Agents 'missing out' on extra commissions

Agents should unlock the potential commission earnings of selling more add-ons like attractions, according to a trade-only ticket specialist. Encore Tickets managing director, John Wales told TravelMole: “I think ease of booking has stopped agents selling add-ons in the past. They’ll book the flight and the hotel, but they get stuck on the extras.” But he says his company has an easy to use website, which agents can register with for free. After that tickets are booked using the customers credit card and commission of 10% per ticket is paid monthhly. Tickets are sold to agents at discounted rates but printed with the face value so agents can add a mark-up. Mr Wales said: “Agents are under attack because many of their traditional markets are being eroded by direct Web bookings. They can strike back by moving into new growth areas. “With the shows that are now coming on, London is set for an excellent year in 2004 and there is £14 million worth of commission on offer”. The £14 million figure is reached by multiplying the number of attraction tickets available to sell in London (2.8 million) by an average £5 commission that agents receive for making bookings through Encore. The company sells theatre tickets, dinner and show packages, and attraction tickets. For details go to the website.