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pnbplus1
Family
Member since 5/09 5751 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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"Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
I'm just wondering other's thoughts on this...
An acquaintance is a travel agent. She started maybe a year go. When we run into each other, she'll mention that if I'm booking a trip she can book it for me so that she gets the commission and I can help her with her business (If i'm booking airfare that I've researched or a cruise that I've already heavily researched myself) This is just a side job for her.
I feel weird about it because if I've already done the work, why should I be in essence gifting her commission? Even though it doesn't cost me anything. But then again I work and no one is saying here, let me give you extra.
I'm torn on this. It bothers me bc she'd be getting commission for not doing anything but sometimes I'm too rigid which is why I'm looking for feedback. What do others think about this.
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Posted 2/24/20 2:35 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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tray831
Dee-licious!
Member since 3/06 5355 total posts
Name:
His Baby
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
If she finds out about a future trip you booked, just tell her your husband books them.
In all reality, its just easier to book it yourself.
Because then you have to relay all the info and details to her for her to do it. That's just an extra PITA. Not worth it; unless she's giving you 50%.
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| Posted 2/24/20 2:46 PM |
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dianadrw
LIF Adult
Member since 5/06 2092 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
You're not being too rigid. I book all my own travel so I control the reservations and can make changes when I see fit. If you book with an agent they control the reservation and all changes have to be made with them. No thanks.
Here's a story for you. My mom's good friend's daughter decided to become a cruise travel agent after she got laid off from her job. My parents were planning a Mediterranean cruise so my mom figured she would use her friend's daughter. She booked it for them but my mom had to constantly be on top of her. A few months before the cruise The full payment was due. My mom sent the money to the agent. Turns out the agent sent the full payment in late to the cruise line. So their rooms got cancelled!!!! Luckily they were able to rebook because there happened to be other cabins available. But jesus was my mom PISSED. And she swore she'd never use an agent again. Last summer we did a family cruise with about 20 people and my mom booked directly with the cruise line. She wasn't taking any chances.
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| Posted 2/24/20 3:01 PM |
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loveus
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/13 684 total posts
Name:
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
.
Message edited 3/19/2020 10:30:33 AM.
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| Posted 2/24/20 3:30 PM |
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FirstMate
My lil cowboy
Member since 10/10 7789 total posts
Name:
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
I am a control freak with my trips. I always do all the research but I also always have a TA book it. I look at the commission that she earns as an additional layer of insurance for me. I have no problem with it. If new deals come along, she gets me price adjustments or credits or whatever it is. If I have a problem, I have a real life person to call. Not to mention, they really don't make a ton of commission. It's peanuts. I would not have a problem having her do the bookings.
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| Posted 2/24/20 3:58 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
If you want to use a TA for reasons others have posted here, that is fine but I don't think you should be running your already planned and booked trips through her just so she can get the commissions.
Sounds shady to me
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| Posted 2/24/20 4:02 PM |
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Pomegranate5
LIF Adult
Member since 2/11 4798 total posts
Name:
Pomegranate5
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
So she's asking you to give her the booking so she can get the commission for doing nothing? Not so that she can get YOU something extra like hotel perks or credits? What a strangely obnoxious way to phrase that request.
No I wouldn't do it. I like to do all of my own research and bookings and unless there was something big in it for me I wouldn't be giving a TA any business.
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| Posted 2/24/20 4:07 PM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17789 total posts
Name:
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
Posted by Pomegranate5
So she's asking you to give her the booking so she can get the commission for doing nothing? Not so that she can get YOU something extra like hotel perks or credits? What a strangely obnoxious way to phrase that request.
No I wouldn't do it. I like to do all of my own research and bookings and unless there was something big in it for me I wouldn't be giving a TA any business.
Yes - if you are getting nothing out of it - like a better rate, onboard credits or other perks - I wouldn’t bother.
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| Posted 2/24/20 7:38 PM |
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LSP2005
Bunny kisses are so cute!
Member since 5/05 19453 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
If she is not giving you any perks you should not be giving her the business. I feel like she is very nervy.
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| Posted 2/24/20 9:12 PM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9508 total posts
Name:
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
No way would I do that. You are opening yourself up to problems and getting absolutely nothing for it. No thanks. I am not even sure how Travel Agents still exist. Anyone can do the research on the internet....
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| Posted 2/25/20 9:53 AM |
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NYCGirl80
I love my kiddies!
