Originally Posted by
robyng
Question to Doppy - What you say makes a lot of sense. But I feel kind of guilty about shopping around between the internet and a TA. Is there a diplomatic way of doing it? I wouldn't feel guilty calling a FHR agent - someone I don't really know - but I don't have a Platinum card. But with an agent with whom I have a personal relationship - I would feel kind of guilty. Maybe I need a new agent - one I haven't known for 25 years - one I can treat in a more business-like manner? One I can negotiate with like I negotiate with brokers when I'm doing financial things. What do you do Doppy?
Here's some feedback to that question from someone on the other end of the equation. If you're going to shop prices on the internet anyway, do your shopping first, find the best rate you can,
then provide that information to your TA. Then, let your TA either find you something that offers better value ... or handle the booking for the rate you found. At the very least, they can contact the Sales Mgr. on your behalf to get you VIP'ed. Just my [somewhat biased!] two cents.