{"id":1035,"date":"2019-08-01T10:00:14","date_gmt":"2019-08-01T10:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.skybirdtravel.com\/?p=1035"},"modified":"2019-07-30T17:50:20","modified_gmt":"2019-07-30T17:50:20","slug":"you-need-a-better-consolidator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.skybirdtravel.com\/?p=1035","title":{"rendered":"You Need a Better Airline Consolidator"},"content":{"rendered":"
We have talked a lot about how good an airline consolidator is for your business, and you may have even added working with one to your travel agent toolkit. However, if you have been working with one for a while and doubt their services are helping you reach your goals, it\u2019s time to find a better one. \n<\/p>\n
What is an Airline Consolidator?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Travel agents use airline consolidators to access net fares, which can be 10-30% less than the published fares one would find online. A travel agent can purchase tickets at the discounted price and resell them to their clients after making their own markup. Getting tickets at net fare prices is extra advantageous because the travel agent can use the savings to get their clients a good deal, even after setting a markup. The savings will build trust and reliability with clients, which translates into repeat business (and increased business when they recommend you to their friends).<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Signs You Need a Better Consolidator:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
You\u2019re Splitting Your Commission with a \u201cMiddleman\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Have you ever had to sacrifice a fraction of your commission to a third party because you needed to purchase global airfare? This can happen if you are working with a \u201cregional\u201d consolidator (one who doesn\u2019t offer international airfare). If an agent needs to buy airfare overseas, their regional consolidator will have to get those tickets from a global consolidator. As a result, the agent will have to give up a percentage of their commission for the third party\u2019s services.<\/p>\n
An airline consolidator serves as a travel agent\u2019s greatest resource and that goes hand-in-hand with helping them earn as much commission as they can. If your current consolidator has to purchase international fares from a global consolidator, using what would be your commission to do so, it is time to upgrade to one that offers global fares.<\/p>\n
You\u2019re Not Getting Enough Options<\/strong><\/h3>\n
You should never feel like you are choosing between the lesser of two evils when booking a flight for a client. You should also never have to hope luck is on your side when you search a GDS for a flight that fits your client\u2019s itinerary. This kind of stuff could be because your consolidator only searches one GDS or they don\u2019t have a lot of airline partners. Not having enough flight or airline options for something as customizable as travel is unacceptable in this industry.<\/p>\n
If you feel your consolidator offers a limited selection of flights and airlines to choose from, you are not working with the best. You want an airline consolidator that can search multiple GDS at once to deliver a good variety of airfares across the globe.<\/p>\n
You Can\u2019t Seem to Get a Hold of Your Consolidator When You Need Them<\/strong><\/h3>\n
An airline consolidator should be available to contact when questions arise and problems occur. Some consolidators only do business online, meaning that if you need to rebook after an unanticipated flight cancellation, the most you can do is reach out to your consolidator through their website and hope customer support answers within the next hour. Even if they respond in record time, there\u2019s no telling how many back-and-forth emails will be required to solve the situation. Would you be able to save time by calling or will that lead to being put on hold until the next voice command robot is available?<\/p>\nPart of getting the most out of an airline consolidator is being able to reach them when you need them. The best consolidators provide 24\/7 support via email or phone.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Twenty-four\/seven customer support is crucial in this industry because travel issues are notorious for treading outside the 9 to 5 window. Upgrade to a consolidator who can provide immediate support from one of their trained agents via email, phone, or in person.<\/p>\n
Their Services are More Trouble than Help<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Did you start working with an airline consolidator because you liked the promise of low fares and high commission checks? Are you now dissatisfied because their services are accompanied by restrictive terms and conditions? That is not how a good airline consolidator works and you need a better one. It is true that consolidators once restricted travelers from using frequent flyer miles or changing their itineraries after booking, but good consolidators no longer function like that.<\/p>\n
Aside from whether or not your consolidator accepts travel rewards and post-booking changes, consider how your user experience is with their website (hopefully, they have a website). Is it difficult to navigate and find what you need? Does it answer basic questions about what to expect from their services and the industry? Is it a good reference tool? The best airline consolidators want to provide travel agents with more than just low airfare \u2013 they want to serve as the travel agent\u2019s best industry resource. If your current consolidator doesn\u2019t reflect this purpose, find a new one.<\/p>\nAn airline consolidator is supposed to decrease your stress levels. Not raise them.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
You\u2019re Ready to Grow Your Business<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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