Member since 5/11 10413 total posts
Name:
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
I think if you're going to use her, then use her. Let her do the research and book it for you.
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| Posted 2/25/20 9:58 AM |
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StaceyWill
It's a girl!!!
Member since 6/10 21536 total posts
Name:
Stacey
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
I would yes her to death when I see her, but then just ignore it and don't give her anything.
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| Posted 2/25/20 11:41 AM |
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MarathonKnitter
HAPPY
Member since 2/07 17374 total posts
Name:
EMBRACING CHANGE
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
Posted by StaceyWill
I would yes her to death when I see her, but then just ignore it and don't give her anything.
ding ding ding
winner, winner, chicken dinner.
for all the reasons people have posted above.
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| Posted 2/25/20 12:44 PM |
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SecretlyTTC14
LIF Adult
Member since 12/13 1770 total posts
Name:
B
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
I'm torn. I think it's ballsy for her to ask you, but I also feel like why not help someone out? I use a Disney travel planner when I book because someone might as well make some money off of it. It's not like it costs me more to use her. I find everything I want and then she books it. She has pretty good advice about booking dining and stuff though. She also reminds me when payment is due and when it's time to do the fast-passes. If I didn't use her, I would just set reminders for myself. So, really I could do without her, but like I said, why not help someone out?
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| Posted 2/25/20 3:24 PM |
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ChilisWife
God Bless America
Member since 5/05 3570 total posts
Name:
A.K.
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
I guess I am the only one that feels differently. I'd rather have root canal than troll around the internet forever trying to find and book different flights, hotels, etc. Yes, I am capable of doing it but if it doesn't cost me anything extra, why not have a friend who has some knowledge and experience do it for me? Plus, I am helping out a friend and I don't see why that is bad just because I am not getting anything out of it. One of my best friends is a Disney travel planner. She works HARD - long hours, booking things all hours of the night, constantly having to be reached by phone with questions, and having to know what deals are being released when. She knows all the ins and outs of where to do and what to do and when, and I think she earns every penny of her commission.
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| Posted 2/25/20 7:21 PM |
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Mrs213
????????
Member since 2/09 18986 total posts
Name:
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
If it’s something simple and easy to book on your own I wouldn’t bother. If it’s something more involved that you don’t have time or don’t want to be bothered looking up then I would use her. She’s an acquaintance, you don’t owe her anything. Either way it’s your call....
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| Posted 2/25/20 8:59 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
Posted by ChilisWife
I guess I am the only one that feels differently. I'd rather have root canal than troll around the internet forever trying to find and book different flights, hotels, etc. Yes, I am capable of doing it but if it doesn't cost me anything extra, why not have a friend who has some knowledge and experience do it for me? Plus, I am helping out a friend and I don't see why that is bad just because I am not getting anything out of it. One of my best friends is a Disney travel planner. She works HARD - long hours, booking things all hours of the night, constantly having to be reached by phone with questions, and having to know what deals are being released when. She knows all the ins and outs of where to do and what to do and when, and I think she earns every penny of her commission.
But this woman is asking her to book her already planned and researched trip through her so she can get a commission for doing NOTHING.
that's the difference.
And to me that's a shittty business practice.
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| Posted 2/25/20 9:08 PM |
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hmm
Sweet
Member since 1/14 7983 total posts
Name:
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
Posted by NYCGirl80
I think if you're going to use her, then use her. Let her do the research and book it for you.
agree. I dont think you're being ridged but let her research and book
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| Posted 2/25/20 10:49 PM |
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pnbplus1
Family
Member since 5/09 5751 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
Posted by ChilisWife
I guess I am the only one that feels differently. I'd rather have root canal than troll around the internet forever trying to find and book different flights, hotels, etc. Yes, I am capable of doing it but if it doesn't cost me anything extra, why not have a friend who has some knowledge and experience do it for me? Plus, I am helping out a friend and I don't see why that is bad just because I am not getting anything out of it. One of my best friends is a Disney travel planner. She works HARD - long hours, booking things all hours of the night, constantly having to be reached by phone with questions, and having to know what deals are being released when. She knows all the ins and outs of where to do and what to do and when, and I think she earns every penny of her commission.
I love researching vacations and am reluctant to give that up to someone unless it's a more exotic destination where I need an expert. But the thing is, unlike your friend, this person doesn't dedicate long hours to the travel - it's something done at the end of the day when her kid is asleep. And not really an expert in most things.
