Travel agent etiquitte

[kappa]

I am an over planner. I like to do a ton of research before I book a trip. I have done the travel agent route in the past and also done it myself. This time I decided to use an agent because I figured I could ask them a ton of questions. Even though I will book fast passes and dining myself, I thought their expertise might come in handy. However, after a week of a few emailed correspondences and checking available quotes (I probably asked less than 5 questions and asked for quotes 2 times), I got a reply that said she would answer all my questions once the trip was booked. I offered to go ahead and put down a deposit... What should I do? Go with someone else? Is this normal? I can't book until some of my questions are answered... =/ I would DEFINITELY use her if she answered my questions though. I'm not one to ask questions and then bolt... I feel loyal =)

 

[piglet1979]

The travel agent that I have used int he past always answers my questions even before I booked. However it was a friend I graduated high school with so it might be different.

I did book a cruise with Dreams Unlimited and had all of my questions answered before I booked. I went through Teresa Echols. She is great.

If it were me I would not book until I had my questions asked.

 

[SaintsManiac]

What kind of questions are we talking about? I only asked questions about the booking process before I actually booked.

 

[Ninja Mom]

Run as far and as fast as you can from this agent. He or she is letting you know that they aren't interested in helping you. Asking for a ransom to be paid to help a potential customer is bad form.

Send an email to the owner of the agency letting them know that you've decided to go with someone else who is more helpful. It's Not that the agent will care why you are leaving but more from the perspective that you are making your point that that lack of service is unacceptable.

Good luck,
~NM

 

[rwdavis2]

Skip the agent. You would probably do better getting answers here vs. an agent.

 

[AngiTN]

Another vote to skip an agent who will only help you after you've paid them. Bad form. Very bad form.

 

[HopperFan]

I am an over planner. I like to do a ton of research before I book a trip. I have done the travel agent route in the past and also done it myself. This time I decided to use an agent because I figured I could ask them a ton of questions. Even though I will book fast passes and dining myself, I thought their expertise might come in handy. However, after a week of a few emailed correspondences and checking available quotes (I probably asked less than 5 questions and asked for quotes 2 times), I got a reply that said she would answer all my questions once the trip was booked. I offered to go ahead and put down a deposit... What should I do? Go with someone else? Is this normal? I can't book until some of my questions are answered... =/ I would DEFINITELY use her if she answered my questions though. I'm not one to ask questions and then bolt... I feel loyal =)

If you are doing the hard work that takes the time ........... what do you need her for?

 

[gillep]

Do not use this agent and do not feel bad about it. You should feel 100% comfortable with the booking before proceeding, anything less is just unacceptable.

 

[izzylovesmickey]

The TA we use has always answered as many questions as I have asked. DH thinks she has esp because she has always answered me so quickly-he swears she's answering as I'm sending! The first time I contacted her I must have asked 20 questions and she has never been impatient. I change plans frequently and again no problems. Definitely move on from this one. You need to be comfortable with the person you are trusting with your money and your vacation.

 

[bumbershoot]

I can't book until some of my questions are answered...

I would ask here and book on your own unless a TA is getting you a crazy deal OR you just want to support a small business owner.

But then I’m not one to anticipate expertise from a TA.

 

[Capang]

My TA has always answered my questions before I booked. Even if I ended up not booking she answers my questions. Now that I don’t use a TA I just refer my friends to her and she STILL answers random questions I have. I’d find a new agent or just do it myself.

 

[GovieMom]

The TA we use has always answered as many questions as I have asked. DH thinks she has esp because she has always answered me so quickly-he swears she's answering as I'm sending!

That sounds like the TA I have; she always responds so promptly, normally within minutes, day or night. There are a lot of TAs out there, and I was lucky enough to find one of the pros. People should definitely use an Authorized Disney vacation planner, as they're the ones truly "in the know."

 

[oceanmarina]

Run, don't walk. That's not the norm not professional. If she's not taking the time to answer your questions now (before you give a deposit) I shudder to think what type of customer service you will get once you are committed with a deposit. Pass on this one, there are too many fantastic travel agents out there who will take the time to answer yours.

 

[mom2rtk]

Answering questions from potential customers is part of the gig.

Find someone else.

 

[Nancyg56]

My TA has always answered my questions before I booked. Even if I ended up not booking she answers my questions. Now that I don’t use a TA I just refer my friends to her and she STILL answers random questions I have. I’d find a new agent or just do it myself.

I have used a TA twice and both times I received excellent service, before and after booking. I book my own trips now, but we have a lovely knowledgeable Disney TA in town. I refer to her all of the time. She knows I go to Disney and will often reach out with info I may want.

If an agent would not answer a few questions before I booked I would run.

 

[buzznina]

I also like to do the leg work on our trips and always did the reservations myself until I found a WDW specialist TA and their company offers exclusive deals that has been better then anything I could get on my own. She is excellent and replies VERY quickly to my emails, just a month ago I asked her a question and we ended having an email conversation. LOL So I would drop that TA and find a WDW TA.

 

[ols386]

If it were me, I would not do business with that travel agent. You should be able to ask question upfront. You could try to find a different agent. Or you could book the trip yourself.

 

[Sepo]

Send an email to the owner of the agency letting them know that you've decided to go with someone else who is more helpful.

Agree w this especially. And, the reverse holds true too; let the uppers know when they are fantastic.

 

[ariane37]

No way is that the norm. If you really want to use an agent-and supporting a small business is a wonderful thing to do-find an agent who specializes in Disney and will answer any questions you have both before and after you've booked. I would never expect someone to book before they were comfortable doing so.

 

[Eastern]

I only use a TA if I am having problems finding availability or the price is better. I don't really ask them any questions, I find out stuff online. There are some very knowledgeable posters here with a lot of personal experience.