Even in the age of online booking, travel agents are a great source of information and discounts. Leveraging the training and experience of a travel professional ensures your vacation details are researched, booked and confirmed. A travel agent can make sure that your trip is tailored to you, assist you in case of unexpected problems, and help you anticipate potential issues in advance. Travel agents gain access to the best rates, amenities, and do all the work for the client. You’ll be informed of travel requirements, entry and custom support.
Surprisingly, most clients don’t see a change in costs from self-search rates as many vendors build commissions into their published rates. The difference is a travel agent may get clients an upgraded room at the cost of a regular room, get VIP tickets at reduced or no charge.
If a client incurs a fee for services, the fees are transparent and discussed upfront. In many cases, you save more than you spend. We can work within your budget, and we always focus on making sure that you get a solid value in return for our fees.
Yes! Do you have an upcoming conference for your business or a student trip? We can handle the details and ensure that you have access to group seating, entrances, and discounts.
Great question. Travel agents deal take care of all the details for you. They contact vendors to modify travel, update itineraries, add travelers, and confirm everything so when you arrive, you are ready to enjoy your vacation. If an issue arises and last minute changes need to happen, they make the calls and update everything. Flight delayed? Your TA will take care of rebooking, make arrangements if necessary, so you can simply stress less and know someone is dedicated to resolving the issue.
TA’s get access to direct vendor customer service agents instead of general customer service lines. This allows TA’s faster access to available flights so you’re not rushed to get first in line at the customer service center. With a TA, you’re always first in line.
TA’s work their magic with exceptional problem solving skills. Having direct relationships with vendors provide access to amenities, reservations, shows that are sold out to the general public. They go above and beyond to ensure clients are accommodated.
Most TA’s are customer service oriented and take great pride in their work product. That said, there are ones who enter the field for the perks and are less dedicated to customer satisfaction. At Schelling Consulting Services, you have unlimited access to your TA through phone, email and text. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality work and developing long term relationships with clients. We specialize in upscale luxury travel that is an investment and we want to ensure clients that all details have been handled. We provide local information, packing lists, tips for smooth travel. We triple check all reservations to validate the customer details have been honored. We also reward our clients with personalized gifts as a gesture of gratitude. Lastly, as a smaller company we have a limit on the number of clients we support to each customer is treated like family and not a commission. If you’re not satisfied, we will do everything in our power to make it right.
In most cases, TA’s have education in hospitality or equivalent experience in the field. To establish direct partnerships with companies, TA’s are required to complete company specific courses to gain competency in every related to the brand. Many require personal travel experience with that company as well as onsite visits or inspections. When a TA uses a general booking tool, they are not required to understand the brand. We chose a business model using direct partner relationships to become preferred partner. This allows us to focus on the client experience and not a sale. We have established direct partnerships with the biggest and most luxurious names in travel. Whether you’re wanting a hotel, a cruise or a yacht, we work with the best and most reliable vendors.
Selecting a TA shouldn’t be a quick decision. TA’s should get to know their clients and establish a relationship. A good TA is similar to a personal assistant that is entrusted with personal information and knows things about you that others don’t. So, a client should interview a TA, inquire into their background, and see if it’s a good fit. At SCS, we focus on establishing personal relationships and believe that quality is always superior to quantity. We want our clients to feel comfortable sending a text or picking up the phone with a simple request like “Robin, it’s our 25th anniversary. We would like to celebrate on a yacht with a small group of friends”. Our only reply would be should we make arrangements for the guests as well? Because with personal relationships we know the date of our clients anniversary, we know what activities they enjoy, what spa treatments to arrange, their preferred room type, and fare class. Selecting a TA is the hardest work. Once you find one you like, working with them is a breeze.
We take the confidentiality of our clients seriously. We will never disclose the names or details of our clients. We deal with high profile clients that rely on our discretion. That said, if references are necessary, we are happy to provide it where possible.
Another great question! Honestly, all the fun names were already taken. I landed on Schelling Consulting Services to ensure my reputation (last name) was included in the business name but, felt consulting services aligned with my overall skill set. My diverse career has positioned me well to provide guidance on a variety of things. When working with me you may be surprised at just how resourceful I am. You may be looking for travel assistance but in general conversation you disclose another issue and I may have resources for that. I’m fortunate to have a brain full of knowledge gained over the years just waiting for the opportunity to use it. I am a natural problem solver that loves to work efficiently.
With any new business, my initial focus is on taking care of my existing client base but, we believe word of mouth/referral is the best way to gain new clients. When you provide exceptional customer service and your clients are satisfied, they do the advertising for you. Again, as a small operation, our focus is on quality, not quantity. We will not take on new clients if it’ll interfere with our established relationships. That said, if you use us, tell others about your experience. We offer referral incentives. If you want to keep us to yourself, that’s okay too. We provide a needed service and clients seeking our expertise will find us.
Have a question about our services? Want to see if your particular vacation is one we can help with? We'd love to hear from you!
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