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Post by shanniebananie on Dec 22, 2021 15:44:59 GMT
We were scheduled this week to leave on a Caribbean cruise and decided to postpone due to COVID cases on our ship. Our travel agent spent a few hours on the phone and managed to get us an ENTIRE refund, even our deposit. The amount returned is around $12,000. So that means she won't get any money from our trip.
Even though we plan to schedule another cruise in the future, I hate that she won't get paid for this cruise. We want to give her something for her time.
I think a VISA gift card would be okay, but what amount should we give? I have no idea how much money she is out.
Any ideas for the amount? Would you give another gift all together?
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Dec 22, 2021 16:07:58 GMT
Yes, you do need to give her something, but I have no clue how much!
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Why
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,136 
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Post by Why on Dec 22, 2021 17:07:54 GMT
Do you know if she is salaried or on commission? That might give you an idea of how much she may be out by spending that time on your refund.
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Post by busy on Dec 22, 2021 17:14:23 GMT
Can't vouch for accuracy, but Google says cruise lines pay 10%+ to travel agents for cruise bookings.
I don't think you need to go that much, but since she spent hours getting it worked out for you... I'd be pretty generous. Since you didn't expect to get your deposit back, I'd consider giving that to her (I have no idea how much a deposit on a cruise is, so if this would be a crazy number, then scale back as you see fit).
ETA: Are you sure she’s not getting her commission? Based on some additional googling, it looks like many/most cruise lines changed policies on cancellations ans commissions and are still paying travel agents commission even if someone cancels (or a cruise is canceled) due to Covid.
I would still tip her generously because she provided excellent service but not quite so much if she is still getting paid by the cruise line.
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Post by ~summer~ on Dec 22, 2021 17:24:54 GMT
If she spent hours on the phone and it sounds like she saved you a huge headache (and money) - I find dealing with that kind of issue a huge stress - I would give her a $500 visa gift card or cash.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,125
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Post by iowgirl on Dec 22, 2021 17:32:52 GMT
I'd give her at least $500 in cash. Think how much money and headache she saved you.
Cash is so much easier to deal with, over a card, IMO. 5 crisp bills in a nice card.
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Dec 22, 2021 17:38:16 GMT
I would give her at least $500 to compensate her for time and efforts. A bit more, if you feel that she went above and beyond.
I would give cash, because should she need it for bills or day to day living costs(food, gas, etc...), cash is easier.
Gift cards are nice, but if one has bills to pay, cash is best.
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Post by MichyM on Dec 22, 2021 17:40:31 GMT
$500 was the amount I had in mind as well, but Busy’s post has me second guessing myself a bit….
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Post by librarylady on Dec 22, 2021 17:57:48 GMT
It the "going rate" is 10% I would give her that.
I would also give it to her in crisp $100 bills because gift cards are a PIA.
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Post by auntkelly on Dec 22, 2021 18:04:01 GMT
I would give her $500 cash and assure her that I will use her in the future and recommend her to all my friends.
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Post by mikklynn on Dec 23, 2021 13:22:41 GMT
If she spent hours on the phone and it sounds like she saved you a huge headache (and money) - I find dealing with that kind of issue a huge stress - I would give her a $500 visa gift card or cash. That was the amount I thought of, too, for what it's worth. |
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