How your Business supports my Business
I am loving everything about my decision to start my own business and I cannot thank the local Mount Gambier community enough for getting behind me. The support I have received has been extremely humbling and I am so grateful for each and every one of the bookings I have received so far. Since starting in December last year, the number 1 question I’ve been getting asked when talking about my new business is ‘How do you get paid?’ I pride myself on being totally honest with my clients and I would love for you all to understand, so here is your answer:
There is a very common misconception within the public that it costs you more to book with a travel agent. Can I please take the time to finally put this to rest and confirm that 9 times out of 10, it is either exactly the same, or even cheaper to use your travel agent. Let me explain why; I get paid a commission by most suppliers that I use. The companies build this commission in to the price that you see, for example, if you pick up a tour brochure and find a tour in there for $2500, it is exactly the same price whether you book it directly with the tour company, or whether you book it with me. However, the difference is, the commission that the tour company have built in to that price, will either be paid to me if you choose to work with me, or pocketed by the tour company if you choose to book direct, making some rich CEO somewhere even richer. Occasionally, I may need to book with a supplier that doesn’t offer us any (or very little) commission, and in that case I would need to charge a minimal service fee to cover my time, service, resources and expertise, however, I personally will always let you know if this is the case and give you the option to decide what you wish to do.
Now that I have access to all of the wonderful services and buying power that MTA provides me, I can offer you wholesale, private and corporate airfares that aren’t available to the public (which I can hold while you think about it). I can offer you wholesale accommodation prices that are often cheaper than Expedia, often with special inclusions or complimentary upgrades. I can offer you flexibility with your payments, in most cases only a deposit is required, so you have time to save your pennies. AND I can offer you all of the knowledge that I have after more than 8 years in the industry and dozens of countries visited. If I am unable to answer your question, then I have the contacts that can.
For me personally, now that I own my own business, I am 100% commission based. This means that if I don’t make a booking, I don’t get paid. However I know what it feels like to feel like you’re being pushed into a sale, and I hate it! The thought of pressuring my clients into booking something when they're not ready or that doesn't suit them doesn't sit well with me. I encourage you to do your own research if you choose to and share it with me so we can work together to find a holiday that is perfect for you.
Hopefully this has helped you to understand the way my business operates a little better. So no, you're not 'lazy' or 'old fashioned' for using a travel agent, you're simply supporting me to continue to do what I love, while enhancing your holiday experience at the same time. Next time you think about heading away, whether it be domestically or internationally, with a big budget or a small one, give me a go and support a new local business. You might just be surprised with what I’m able to offer you.
A x
ahalleday@mtatravel.com.au