oblivion 5 Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 It seems almost every time I call them up to book a flight, the person I spoke to 'last time' (usually 6-12 months previously) has quit/moved on. I don't think I've ever worked with the same staff twice (and I always ask for them). Is this common I wonder in jobs like that, such high turnover - or perhaps I'm just getting loaded with short termers every time! Link to post Share on other sites
number9 0 Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 I never noticed because I usually just book the cheapest ticket/package I can find online. But with all the superfous extra charges for ordinary "options" and various restrictions, I'm beginning to think that maybe big travel agencies like JTB aren't all that bad when compared to discount operations that may go under any day. Link to post Share on other sites
ncorrenti 0 Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Very common, actually. My good friend is a travel agent and she is constantly complaining about the long hours (sometimes up to 12 hours a day) and shitty wages. Also, they are given impossible sales targets to reach each month and if they make a booking error, it usually comes out of their pay. Link to post Share on other sites
woywoy 0 Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 Oblivion, do you find No.1 really cheap? I am looking into a few tickets at the moment but havent received a reply from them yet ... What do you think of H.I.S.? Number9, who do you use online? Link to post Share on other sites
oblivion 5 Posted January 23, 2006 Author Share Posted January 23, 2006 In the past I have asked around and prices were exactly the same....... Link to post Share on other sites
number9 0 Posted January 23, 2006 Share Posted January 23, 2006 They seem to be all similar in the end because the same discount agencies list themselves on the same sites. But I tend to use http://www.tour.ne.jp/ This site has an English version http://www.etour.co.jp/en/index.html But with all the restrictions (train times/seats, delivering tickets at last possible moment, etc.) and extra charges (for specifying reasonable train times, specific accomodation, etc.) I'm beginning to think that big time agencies like JTB aren't all bad. After all the trouble and extra charges, you're not saving much money with the cheaper option and have more hassle. Time and effort is money. Link to post Share on other sites
rach 1 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 Definitely high turnover Link to post Share on other sites
Ocean11 0 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 JAL is looking pretty dodgy to fly these days. I wouldn't like to be on the next big turnover of JAL's passengers... Link to post Share on other sites
IIIII 2 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 I used to phone around all the main flight places as well and they all seemed to be very much the same. Link to post Share on other sites
misorano 1 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 We got out of selling air tickets last year as it is a pain in the a$$. The wholseller gives agents a net rate (without taxes etc incl), and then you add your own margin. Most of the bigger agents only add 2,000 - 3,000yen to the tickets and then try and sell them. There are so many rules and regulations on each ticket, unless you get someone who knows what they are doing you can be in for some nasty suprises. HIS/ No.1 / Accross etc staff sell a lot of tickets as it is their main business. Pleaces like JTB, Kinki, Nippon Travel etc would rather sell you one of their packages, and most of the staff lack the know how to calculate the taxes, fuel surcharges, stopover fees etc, and so they over quote you to cover themselves. A friend once went to JTB to get a ticket to Oz. She was quoted 50,000yen on a direct flight, so she paid the deposit. The girl rings back next day and says she forgot to add a "0" and the fare was 500,000yen. So she cancelled, and got her deposit back. Thing is, and it is worth knowing, that under Japan travel law, once a deposit is paid, you are deeemed have a valid contract with the agent. They cannot change the rates etc without being in violation of your contract and they must offer compensation, or give you the original rate. Just getting a quote does not create a contract, and the agent is free to change the rate if they want. Link to post Share on other sites
grungy-gonads 54 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 They sure are good at remembering names and your details. I have had the same girl for the last few times and she knows me and my normal route as soon as I say my name. I wish I remembered people and details as well. Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 >Thing is, and it is worth knowing, that under Japan travel law, once a deposit is paid, you are deeemed have a valid contract with the agent. They cannot change the rates etc without being in violation of your contract and they must offer compensation, or give you the original rate. Just getting a quote does not create a contract, and the agent is free to change the rate if they want. Miso, you wouldnt have a copy of that written in Japanese that you could post would ya? Or a link to that maybe? Link to post Share on other sites
veronica 2 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 gg, yes I'm always impressed how they remember me almost instantly after many months. It must be a depressing job - I know the number of times I change my mind with dates before making a final booking, I'm sure lots of other people are the same. Link to post Share on other sites
misorano 1 Posted January 25, 2006 Share Posted January 25, 2006 CB: Document is called 標準旅行業約款 which the the offical terms and conditions approved by the Ministry of Transport (国道交通省）. Every travel agent has a copy in their office. Link to post Share on other sites
bobby12 0 Posted January 25, 2006 Share Posted January 25, 2006 oblivion - maybe they just pretend that staff member isnt in so they can pinch their commission Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted January 25, 2006 Share Posted January 25, 2006 cheers miso Link to post Share on other sites
ProbablyaCrazyPerson 2 Posted January 26, 2006 Share Posted January 26, 2006 I thought that once as well bobby12 - until I phoned another place and got the same girl who used to be at No1. They are good at remembering these details. It's part of the job I suppose. Link to post Share on other sites
frannyo 2 Posted January 27, 2006 Share Posted January 27, 2006 They have usually been really good the staff at those places in my experience. Just once, last year actually I think I got the newbie who wasn't used to the systems and it was a bit of a mare. I decided to call back and start again with another of the girls. Link to post Share on other sites
gamera 0 Posted January 28, 2006 Share Posted January 28, 2006 Quote: Originally posted by misorano: the Ministry of Transport (国道交通省）. Every travel agent has a copy in their office. Miso, it's '国土'交通省、not '国道' 国道= Roads maintained by Japan goverment 国土= Territory, country ground Nihongo mutsukashi ne Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted January 30, 2006 Share Posted January 30, 2006 Happened to me as well frannyo. But more often than not they have been pretty good I thought. Link to post Share on other sites
misorano 1 Posted January 31, 2006 Share Posted January 31, 2006 Opps, I just go with what the computer comes up with. Link to post Share on other sites
number9 0 Posted January 31, 2006 Share Posted January 31, 2006 Ah, tricky difference. 国土（こくど） 国道（こくどう） Link to post Share on other sites
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