How your business supports me

I am loving everything about my decision to start my own business  - 3 years ago this month - and I cannot thank my local 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. As my business expands, the number 1 question I am asked when talking about how my MTA business works 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, and the value we add to your experience is unsurpassed.

Let me explain why; I get paid a commission by most suppliers that I use. The companies build this commission into the price that you see, in return for experienced agents to recommend and sell their products for them. 

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 has 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, going back into their pockets.

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 will always let you know if this is the case and give you the option on how you wish to proceed.

MTA provides me with enormous buying power and 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 online, many 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. Added to this I can offer you sound industry knowledge & expertise that I have after 24 years in the industry.  If I am unable to answer your question, then I have the contacts who can.

There are 350 MTA Mobile Travel Agents around Australia - our travel experience literally covers the globe.

Agents also have the experience and access to a vast range of suppliers, so we know whether that particular product is best suited to your itinerary, or perhaps an alternative you may not be aware of. 

So you should know now I own my own business, I am 100% commission based. No salary, no guaranteed pay cheque each fortnight.  This means that if I don’t make a booking, I don’t get paid.

However I know how it feels 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 something that doesn't suit them doesn't sit well with me, EVER! I encourage you research on your own if you choose to and share it with me so we can work together to find a holiday that is perfect for you. Or I can take the lead from the start, by learning about your preferences and they way you like to travel. 

Hopefully this has helped you to understand the way my business operates a little better and why your support means so much to me.

So no, you're not 'lazy' or 'old fashioned' for using a travel agent, you're simply using the very best source of knowledge and expertise and giving yourself financial security, 24/7 back up and a person at the end of a phone, text or email in an emergency. 

At the same time your business is supporting me to continue to do what I love, supporting my family and helping my local business to thrive.

So next time you think about heading away, where ever it may be,  give me a go and support a local business. You are not always getting yourself the best value booking direct or going online. You might just be surprised with what I’m able to offer you, not only in price, but in experience and value.

By Debbie Andrews

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Your MTA Travel Expert