Service fees compensate travel agents for their expertise and knowledge. Most travel agents earn a base salary and split that with commission. However, this split varies from agency to agency and is often determined by the experience level of the travel agent. If you’re considering working with a travel agent, there are some tips you should keep in mind. These tips will ensure that you’re not overburdened with travel planning hassles.
Service fees compensate travel agents for their expertise
Travel advisors often wonder whether to charge service fees. Many are mandated to do so by their host agencies, but there is no consensus on this issue. While there are pros and cons of charging service fees, it is important to know your worth as a travel expert and be realistic about your pricing. Here are some tips to help you decide whether to charge a service fee. And don’t be afraid to negotiate with your hosts if they insist on a fee.
Travel agents charge a service fee to cover their costs, varying from $10 to $25 per ticket. Many travel agents will waive service fees in exchange for the opportunity to develop long-term relationships with clients and receive referrals. Moreover, some agents only charge service fees when booking flights – this makes them more attractive to customers. But some agents may charge up to $100 for booking an international flight. Regardless of the service fee, it is important to know that the fee is intended to compensate the expertise of the travel agent and not to make a profit from the service.
Keeping up with the latest trends in travel
If you work with a travel agent, you may have to stay on top of the latest trends in the industry. Some of these trends may already be part of your business model. Others may be esoteric, but are nonetheless important to embrace now. Here are a few of the trends that will impact your agent’s business in 2019 and beyond. A travel agent’s knowledge of these trends will help you better serve your clients.
Social media is an important tool for agents to keep in touch with the latest trends in travel. Instagram allows agents to engage with their followers in real time. Instagram has also helped travel agents embrace COVID-related talking points. This shows clients that their travel agent is human, and can communicate with them in a way they’d find difficult with a traditional agent. By staying on top of the latest trends in travel, you can be confident that your travel agent will do the same.
Avoiding travel-planning stress
Working with a travel agent can relieve much of the stress involved in travel planning. A travel agent knows everything there is to know about a place and can act on your behalf if something goes wrong. They are also immersed in the world of travel, so they are aware of details you might not think about and can prevent problems before they happen. The following are some of the ways a travel agent can help reduce your stress and ensure you have a great vacation.
Setting realistic expectations for your trip can reduce travel anxiety. Although it’s healthy to daydream about the perfect vacation, don’t be overly idealistic. Don’t expect everything to go perfect, even if it looks perfect on your Instagram feed. Also, keep in mind that life doesn’t go as planned. It’s okay to have some expectations, but don’t let them interfere with your trip.
Getting to know a client before working with a travel agent
The first step in getting a client’s trust is determining their travel goals. Getting to know a client’s budget is crucial, and a travel agent should never assume that their client will spend as much money as they do. To avoid surprises later on, travelers should carefully qualify the traveler before working with a travel agent. For more information, see our tips for identifying the right travel budget.
Ask questions to get to know a client’s interests and needs. Asking these questions can help your travel agent better understand the client and their needs. The travel agent should also listen to clients’ perceptions to provide the best solutions. The travel agent should also take copious notes and be willing to repeat what they’ve learned in order to build trust. Once a client trusts the agent, they’ll be more likely to work with them again.