Unethical to get Quotes From Different TAs

[Ashmagoo]

Hi Everyone,

 

I've been having some difficulty working with the Travel Agent that was reffered to me by a family member, as the person is unable to find quotes for me for my wedding in April 2012.

 

I'm wondering if it is unethical for me to ask for quotes from other travel agents? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you

[JPenny]

I don't think this is unethical. I have been working with a TA but she also has given me no quotes so far for my March 2012 wedding so we went ahead and have been getting quotes from multiple different TA's. I think just like every other vendor you have the right to stop around and get the best deal. If you haven't booked anything through your TA they haven't done much work for you yet so you can still shop around.

[BusyBee123]

I agree.  I had started working with a great TA who helped me to narrow it down between a few resorts, but when she got back to me with the pricing it was WAY higher than she (and I) had anticipated.  She said that she was trying to get me a better deal, but that it would take weeks for new offers, etc.  Unfortunately we didn't have weeks to wait on her and shopped around 2 other TAs for quotes.  One of them was able to get us a rate that was almost $400 cheaper than the original quote!!!  I simply explained that to the first TA, and she agreed that she didn't have access to that pricing and understood our need to get the best deal we could.  I would just be polite and honest, and let them know that you have to pick the most affordable vacation option for your guests! Good luck! 

 

Originally Posted by JPenny 

I don't think this is unethical. I have been working with a TA but she also has given me no quotes so far for my March 2012 wedding so we went ahead and have been getting quotes from multiple different TA's. I think just like every other vendor you have the right to stop around and get the best deal. If you haven't booked anything through your TA they haven't done much work for you yet so you can still shop around.

 

[TammyWright]

it isn't unethical but you should be honest with your agents that you are talking to other TAs.  Also, if an agent has worked with your for months to help narrow down a resort, get wedding info, it would be nice if you gave them a chance to match the other offer you found.

 

just my 2 cents.

[IliaPSU]

Do you all find that TAs get you just as good of a deal as booking through online travel sites like Orbitz or CheapTickets?  I tried requesting a TA from this site and never heard back and I'm wondering if it is worth it to go to the trouble to find a reliable TA. 

[trvlchrs]

Hi With the Internet so easily available today I think most agents think you are shopping around. Travel Agents can beat or match any price you find on Expedia or Orbitz. I also agree you should let her know. TA's don't get paid unless you book with them so you wouldn't want to waist their time. That being said they should be able to get back to you in 48 hours. That is my policy. Your wedding plans will go a lot smoother with a good TA. :-)

 

 

[JayKay]

We went to a few different TAs and found one that we were really comfortable withh and provided us with one of the cheapest quotes.  I don't think its unethical but once you decide which to work with you need to let the others know.  Its only fair to them. 

[merrylee]

i agree you need to be honest with the TA that was recommended to you.  I also feel like DW's require a TA familiar with all avenues of the resorts and wedding information.

[baileybutton]

I think shopping around (in the beginning) is a must. They are providing a service. You need to be a smart consumer. Can you imagine how your guests would feel if the TA quotes $2000.00 to attend your wedding and they find it online for $1500.00.....I'd be pi$$ed.

[X-Chan]

I talked to a few different TAs around the beginning too and it was an easy decision for me to choose because all but one had problems returning my emails even though they were all 'Destination Weddings Specialists'. When I found the one I am currently using, she was always quick to respond to my emails and she got me some test quotes before I was ready to book which were better than I could find online so I knew she was the one and stopped my search.

 

I definitely recommend to look around and be honest with your TA. If they can't deliver, they have to understand that you will want to look elsewhere. Judging from these forums, dealing with a bad TA is an awfully stressful experience and something I want to avoid!