| What You Should Know Before Working With
An
Airline Ticket Wholesaler Or Consolidator |
| 1) |
How do I
benefit from working with a consolidator? |
| |
A consolidator can get you the best
ticket prices for your clients. As a result, your
clients will be happy with the service you provide, and they
will continue to buy from you, not your competition.
Airlines are making it harder and harder for travel agents to
make money. Working with a consolidator means more
commission for you. Discount fares allow you to
mark up the ticket according to what is appropriate in your
market. Working with a consolidator can help you make a nice
commission AND pass a portion of the discount to the passenger.
This lets your client know that you have their best interest in
mind, which will enhance the customer's loyalty toward you.
|
| 2) |
Consolidators and
wholesalers seem to come and go quickly. How do I know that I am
dealing with a reputable vendor? |
| |
This is a very important point to consider.
Many consolidators are in business for only a short period of
time, and then they disappear. Many travel agents have had
unpleasant experiences with these types of disreputable
companies.
We recommend that you work with a consolidator who has been
providing uninterrupted service as a
consolidator to travel agencies for at least ten years.
Reputable consolidators accept all major credit cards, not just
checks.
A good consolidator agency stands behind their products and
services. If a problem occurs (and sometimes that does happen),
a good consolidator will do everything in their power to fix it.
It's really important that you check with a consolidator to
make sure they have a customer service policy.
|
| 3) |
Why do consolidators
and wholesalers prefer that I pay with a credit card? Sometimes it
would be easier if I could pay by check. |
| |
Actually, it's in your best interest that
you pay with a credit card. The credit card company protects you
from loss because they will refund your money quickly if, for
some reason, you need to cancel the ticket. That way, you don't
have to spend your time dealing with the consolidator's
accounting department.
Some travel agents hesitate to use credit cards because of the
3% transaction fee that the credit card companies charge. Your
consolidator may be able to arrange a reduction of this fee for
you.
Paying with a check is fine if that is what you prefer. However,
if a consolidator does not give you the option of paying with
major credit cards, you may want to proceed cautiously.
|
| 4) |
Isn't it easier if
I just purchase directly from the airlines? |
| |
You can purchase directly from the
airlines. However, it may not be in your best interest to do so.
Consider the following:
Airlines have fares that they don't publish, even to
travel agents. Good consolidators
have solid relationships with the airlines and
can locate those fares for you.
Sometimes the airline will tell you that no seats are
available. Good consolidators can occasionally
clear space.
If your client has a complicated itinerary, an
experienced ticketing specialist can quote the
ticket in a way that assures that you can present your client with
the best price and the best options
available.
Compiling itineraries for around-the-world, circle
pacific, or other multiple-segment tickets
requires significant expertise.
Knowing how to quote a ticket so that your client is
happy and you can earn a good commission
should be the main focus of the airline ticket consolidator.
|
