In Reply to: Booking posted by piggo on Friday, 19. August 2011 at 13:28 Bali Time:
My travel agency offers great service to many travellers to Bali and more times that I can remember have beaten the so called cheaper internet. Im not saying it happens every time but in many instances clients have been surprised to find the price I offer is better than what they found online. We have the skills and permission by the airlines to combine different airlines which I understand cannot be done online.
The wholesale discount as you call it is our commission.
We are not here to give free advise and certainly dont work for nothing. We are professionals and deserve to be paid for this, be it quite low for Bali commissions.
There have been so many popular hotels that people have seen online that are full but simply they are not. as you are prob aware wholesalers hold allotments. I can have very popluar hotels booked in less than 2 minutes when available when internet says fully booked. Fact is travel agents are professionals.
I do not appreciate the negativity that Travel Agents receive.
Truth is there are good and bad ones out there, but my office do our very best for our clients, all of which are very happy with our advise and care. Also things are not always price driven. Travel agents offer value, care, understanding and their professional expertise that is demonstrated in so many ways.