Tipping a travel agent

[DOPEYLUVER]

My mother was a travel agent for years. She was always very appreciative when people brought her presents.

I think it shows thoughfulness and certainly can be a small token - though sometime she received unbelievable things.

I remember one time she booked someone to Ireland and they brought her back Waterford Crystal. While it may be less expensive than the US, it's definitely NOT cheap!

 

[LukenDC]

I always buy my travel agent a nice gift to thank her for her assistance. Prior gifts have included Godiva chocolates, a book about home entertaining, and a framed photo of my agent and her husband. I generally spend about $50 - $60.

My travel agent works hard and goes above and beyond. I'm grateful for her assistance and it pleases me to be able to give her something in return.

 

[General Panic]

As A travel agent in the UK( not sure how things go in the US )we certainly don't expect tips in cash for services rendered. A pack of biscuits for our coffee is much appreciated if the works warrents an extra thank you

The company itself is paid a commission from Disney the actual Travel Agent just works on a salary usually , so booking one company or another does not benefit us individually as agents.

Prices we give for disney Holidays are just the same as if the clients calls Disney direct or books on disney's website so we don't add any fees or such like onto these holidays which in my opionion gives the public a good deal. They have someone who will do the work and research for them and save them time and phone calls

Someone suggested if your happy with the service you got maybe buying them a wee something from Disney , that would be more appreciated than anything to me at least.

 

[Lulu'sMom]

The best tip one can give a TA is sending more clients to them! Word of mouth advertisement!
Whenever we book (except bounceback), we use our TA of 15 years, and she has ALWAYS sent us an ARRIVAL GIFT.

And in return, we have sent her many, many referrals that have booked with her. More money in her pocket than a gift.

To both of us, it's a win-win situation.

And she does not charge a fee to book.

Just my experience with my travels.

 

[Tybug]

As an independent agent, I have the luxury of choosing if I charge a fee or not. In the majority of the cases, I never do. Then there are just some people who like to waste a TA's time with research and book their trips themselves or with another call center type (read - order taker) company. After a client has me research trips more than once and then books elsewhere they will have to pay a research fee on their next call. That fee is $50.00 and it's applied to the cost of their trip once they book. This 'fee' usually eliminates the shoppers that just want you to plan everything for them and then they book elsewhere to save $20.00.

And while I have clients that will send gift cards, restaurant gift certificates, flowers, etc. A glowing review and referrals are the best gifts!!