Delta Queen Steamboat Co. has launched an override program of up to
15% on 2003 departures, with a travel agency commission guarantee
built into its sales program.
Delta Queen will guarantee that the average commission amount
earned per sale will exceed that of other cruise lines, said Rolf
Logan, director of sales development. If an agency successfully
challenges Delta Queen’s guarantee, the company will pay for the
agency’s next mailing (up to 5,000 pieces) and pay the agency Delta
Queen’s highest commission level of 15% on future bookings for one
year.
Eligibility requirements for the guarantee include single travel
agency locations selling a minimum of five cabins in the calendar
year 2003, agreeing to designate Delta Queen as preferred and
committing to an annual promotional plan.
According to Logan, the commission structure represents an
incremental profit opportunity in 2003, with a minimum compensation
level of 10% for annual sales up to $10,000, increasing to a
maximum of 15% for annual sales exceeding $75,000.
Groups are commissionable at 10%, and group sales production
will apply to revenue performance thresholds. Air remains
commissionable at 5%. Delta Queen will determine 2004 starting
compensation levels based on 2003 year-end sales production.
“Delta Queen’s agency commission guarantee demonstrates this
company’s devotion to the travel agency distribution system,” Logan
said. “Our philosophy is to dance with the ones who brought us to
the party.”
