Travel agent charging a processing fee to book cruise

[CanadaDeb]

Many agencies charge a fee since their commissions were lowered or all together disappeared from certain aspects of the industry some years ago. Airlines no longer pay commission for example, were it use to be 8% on an international ticket.

[roberttasch]

Many agencies charge a fee since their commissions were lowered or all together disappeared from certain aspects of the industry some years ago. Airlines no longer pay commission for example, were it use to be 8% on an international ticket.

Cruise lines traditionally give 20% commissions to the commissionable fares, which excludes the part of their rates that covers all their land based costs (pier personnel, sales agents, and a rather large list of questionable exlcusions) that uusually amounts to about $2-300 off a 7 day fare quote. No body would deal with cruise lines if they didn't offer the commission. They are not in the take it or leave it position that airlines are. They can't park their ships in the Arizona desert to limit capacity and ensure 100% bookings.

[NMLady]

Not bad. THere is an agency I have dealt with that advertises itself as having the lowest prices guaranteed. When you find a lower price, they will charge you $100 (in addition to any charge by the cruise line) to make the change. It is basically a cancellation fee. So their guarantee of the lowest price doesn't mean anything if you could have gotten a lower price later from another agency. I now deal with an online clearing house where you request quotes and various travel agencies respond with quotes and you then pick the one that seems the best deal. Most agencies quoting on this clearing house do not charge any agency cancellation fees. Do your homework and avoid agencies that charge cancellation or booking fees. It's a rip.

 

You're replying to and quoting a post from two YEARS ago!!

[Cruisercl]

You're replying to and quoting a post from two YEARS ago!!

 

The information is still relevant now so no need for you to worry about the date. :)

[LHT28]

Cruise lines traditionally give 20% commissions to the commissionable fares,

traditionally it was 10% unless the TA belonged to a consortium & commission rates could be UP TO 20% but not on all things hotels, cruises etc...

the average rate is 15-18% via a consortium

 

some agencies may have gotten tired of giving free advice to people then have the time wasters go online & book through a discount agency ( who do not provide information just low prices)

 

Agents can spend a lot of time answering questions for clients ..time that could be spend with real customers & not time wasters

 

JMO

[iancal]

Why would anyone pay a fee to book a cruise?

 

Why not simply book though another TA? There are plenty of them out there who do not charge. One that rebates part of the commission in the form of OBCs.