New service “to eliminate brochure wastage”

A new online brochure ordering service claims to cut down on brochure wastage.

Thomas Cook and First Choice have become the latest operators to sign up to the instant confirmation service by brochure distributor Au Logistics.

Thomas Cook says the system – at www.au-logistics.co.uk – will benefit agents who need close stock control and are looking for a quick and easy way to source brochures from a range of tour operators at once.

Deliveries are made once a week and orders can be placed with as little as 48 hours notice.

Thomas Cook and First Choice have been working with Au Logistics to make all the companies’ brochures available.

First Choice sales director Martin Froggatt said: “There have been a lot of discussions about brochure wastage and agents receiving too many or too few brochures. We believe that a system which allows agents to order specific quantities of brochures as and when they are required will help reduce the number of waste copies and make the agents life that much easier.”

Ian Derbyshire, director of trade relations at Thomas Cook added: “This service will make a real difference to agents, particularly those who have limited storage space for brochures. Au Logistics provides instant feedback on whether the brochures are available, so agents will know which brochures to expect and when they will be delivered.”

Au Logistics managing director Garry Winterburn said: “We have consulted closely with travel agents in designing the service, and realized how important it was to provide instant confirmation of their order. A high percentage of travel agents are using the system and numbers increasing week on week.”

Agents need their ABTA number to use the system.

Operators using the service include: 2wentys, Alfa Travel, Blakes Boats, British Holidays, Butlins, Club 18-30, Cosmos, Cosmos Tourama, Country Cottages, CT2, Exodus, First Choice Holidays, French Life, Funway, Getaway, Harlequin Holidays, Haven, Hayes & Jarvis, Holiday Options, If Only, Island Cruises, Italian Life, Jewel in the Crown, JMC, Kirker Holidays, Let’s Go Travel, Neilson, North America Travel Service, Osprey Holidays, Peregrine Tours, Seguro Holidays, Ski Independence, Sovereign, Style Holidays, Suncars, Sunset Holidays, Sunstart, Superfast Ferries, Thomas Cook Holidays, Thomas Cook Signature, Unijet and Warner.

Report by Phil Davies