Preferred Vendors

While visiting a website re travel they suggest using specific vendors for things from hotels to excursions. All these people advertise with the website (they also publish a travel guide). Do you think the owner really believes in what the preferred vendors offer because it is a superior product/service or is it because they are being paid to think that way? They say they check them out and base it upon customer service but the whole money thing makes me go

Re: Preferred Vendors

I always feel that way to, but since they did mention that they do research maybe they actullay do. MAybe you could check them out on BBB if your still not sure, or ask around if anyone else has used them. there's no better recomnedation then when someone you personally know has used them.

Re: Preferred Vendors

I own a business and list preferred vendors...I do not kick-backs by any means, but list them as my preferred vendors based on my and past client experiences.

Also, some of the preferred vendors also grant a discount to my clients, which would entice a little more.

My suggestion - check out the vendors but also check other vendors and do a side-by-side comparison.

Re: Preferred Vendors

I work for a travel supplier and we are a preferred vendor with many travel chains/agents (ie AAA, AMEX, Liberty).

Agents try to sell their perferred vendors for lots of reasons. A few being:
1. They have been trained on the product extensively (ie Disney, tour operator, cruise line). Some have even been on fam trips (these are trips that are set up for agents only where they learn about and experience the product, I've escorted a few of these groups). The agent is comfortable selling this product bc they are confident in it.
2. The have contracted rates with these vendors so they can secure the best possible rates for their clients. For top selling agents my company will match a quote if necessary.
3. They receive better commissions from their preferred suppliers. That is a good thing for them and the client. A lot of agents will take pass some of their commission on to the client to further discount the rate.

HTH