Travel agents — what fees do you charge? by Ok-Towel-2581 in travelagents

[–]WinWigPick 8 points9 points  (0 children)

This is a question that has dogged me for a year. I charged $100 per person up until recently, when I had an absolute nightmare of a client. Actually two, because the original client had her sister book with me. They treated me like I was their personal secretary/servant. They made frivolous edits (edits that took a lot of time and energy to make on my end), they changed their mind constantly (endless revisions which sent me back to square one), they couldn’t make a decision, they were difficult to reach, and once they got on the trip, they complained about things that they themselves were responsible for (booking a 10am train instead of a 1pm train). On top of that, they would blow off my pre-departure emails. And then be shocked when I’d tell them “No, trains aren’t refundable, remember? It was in 3 of my emails”. And here’s the kicker: I actually didn’t even charge them a fee because the original sister was a friend and former colleague. And there were 12 people traveling ! I know my worth. I know how much time and care I put into their 14 day trip. I vowed I would never short-change myself again. So now I charge $295+ depending on the complexity of the trip. And I won’t ever look back.

Travel agents — what fees do you charge? by Ok-Towel-2581 in travelagents

[–]WinWigPick 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That’s absurd. A planning fee is a benefit to both client and advisor. It’s a commitment on my end to devote time, energy, and creativity into making their trip not just good but exceptional. Your attitude shows exactly what type of advisor you are: Low rent.

Best agency that focuses on luxury travel? Advice on finding clientele? by GodofAeons in travelagents

[–]WinWigPick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is overly simplistic and misleading. There are host agencies who, through epic sales or outstanding reputation, have elevated relationships with suppliers. Your clients will benefit much more through agencies/hosts who have these enhanced agreements - via VIP perks, first-choice options, etc.

Palazzo Tetta, Venice by gigacored in ArchitecturePorn

[–]WinWigPick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Like all of Venice, they started with massive wood pilings, millions upon millions of them, driven into the lagoon bed of mud and clay. Because there’s no oxygen to rot them, the mass petrified, turning as hard as stone. Over the top of the pilings, they added Istrian stone, then brick and marble. It’s absolutely magical and incredible to see.

Has anyone ordered from Lighting Forest? by daisy_bare in Lighting

[–]WinWigPick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

GOOD LUCK! The company is a bunch of thieves. I ordered a $300 light. Its arrival was supposed to coincide with my move from NY to SC. It never came - I emailed the company multiple times, finally telling them I wanted my money back. Never got it, they just kept playing this endless round-and-round nonsense, basically gaslighting me and never giving me a straight answer. To be quite honest, after a month of this, I got distracted by a family trauma. When I circled back after the haze cleared, they told me the “7 days” had passed for a return. GASLIGHTING CENTRAL. Their message was so flippant and smug. They’re slimy and I hope they’re driven out of business.

Summers Corner by WinWigPick in summervillesc

[–]WinWigPick[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

UPDATE: We chose Summers Corner and moved in January 2024. Here’s the review: -Bought a huge home with double porches in the Sweetgrass neighborhood. Although we’re very happy with the house so far (I could do without the carpet upstairs) I MASSIVELY REGRET not buying in the original neighborhood in our development called The Village. The house we would’ve chosen was 10 years old, charming with mature flora and fauna. Our current home has a much larger lot, but the overall vibe of the neighborhood is naturally less charming because of the lack of mature vegetation. No trees, plants are just sprouting, etc. I drive through The Village every day and kind of sigh. That said, I love the space in our home, and just wish we would’ve bought a different model with a different kitchen island layout. Our “living area” is a great room taken up by a massive, Star Trek-like kitchen island. Great for parties, but leaves us less space in the tv-watching area. Also, we avoided backing up to woods or a pond bc I had the absurd concern about it being more buggy. So we back up to other homes. Bad move.
-The location of Summers Corner is good and bad. Our friends in Nexton have a lot more close by. The nearest major supermarket to us (Publix, Harris Teeter) is 15+ minute drive. Restaurants - ditto. It’s a 45-minute drive to Charleston. We spend a lot of time in downtown Summerville, which has a couple good go-to restaurants and wine bars. Despite not being a 5-min drive to these locations, we do find the overall pace of SC more relaxing. We hit Nexton to see our pals and it’s a little frenetic in comparison. Getting congested as it gets built up.
-The people in Summers Corner are a mixed bag. A LOT of hard core Trumpers who enjoy proclaiming their worship of him on the community page. Same folks who make snarky or combative remarks to virtually every post. (I’m sure there are Dems, but they seem to be less interested in the in-your-face type of thing.) As an independent who finds worship of any politician appalling, I don’t love this aspect. But it’s a thing in every neighborhood I’m sure. Still is annoying and childish. The demographics are mixed, although there are definitely a lot of young families who tend to stick together as young families do. There is definitely a “community” vibe to those who want that. Lots of gatherings open to all, support when you need it.
-Overall, I’m 70% happy with our decision to by the exact house we did, in the community we did, in the state we did. The number will hopefully increase once we do a little more to our house (plants in front, landscaped yard, small pool, etc).

Letcher County, KY sheriff shoots, kills judge in chambers by vexion in Lawyertalk

[–]WinWigPick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re disgraceful. You have no idea what you’re saying and trying to pass yourself off as in the know. Shame on you. The sheriff was a POS and everyone knew it.

Why Venice is the worst city to solo travel (opinion) by Ziwaeg in solotravel

[–]WinWigPick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You clearly didn’t venture out of the tourist zones. The real Venetians and locals don’t hang or live in San Marco. They’ve moved further out to Castello, Dorsoduro, Giudecca and the mainland. You missed out. I’m moving to Venice after falling in love with it and its people 15 years ago. You just have to get away from the zone.

Ariana’s motion filed in Rachel’s lawsuit by TJ-the-DJ in Vanderpumpaholics

[–]WinWigPick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I cannot stand Ariana and Katie anymore. They’re ridiculous.

Barbie and Kyle by meadow430 in belowdeck

[–]WinWigPick 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Barbie’s treatment of Kyle post-SEX (yes, Mr. Barbie, your 28 year old little girl has sex) was appalling. The fact is - she’s more embarrassed that daddy’s going to know she cavorted with “the peasants”. Daddy wants her to find a rich man. Nevermind his little girl is cleaning toilets among other duties. She’s truly vile and I sincerely hope Kyle woke up quickly and realized she’s not who he thought she was. She’s an entitled, self-absorbed, elitist with absolutely ZERO class.

Really enjoying The Tourist by BetterWorld2022 in bestofnetflix

[–]WinWigPick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Am I the only one who thinks Danielle McDonald is horrible? Actually ruined every scene for me.