Be Cautious with Supplier Payments During This Economic Downturn

(Dive Travel Business News - October 14, 2008) -- With today's economic challenges and particularly the reduced availability of credit, some suppliers, including tour companies, may be unable to meet short-term financial obligations, including making deposits and final payments to hotels and other travel suppliers. These difficulties may be only temporary if the supplier is otherwise healthy, but extra care is required to protect agency clients in these economic conditions.

Booking agents should be particularly diligent in vetting travel suppliers by speaking with company management, checking Better Business Bureau ratings and requesting references. Once payments are made to the intermediary, agents should verify that funds have been forwarded to suppliers in accordance with contractual or other established deadlines and that customer reservations are confirmed in good standing. Create a paper trail of e-mails and dated, timed notes of communications and keep your clients informed as appropriate. 

If faced with non-delivery of contracted services, travel agents should also remind customers that the Fair Credit Billing Act provides some protection for consumer payments made by credit card. Another source is the list of ASTA Tour Operator Program members on ASTA.org.

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