If People Book With Their Own Travel Agent...how Does That Effect Me?

[kcole123]

I have some people wanting to book with their own travel agent because basically mine is not helpful at all. My question is how does this effect me besides the numbers I need for the group rate? Do the hotel's charge a fee because people are getting booked outside the group. I know I have to contact the resort once everyone is booked to give them their booking reference number or something. People that aren't with my booking reference number, do I have to pay extra for them to attend my ceremony and wedding things?

 

I appreciate the help.

[kmk2016]

No- you won't have to pay anything for them booking with another TA so long as they are at the same resort. I would make sure you get all their confirmation numbers and keep a spreadsheet of name, reservation # and TA that you can supply to your WC just prior to arrival so they can ensure they are all on file as one large group.

 

The only major problem I have seen here, is if the hotel goes into "sell out status" where they need to move your group to a sister property. If you are all not grouped/coded together- it can get messy.

 

You will of course run into the potential of not know how many people have completed their bookings, or losing out on potential incentives/bonuses offered through having "x" number of nights booked... But that's not the worst thing that could happen.

 

It may be a good idea to ensure when booking, they have their TA code their stay as wedding- not sure about your resort, but with karisma for example, all guests get coded under wedding in the system which in turn is transfered over to everyone on property. I was told this code stops any time share requests or pestering etc, as well as just codes them as "VIPs" so to speak. (This info was from the WC at my on site visit.

 

Sorry that you are dealing with this!!!

 

 

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[kcole123]

Thanks for that information. I really appreciate the help.

 

How will I know if the hotel goes into "sell out status?"

[kmk2016]

Thanks for that information. I really appreciate the help.

 

How will I know if the hotel goes into "sell out status?"

I guess that's another peril! You won't know unless your guests email you and say they couldn't get a room- or your WC may tell you they are needing to move your group to another property because they are over sold (it's rare I think... But I have seen it happen on these boards numerous times). Since they won't know how many people are actually in your group, they may look and say - oh that kcole group is only 5 rooms, let's move them to property "x" and upgrade them all to keep them happy, not knowing you have 10 other rooms who are part of you! If you are then split between two hotels, it kinda defeats the purpose of a DW for some people.

 

Are people not wanting to book with her because her pricing isn't as good (cause you should ask her to match), or is it her service levels? I would really try to ask your guests to put up with her (if it's not pricing) for the sake of less stress on you for your wedding and planning. They don't have to interact THAT much with the TA!

 

 

 

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Edited June 20, 2014 by kmk2016

[kcole123]

It is basically the service. They just aren't responding to people in time, One of my guests called yesterday as a single occupant and said he was rooming with the other single occupant that has already paid her deposit but then they said they didn't have her information.

 

Also she is trying to help one of my guests by getting her a rate because she won't be part of the group anyway because she is leaving at a different time. Anyway this girl is getting impatient because she has been waiting a month for this information and still hasn't received it. She is one of the ones that are pulling out and going somewhere else.

 

it's just things that like. I am also not getting regular updates of who has booked. I find myself having to email all the time for updates because I want to keep up on who has booked so far.

 

I find sticking with her is my only option at this point because she has all the info on who has booked so far. If I ask to get transferred to someone else in this company then there will probably be information that is missed and it will get confusing to guests having to contact someone else too.

 

I wish this part was over with.

[csho]

@@kcole123 I am sorry to hear you are having so much trouble with your TA. They really can make or break your planning. I had such an amazing Travel agent and she was so helpful! But that's not very helpful to you so I am wondering  have you talked to your travel agent and addressed these issues with her? I would have a good conversation with her and find out what is going on because it shouldn't be taking that long to get that information to your guests.

[TinkerSofi]

It is basically the service. They just aren't responding to people in time, One of my guests called yesterday as a single occupant and said he was rooming with the other single occupant that has already paid her deposit but then they said they didn't have her information.

 

Also she is trying to help one of my guests by getting her a rate because she won't be part of the group anyway because she is leaving at a different time. Anyway this girl is getting impatient because she has been waiting a month for this information and still hasn't received it. She is one of the ones that are pulling out and going somewhere else.

 

it's just things that like. I am also not getting regular updates of who has booked. I find myself having to email all the time for updates because I want to keep up on who has booked so far.

 

I find sticking with her is my only option at this point because she has all the info on who has booked so far. If I ask to get transferred to someone else in this company then there will probably be information that is missed and it will get confusing to guests having to contact someone else too.

 

I wish this part was over with.

Is she through a travel agency or a private TA? If she's through an agency, what if you talk to the company about the awful service you're getting? Maybe they'll switch you? It's just a shame that you will lose out on the perks because someone doesn't care enough to do her job right.

 

 

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[kmk2016]

Is she through a travel agency or a private TA? If she's through an agency, what if you talk to the company about the awful service you're getting? Maybe they'll switch you? It's just a shame that you will lose out on the perks because someone doesn't care enough to do her job right.

 

 

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We are soooo lucky to have LaurieLee... I had no idea when this whole process started, how important it would be to have a great TA- in fact I almost didn't use one!... But it see to be a constant stressor for brides.

 

I agree- go to her boss or the management of the agency/parent company she works under.... You deserve better service and they need to fix this ASAP.

 

 

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[kcole123]

It's so funny how you girls mention that. My travel agent left the had to leave the Country for a couple of months only last week. Anyway she said she will still dealing with people that email and also left me with another contact for people that would want to call for deposits. Well this other person is the manager. Last night I emailed both of them and let them know how unhappy I was and the guests because no one can reach them. Since my travel agent left last week, I had 4 people try to call the "replacement/manager" and they still have yet to book. So I really don't know where else to turn.

 

My travel agent responded back to my email giving me a list of reasons of what has been going on with each of the people I mentioned. The manager did not respond to that email.

 

I emailed both of them this morning in regards to one of my guests trying to reach them. The manager emailed me back in all caps and said I did call him back and I left a voicemail.

 

This just feels like a nightmare all around.

[kmk2016]

Wow!

 

How many rooms do you have booked via them currently? I would try and move my business... Seriously! Call laurielee today- I just talked to her so I know she is in the office. Tell her what's going on and see if she can transfer the account and get you some real service! She will be honest and tell you if she can't do it or if there is some big reason why it's not a good idea. I knew your deposits are due in 2 weeks but this is crunch time and I would cut and run... If you need her number pm me.

 

 

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