I'm glad I'm not totally off in my thinking. I guess I'll have to pretend I didn't just book some plane tickets yesterday.
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| Posted 2/26/20 12:34 PM |
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pnbplus1
Family
Member since 5/09 5751 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by ChilisWife
I guess I am the only one that feels differently. I'd rather have root canal than troll around the internet forever trying to find and book different flights, hotels, etc. Yes, I am capable of doing it but if it doesn't cost me anything extra, why not have a friend who has some knowledge and experience do it for me? Plus, I am helping out a friend and I don't see why that is bad just because I am not getting anything out of it. One of my best friends is a Disney travel planner. She works HARD - long hours, booking things all hours of the night, constantly having to be reached by phone with questions, and having to know what deals are being released when. She knows all the ins and outs of where to do and what to do and when, and I think she earns every penny of her commission.
But this woman is asking her to book her already planned and researched trip through her so she can get a commission for doing NOTHING.
that's the difference.
And to me that's a shittty business practice.
Exactly this. That's what doesn't sit well with me. I already did the work. And really will rarely trust someone else to plan my vacation with all the info that's readily available.
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| Posted 2/26/20 12:36 PM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9508 total posts
Name:
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
Posted by pnbplus1
Posted by ChilisWife
I guess I am the only one that feels differently. I'd rather have root canal than troll around the internet forever trying to find and book different flights, hotels, etc. Yes, I am capable of doing it but if it doesn't cost me anything extra, why not have a friend who has some knowledge and experience do it for me? Plus, I am helping out a friend and I don't see why that is bad just because I am not getting anything out of it. One of my best friends is a Disney travel planner. She works HARD - long hours, booking things all hours of the night, constantly having to be reached by phone with questions, and having to know what deals are being released when. She knows all the ins and outs of where to do and what to do and when, and I think she earns every penny of her commission.
I love researching vacations and am reluctant to give that up to someone unless it's a more exotic destination where I need an expert. But the thing is, unlike your friend, this person doesn't dedicate long hours to the travel - it's something done at the end of the day when her kid is asleep. And not really an expert in most things.
I'm glad I'm not totally off in my thinking. I guess I'll have to pretend I didn't just book some plane tickets yesterday.
As a PP said, if she asks just say your husband does all the travel planning and he likes to do it himself.
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| Posted 2/26/20 2:27 PM |
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hmm
Sweet
Member since 1/14 7983 total posts
Name:
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
adding: I dont know if I would give her the credit just because it cost you nothing. Too me it was ballsy for her to ask. In a sense almost false advertising on her part
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| Posted 2/26/20 7:22 PM |
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hmm
Sweet
Member since 1/14 7983 total posts
Name:
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
Posted by pnbplus1
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by ChilisWife
Message edited 2/26/2020 7:24:55 PM.
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| Posted 2/26/20 7:23 PM |
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hmm
Sweet
Member since 1/14 7983 total posts
Name:
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
Posted by pnbplus1
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by ChilisWife
I guess I am the only one that feels differently. I'd rather have root canal than troll around the internet forever trying to find and book different flights, hotels, etc. Yes, I am capable of doing it but if it doesn't cost me anything extra, why not have a friend who has some knowledge and experience do it for me? Plus, I am helping out a friend and I don't see why that is bad just because I am not getting anything out of it. One of my best friends is a Disney travel planner. She works HARD - long hours, booking things all hours of the night, constantly having to be reached by phone with questions, and having to know what deals are being released when. She knows all the ins and outs of where to do and what to do and when, and I think she earns every penny of her commission.
But this woman is asking her to book her already planned and researched trip through her so she can get a commission for doing NOTHING.
that's the difference.
And to me that's a shittty business practice.
Exactly this. That's what doesn't sit well with me. I already did the work. And really will rarely trust someone else to plan my vacation with all the info that's readily available.
if it doen't feel right in your gut don't do it and let it.
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| Posted 2/26/20 7:25 PM |
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pugmama
April already?
Member since 3/06 5297 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Re: "Giving" someone commission when they didn't really do anything
I am a part-time travel agent and I would never ask someone to book with me unless I can get them something more than if they booked without me. Maybe give her the opportunity to offer you an incentive to book with her.
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| Posted 2/28/20 11:01 AM |
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