Travel agent questions....

[Joan1]

I wasn't getting defensive, I am sorry it came through that way. I was just curious

 

[CindeBella]

I understand. Sometimes it's hard to understand what someone is conveying without actually speaking with them

 

[bicker]

After all, Disney is paying her to provide this service.

It is hard to know what hotels pay TAs for. The commissions aren't all that high. Many TAs feel that commissions are barely high enough to pay them just for the work involved in getting the business in the door, with practically no service beyond passing the money and booking information back-and-forth.

 

[DisneyGeek2000]

The commissions aren't all that high.

Commissions normally run 10% for resort bookings, less for tickets.

 

[bicker]

Down from, what? 17% just a few years ago? The whole travel agency biz has had to adjust to financial pressures.

 

[letsgobacktodisney]

This has to be RARE! We are using Teresa at Small World Vacations and I can't say enough good things about her!!!! She has been more helpful than I ever expected....You would think she is going on the trip with us she has spent so much time on the phone with me....haha
She never hesitates to answer even the silliest question.She even informed me about the option of renting points from someone. She has made this vacation experience the best yet for us and I hate to see Small World Travel get a bad name from possibly having one TA that has harmed their well earned excellent reputation....My suggestion is ask for Teresa....We even received an 800 number to contact her directly with any questions.....Have fun

 

[Lulu's Mom]

We are also planning on using SWV and our TA has been so wonderful so far.

Even though we will have a TA, I am still planning on doing much of the planning myself... mostly used the TA to get some freebies

 

[CindeBella]

Lulu's mom,
just curious.... what freebies? I wasn't aware of any.

Have fun on your upcoming trip! When are you going?

 

[CindeBella]

LGBTD,
I don't think SMV is getting a bad name. It was only one experience and it seems to be rare. I've had many PM's, 11 to be exact, about this. It's not a big deal, more than anything I wanted to know what to expect from a TA and to see if I had the wrong TA. The latter seems to be the case.

Have a fun on your upcoming trip!

 

[Lulu's Mom]

Lulu's mom,
just curious.... what freebies? I wasn't aware of any.

Have fun on your upcoming trip! When are you going?

There was a link on the Mousesavers newsletter this month for some freebies when you book with SMV. We are going Dec 2006.... so excited

 

[iluvtig2]

If you are not comfortable, try a new agent. Regardless of whether or not it was a misunderstanding, miscommunication, etc, if you are not "clicking" pick a new one.

I try to spend as much time as possible answering questions for my clients - whether via phone or e-mail. It is very important to me that everything is exactly what you want. This is YOUR vacation. This is a BIG deal. It doesn't matter to me whether it is your 1st cruise and it is a little 3 night deal, or your 50th anniversary on a 65 night trip. Both are equally important to the person booking them.

Be picky! You are allowed.

Let me know if I can help!

iluvtig

 

[Jackie H.]

Our Small World agent is Denise and she has been fantastic. She has kept an eye on the specials and contacted me to let me know I could reduce my costs. The way she suggested we reserve our room/package actually caused her more work, but it saved me money!

She contacted me (I prefer email, so that is how she has contacted me, but she called to get my credit card info) the night BEFORE the package discounts were officially announced with all the info. And she had done all the math so that all I had to do was look at my options and tell her which I wanted....I didn't have to figure everything out cost-wise, she did it for me.

She has answered many questions and made my ADR's for me!

I think maybe this particular agent was having a bad day or whatever. I would switch agents or call the owner. I feel confident (after having Denise book 3 of our trips) that Small World really banks on their service. They would want you to be happy and would want to know if you are having problems.

I highly recommend Denise!