Tipping Travel Agent?

[Atomicmickey]

Hey all.

I know there are lots of great Kingdom Konsultant people on these boards. I see them offering awesome advice and help to everyone here,
and imagine they do a great job.

Full disclosure, I'm booked with another great travel agency, but everyone's so friendly here, I figured no harm, no foul.

And it allows them (or anyone else) to answer this question honestly and not in a self-serving way.

See--I have had great service, and I know that it takes a lot to make a great family trip come together.
We're taking 13 people, so there has been a lot of hemming and hawing.

So--what, if any, would be an appropriate tip, or thank you gift, for my awesome travel agent?
I know it's not expected, or necessary, but just wondering on amount and type of thank you
that I could put together.

Anyone have any experience with this? Do share.

 

[Atomicmickey]

Wow, 48 views and no opinions.

Did I say something wrong?:lookaroun

 

[Master Yoda]

I have been doing the KK thing for about 2 years now and the subject of tipping has never come up. I have had a client send a very nice letter to Pam (my boss) and that was quite nice.

 

[bgraham34]

It could be that many people don't user travel agents and don't have an opinion. You can always get a gift certificate for them to get some coffee which I am sure would come in Handy, or a nice bottle of wine.

 

[Monty]

As Richard said, a nice letter of appreciation sent to the boss would be appropriate and appreciated.

Tipping isn't something they're even really set up for. I would consider a well though out gift from your trip a better idea.

 

[Atomicmickey]

Thanks for the thoughts.

I guess I meant "gift" rather than "tip", like a wad of cash.

Thinking about one of those wine/cheese baskets, that sort of thing.....

LOL, a trip souvenir, though. She goes to WDW about 6 times a year, I'd figure if there's something she wants, she's got it.

 

[DisneyJoe]

Do you have a video camera or one built into your digital camera with sound?

While on your trip, stand in front of a Disney icon, and have someone record you, and give a video testimonial about your experience with the agent/agency.

Or see if the agency has a voice mail testimonial line and phone one in.

Or put one in writing.

 

[ddbowdoin]

I have never heard of tipping an agent... did they go well above and beyond? Otherwise, they are getting paid commission for what they are supposed to do.

 

[Tigger1988]

I have never heard of tipping an agent... did they go well above and beyond? Otherwise, they are getting paid commission for what they are supposed to do.

The commission is sometimes next to nothing. If they did a great job getting them a gift is a nice token of appreciation.

 

[DisneyJoe]

I have never heard of tipping an agent... did they go well above and beyond? Otherwise, they are getting paid commission for what they are supposed to do.

Yes, but are you aware of how much that is?? and that the agent doesn't get the full amount of the commission - as it is split with the agency? and if the trip is being planned months in advance, there can be many hours worked on a trip, making the amount the agent earns per hour less than minimum wage?

Most of us love what we do, especially those of us in Disney-specialist agencies, but we aren't getting rich!

 

[Master Yoda]

Yes, but are you aware of how much that is?? and that the agent doesn't get the full amount of the commission - as it is split with the agency? and if the trip is being planned months in advance, there can be many hours worked on a trip, making the amount the agent earns per hour less than minimum wage?

Most of us love what we do, especially those of us in Disney-specialist agencies, but we aren't getting rich!

So very true. I love working with clients and helping them get the most out of Disney or assisting them in discovering something new but I will not be buying that new house in the Hampton's anytime soon.:lol:

 

[Buried20KLeague]

So very true. I love working with clients and helping them get the most out of Disney or assisting them in discovering something new but I will not be buying that new house in the Hampton's anytime soon.:lol:

Is that a hint that you'd like a house in the Hamptons as a tip??

A little bold, don't you think? I mean... Maybe a summer cottage in the mountains, sure. But the Hamptons?

Get a grip, yoda. Get a grip.

 

[Master Yoda]

Is that a hint that you'd like a house in the Hamptons as a tip??

A little bold, don't you think? I mean... Maybe a summer cottage in the mountains, sure. But the Hamptons?

Get a grip, yoda. Get a grip.

Actually, I would prefer one in the new Golden Oak development.

 

[Monty]

Actually, I would prefer one in the new Golden Oak development.

Me too!

**Tries to determine what line of work I'd have to be really good at to get such a tip** :lookaroun

 

[ddbowdoin]

Yes, but are you aware of how much that is?? and that the agent doesn't get the full amount of the commission - as it is split with the agency? and if the trip is being planned months in advance, there can be many hours worked on a trip, making the amount the agent earns per hour less than minimum wage?

Most of us love what we do, especially those of us in Disney-specialist agencies, but we aren't getting rich!

I never said you were getting rich... but you are paid for a service that you provide... you signed the bottom line, no one else and it is your responsibility to uphold your job description.

If you get paid X, and X isn't enough to meet your lifestyle or your financial needs, then do something to change your situation... don't expect people to tip you because you choose a profession that you love but that doesn't meet the financial requirements your life requires.

 

[Tigger1988]

I never said you were getting rich... but you are paid for a service that you provide... you signed the bottom line, no one else and it is your responsibility to uphold your job description.

If you get paid X, and X isn't enough to meet your lifestyle or your financial needs, then do something to change your situation... don't expect people to tip you because you choose a profession that you love but that doesn't meet the financial requirements your life requires.

First off, no one said they expected tips for the service. YOU were the one who was acting like it was odd to even consider the idea, because they get paid commission.

Why tip anyone in any situation then? They're getting paid to begin with. It's a silly argument.

 

[ddbowdoin]

First off, no one said they expected tips for the service. YOU were the one who was acting like it was odd to even consider the idea, because they get paid commission.

Why tip anyone in any situation then? They're getting paid to begin with. It's a silly argument.

This has been discussed in other threads... I am within the mindset that if you perform a service that you are compensated for... then you don't deserve a tip... period.



A kind word to a supervisor or company is fine, a monetary tip is completely out of the picture.

 

[DisneyJoe]

This has been discussed in other threads... I am within the mindset that if you perform a service that you are compensated for... then you don't deserve a tip... period.

The original poster stated:

"I have had great service, and I know that it takes a lot to make a great family trip come together."

He wants to reward someone for providing great service - are you saying that because the agent is already being compensated, that they should never receive anything extra ever?

 

[ddbowdoin]

The original poster stated:

"I have had great service, and I know that it takes a lot to make a great family trip come together."

He wants to reward someone for providing great service - are you saying that because the agent is already being compensated, that they should never receive anything extra ever?

if he feel the needs to, then by all means... but it is a little crazy from my perspective....

the person providing the service is a TRAVEL AGENT, that is what they are supposed to do, correct? Was he slaving away at midnight to make sure X got the best prices on airfare? If so, then yeah... by all means, but I doubt that

 

[Tigger1988]

I hope you never go out to eat. A waiter is just doing his job so why tip him right?