agent. You pay the same price or less than you would if you purchased it on your own.
3. A travel agent is just out to make money off my sale rather than having my best interest in mind.
Travel agents, like everyone else, work to earn a living. This much is true. Choosing a career as a travel agent isn’t a decision made out of a love for money though. The rule, rather than the exception, is that the vast majority of travel agents do what they do out of a sincere love and passion for the travel experience. An experienced and well-traveled agent is more often than not, a perfectionist wishing to make sure YOU have the best travel experience possible for the money because that’s what they desire for themselves as well. Almost all of us agents live to travel and inbetween our travels we live vicariously through yours. It pleases to know that your vacation went off without a hitch and was everything you dreamed it would be.
10 Reasons Why Smart Consumers Use a Travel Agent
Compare the services your travel professional provides against any other means of buying travel. It’s no competition.
1. The best value for your travel dollar. We inform you about all your choices, let you know about special promotions, and can advise on the quality of a particular product.
2. Maximum choice. We give you a wide variety of travel options and quotes from competing suppliers.
3. Convenient one-stop shopping. We’ll save you time and money by handling every aspect of your trip, from air tickets to your car rental, and from lodging to activities.
4. Customer advocate. Experience problems during your trip? We can act on your behalf to see that restitution is made.
5. Expert guidance. We’re experts in understanding and deciphering the intricacies of the system and in helping you take full advantage of them.
6. Personalized service. We’re not some impersonal voice thousands of miles away. We’re your neighbor. We know you and what you value in your travel experience.
7. Professional advice. Our job is to make sure you get where you need to go, at the best price, and in the most pleasant way possible.
8. Time savings. We have all the information at our fingertips and can pull up all your travel options within seconds.
9. Trust. We’re not some anonymous website or long distance number. We’re a local business. You know how to reach us when you need us.
10. Unbiased information. We work for you, not the travel supplier. Our only objective is to get the best value and satisfy you completely. That way you’ll come back and see us again.
Without a travel agent, you’re on your own.
