Fees for the services of a travel agent are not only valid, but vital to underscore the benefits of booking with the trade, according to an industry expert.
Managing director of Inplace Recruitment, Sandra Chiles, branded the growing trend for fee-free services as revealed by the 2013 Travel Weekly Salary Survey as "disheartening".
The research showed that only 18.5% of agents charged a service fee on 100% of their bookings while 17.5% said 90% of their bookings attracted a fee. But further 17.5% said they only charge fees on 10% of their bookings.
"You can't get advice from an accountant or solicitor for free so why should we give our expertise away for nothing?" Chiles asked.
She highlighted product launches as an example, with events that charge a fee less likely to see no-shows.
"When will we stand up and be proud that we are professionals, with extensive training and experience, and that knowledge has a value," she said.
