Sorry Dawn

They are doing their job - trying to sell holidays. If they know who is selling something cheaper, then they will try to compete with them. There are hundreds of travel agents on the high street and online - so it is impossible to know exactly who is selling what at what price. All agents have the same retail price, the same net price and it is up to us what to add on to the net price - as long as we cover costs and make a bit on top!! No-one in travel makes a real bit profit these days. It makes me really angry when people say agents rip off customers. (sorry rant over )

Hi there
All I'll say is I had 5 staff grilling me. Would that be selling holidays or intimidation? There was no one else booking a holiday in the shop.

Also I think £300 pounds is hell of a profit, on 1 person.

Dawn

5 does sound over the top! Please remember £300 is not pre profit. That £300 would have to cover overheads and other costs.

Hi
I'm not one to get into a arguement, but this was my experience and thoughts.

I don't know if you work for a travel agency but people booking holidays are not always got thousands to spend, some are on a very tight budget, and want to get a good deal.
Making money on people travelling alone is to me a bit much.

Dawn

Sorry Dawn

I don't want an argument either. I DO work in the travel industry and know that people haven't got thousands to spend on holidays. All I am trying to point out is that agents try and be as competitive as we can. Its not always possible, but we often beat the tour operators' direct prices.

Booking direct with the hotel is often cheaper but sometimes it can be quite a hassle. Agents book with booking agencies in the UK (if we are booking hotels without flights) and they buy effectively in bulk - so again, they can be cheaper.

Please don't be put off by the pushy attitude of that particular shop! My attitude to clients is that I want them to come back again and again so I always try to give the best price I can. This business is cut-throat!!

By the way, the only times I have made £300 on the net price of a holiday is when I have done loads of work for it and the holiday is £5000 plus!

Hi Diaimond Lilly
Its ok,
Its just that sometimes things do irritate and get to you. Regarding Thomsons I have used them for years, but it was just to expensive for me this year. I have made the decision to book direct because of the finance.
And have actually got the idea to try this from Holiday truths.
One thing about HT you can debate and get advice at the same time!!

Regards
Dawn

I phoned our local lunn poly the other week, to see if they could do my web holiday price in store, well, they couldnt (it was £500), although they said a month or so before please please come back and we can match what you get on the net!!!

I didnt fancy paying on line, which is why I went to them, I just thought I could print it off, and go in store and pay!!!

Even after speaking to Managers, they could only reduce the shop price by £200.

But they were very desperate to have the custom.

Its all very well saying that booking direct is going to be cheaper, of course its going to be usually. Agents do all the hard work for you so you dont have to, they chase confirmations, make sure everything is right, make sure tickets are in order etc etc.

What really irritates me is people who think agents can do things for nothing. What will happen when agents are no more because people arent using them...Direct prices will rise not only because of lack of competition but because they will need to make a profit because agents arent buying so much in bulk.

What ever happened to appreciating customer service? Its not always about the cheapest price. There are still people who would rather fly british airways than easyjet (if you get what I mean).

I dont mean to rant at you but it really bugs me sometimes when people think like this.

Hi all
Regarding British Airways, they're ok, if you can afford it. They also don't always have the route you want, and sometimes you have to change planes, even if you are flying to some parts of Spain. I checked them before I booked my flight with someone else.

debbg what puts you of paying online.
Its as safe as paying in a shop with a cc.
All web sites will have encrypted payment methods
and are very safe.
I buy lots of things online and would rather do it this way than go up the high street.
I must admit i was a bit wary the first time but the more you do it the more you know what to look for eg secure sites.

I do buy loads online, and do DIY hols, but as we were looking at a package from 1st choice, and having to part with nearly 2k, I thought I would rather pay over the counter.

But after saying that, I didnt have to pay it all up front anyway!!!

Dawnie-Rob
I do not understand, I have always booked with Lunn Poly (Thomsons). They have always been very coperative and 'price matched' me all the time. Their company are very well established and it is their job to ask questions when a customer states a holiday is cheaper. The fact that you stipulate there was 5 asking you and you were the sole customer means they were intrigued with the price you were stating
This time I have booked the Dominican Republic, and on this occasion they were unable to 'price match' as it is with Portland. They were frustrated purely on the basis that Portland have now amalgamated with Tui (thomsons). In their view they have lost a regular customer to a 'sister' company.
Obviously in my personal opinion the thread I have read is the staff are doing their job.. Ouch

same here went to first choice last year they said thy will give me better price for the holiday i get but they did not , and holiday i got was from there web site. did not come to the same price of the web site

Hi all
Just a quick note, I booked directly with Solmelia hotels and booked with Easyjet.
Dawn