Travel Republic Warning ('Total Booking Cost' may not be accurate)

mo786uk

arcon5 wrote: »

Sillychuckle didn't fall foul, to quote the original op "They put warnings all over the place".

The total booking cost could (and IMO does) clearly imply the calculation includes the total cost inc fees. if it is possible that paying in 2 installments may affect this then it should be made clear at the stage before purchase - adding in such a feature wouldnt be difficult.

Intasun32

@Arcon5,

Having made the booking, and as I have said checked and double checked, I can confirm that the only time I was advised of the 2.5% total card fee when paying a deposit and balance at later date is when the confirmation e-mail is received. Had there have been 'warnings all over the place' why have TR confirmed twice, once by a supervisor, that I was correct? The only info of card payment fees is in the customer info, in breach of CRA 2008.

@Mo786uk,

You are correct and this is the situation I have found myself. Maybe an error on the part of TR but also in breach of the CRA 2008. The total cost, including all extras, fees, vat etc, must be shown at the time/web page of acceptance/purchase.

In my case it was not.


:beer:

arcon5

Intasun32 wrote: »

In my case it was not.


:beer:

I've just gone through the checkout process and got to the stage where it asks for payment details. What happens after this stage? I'm assuming it will take you to a final page which shows itemised details of the booking and a button to accept the booking... am I assuming rightfully or wrongfully?

Intasun32

arcon5 wrote: »

I've just gone through the checkout process and got to the stage where it asks for payment details. What happens after this stage? I'm assuming it will take you to a final page which shows itemised details of the booking and a button to accept the booking... am I assuming rightfully or wrongfully?

@Arcon5,

It seems the problem only happens when paying a deposit and the balance at the later date. It does not happen when paying in full,

Once you have reach the stage you mention, your credit card details are entered. This brings up 'Additional Card Handling Charge', in my case it was £5.25. This gives the impession that it is a one off charge as there is no mention of a 2.5% total cost fee.

It is not until you receive the confirmation e-mail that the 'Handling Charge' changes to a 'Credit Card Fee 2.5%'.

:beer:

Sillychuckie

Intasun32 wrote: »

@Sillychuckle,
What was the result with your complaint?

I didn't end up taking it any further, having seen the other point of view in the debate.
Travel republic allow you to complete your purchase with a debit card, so they couldn't really apply the 2.5% to the balance on the final quote, or it would be untrue to anyone who opted to pay the remainder by some other means.

For my particular issue, the problem was that they displayed the credit card fee ONLY for the deposit amount and not the remainder, and then suggested that was the absolute total.
I hate the fact that they don't make it clear that the remainder would be subject to the fee if you wait and clear the balance by card, but those with a keen eye for the numbers could work it out based on the figures shown.

I guess the area was grey enough for me to be unsure whether I'd get any compensation, so let it slip.
I agree entirely with the sentiment, and morally it is questionnable calling anything a "Total Payment" - when it isn't one.

Let me know how you get on - it is probably not too late for me to complain if you are successful.
Either way, I know for next time!

unholyangel

Pretty sure it was said on Rip Off Britain that they are going to make it so travel agents/airlines cannot charge a credit/debit card fee.

Of course, you'll probably still pay it......it will just be worked into their overheards instead of being charged to each customer individually. But it should at least make prices more clear and transparent.

Intasun32

@Sillychuckie,

It's never too late to make a complaint.

I will keep you informed of the outcome of my complaint.

@Unholyangel,

You are correct when you say that 'it should at least make prices more clear and transparent'.

The latest:

I have had an acknowledgement from ABTA that they are looking into my complaint. After discussing the matter with my Credit Card company I have made a section 75 Consumer Credit Act 'Chargeback' claim for a breach of the Consumer Protection Regulations 2008. I have also sent a letter of complaint to TR as advised by my CC company.

I had a reply to my post on the Trip Advisor Forum from Steve_TravelRepublic who advised he would look into the complaint and get back to me in 48 hours. That was three days ago!!!

I found out that TR have a FaceBook account and posted on there. Within an hour I had a reply asking for further details, which I posted. I have since received a message that a C/S Manager will get in touch 'shortly'. I am waiting...........

:beer:

bod1467

unholyangel wrote: »

Pretty sure it was said on Rip Off Britain that they are going to make it so travel agents/airlines cannot charge a credit/debit card fee.

Not quite, or not quite as I remember it. Fees will still apply, but the fees are to be only what it actually costs the supplier - not to be a penalty/revenue stream.

karenmay33

Travel republic charge card handling fee for debit card as well..... great company though.... when stuck in ash cloud paid for extra 9 nights got, got earlier flight home once air space opened and contacted travel republic and explained we had checked out of hotel after 6 nights they refunded us not for all 3 night but a good chunk of them.... FAB company don't bag them

Intasun32

I received an e-mail from a Jamie Maguire who is an assistant Manager at TR with what seemed to be a standard reply.

He totally ignored the contents of my complaint letter and virtually told be be a good boy and pay up! I don't think so....

What did come to light from his, or it could be a 'her', reply is that if you pay you a deposit by credit card and get angry at paying 2.5% fee, TR will not allow you to change your payment method to the cheaper debit card option. Why is this TR?

Mr/Ms Maguire did give me the option, as an act of good will, :rotfl: to pay the balance by cheque which would not incure any fee. Did anyone see that as a payment option when booking?

Watch this space :j