New York City based Linden Travel has again said that supplier accounts must be current prior to office visits and sales presentations. The agency’s policy was initiated in 2005 as a remedy to collect overdue commission payments. Suppliers with outstanding commissions will not be permitted to visit Linden Travel’s New York City office, Linden said.
“We are seeing a significant increase in requests from suppliers to present to Linden Travel consultants,” says Barbara Gallay, president. “They want to meet our consultants to sell their properties or services directly.”
As supplier requests for appointments have increased, Linden Travel has become diligent in using these requests as leverage to secure outstanding commission payments. The process includes checking supplier accounts before the appointment is confirmed and re-checking before the scheduled date to ensure that accounts are current, the agency said.
“Late commission payments, especially when the lateness is a repeating pattern, may be a sign that the supplier is struggling financially,” says Eric Andrews, Linden Travel’s vice president, Finance. “We should be cautious in dealing with these suppliers as we want to protect our clients.”
Gallay also said that any suppliers who bring their accounts up to date are welcome to reschedule cancelled appointments. “We always want to look out for our clients’ best interests,” says Gallay.
Linden Travel also announced that the agency will mark its 40th anniversary on March 28, 2009. The agency, which started in 1969, has received numerous awards and is considered one of the most prominent travel agencies in the United States.
“We are proud of how far we have come,” says Gallay. “Linden started as a three person office, and now has over 110 associates, including many award-winning travel consultants, in three US locations.”
Gallay acquired full ownership of Linden Travel in 1975. As president, Gallay took an active role in managing the company and sharing her vision. Linden Travel is now recognized as a Women’s Business Enterprise and Gallay is an active member of the Women Presidents’ Organization. She is considered an influential figure in travel by ForbesLife Executive Women, and was chosen by Crain’s NY Business as one of the top 100 businesswomen in New York.
In celebration, Linden Travel is planning to unveil several promotions during the year, including a newly designed website in March and a travel sweepstakes in the second quarter. Linden is a BCD affiliate.
Visit www.lindentravel.com.