In Reply to: Question re Travel Agent Booking fees.. posted by bopgirl on Monday, 18. December 2006 at 16:56 Bali Time:
as I used to be a travel agent and worked under the commission scheme. I was telling someone about that on another forum and a practicing TA told me this "Things have changed since you were in the industry. Wholesalers and airlines have all cut agents commissions (QF domestic we get no commission at all) Since July last year agents have been allowed to charge service fees to make up for the loss of commission. Domestic usually around $30 and international anywhere from $50 (this is per person) This is not mandatory and some agents charge some don't, some try and milk it for all it's worth. Were i use to work the owner really milked it - $80 p/p for say a package to Bali. Were i work now we don't charge on most packages except where we make no commission.
Airlines use to pay us 10% now some pay as low as 3% majority 5% - 8% when you work it out it's not a lot of money(you don't make commission on taxes)
Most agents have their prefered, ours if Pinpoint (they own Freestyle Holidays) and they are always the first wholesaler i check. Usually they have the best price, but i do check everyone else and will go for the cheapest unless the difference is only a couple of dollars, then i go for the prefered.
Agents are suppose to tell you about service fees but most lump it all together and unless you ask they don't tell, so always ask. "
So Bopgirl, hope that give you your answer. Cheers Danielle