50% Increase in LL Handling Fee

[lhbrown]

Hi,
I just noticed that LL increased its handling fee from $20 to $30. This is a 50% increase which seems rather hefty to me. When did this happen? Was there any announcement about it or was it just snuck in? Sorry to see such a large percentage increase.

[jashermd]

Hello Travelfan,

I've noticed this as well -- it probably took plae over the past week as I didn't notice it when I was monitoring some auctions two weeks ago. In the grand scheme of things it's still quite reasonable IMO but it would have been nice if an announcement had been made, either by email or on the Community Announcements board. I'd also like to know if there's any particular reason for the increase and whether this foreshadows future increases.

Cheers,
Julian

[imbues]

Everything else has gone up and they do have to make a living. I'll just be more careful to weigh the benefits of buying here verse direct. Sometimes the packages offered here are no better than what's on the hotel's website.

[lhbrown]

Hi jashermd and imbue,

Yes, it would have been nice if LL had made a formal announcement of this substantial increase. True, the increase represents only $10 but it is still a 50% increase. When is the last time any of us has gotten a 50% increase? In my opinion an increase to $25 or 25% would have been more gradual and more justified.




















Message Edited by lhbrown on 12-12-2007 11:01 AM

[curtiejoe]

Hi travelfan



Surprise! Surprise! I was just about to bid on an LL auction for a luxury property in Spain, when I took a look down the offer page and noticed the handling fee was $40! This is double or a full 100% more than the $20 I've paid on any auction I've been successful in securing here on LL so far. Wonder how much more work the LL staff who "handle" such transactions will now be doing compared to before? I would have thought all of such transactions are done electronically at LL's Head Office by folks who tap a few entries into their computer system. As a matter of fact, people like us who enter bids for auctions probably do a lot of the required work when we bid and enter our vital information. I would much rather have LL increase the starting minimum bid price of their offerings a little bit instead. Messing with extra fees is like having a sales tax added toa retailpurchase where none existed before. To me, jacking up the handling fee is a "cheap shot" and just doesn't jive with the image of luxury and sophistication .that one expects at a classy site like LL.



Curt

[kyshel]

I am surprised to see the fee increase to $40 too--yours was a "buy now" package? I persused several properties and saw the higher fee for buy now--which makes no sense to me, because those packages are much pricier than the auctions. If the fee covered additonal or better customer service, I might understand, however, each time I email CS, I get the automated reply and after 4 or more working days, I end up calling the 800 number to get the answer I asked for way back when. I get a very apologetic expalanation, which should not be necesary from the get-go.
I understand some of the frustration community members are expressing when they ask in the forum about getting help from us regarding CS and follow-up. Does the fee justify itself for changes in or better customer service? I hope we will see a positive answer in here soon. I don't expect a prompt reply to these queries in the near future (I think these posts are not well-read by LL??)--perhaps in a Community Announcement with all the other unanswered queries already posted?

[Mountie]

lhbrown, jashermd, imbue....Que Sera Sera on the increased handling fees. I think the luxurylink auctions still offer bargain opportunities. Amex just increased my annual fee for the Platinum card another $100 without any prior notice.

[travel2fun]

LL-Travelfan, I was a little taken back to see the increase in handling fees. On the other hand, I understand how a slight bump of $10 to $20 can greatly impact their bottom line. Could be LL is feeling some effects of an apparent slowing US economy in terms of general sales activities. On the other hand, LL seems to be reaching out more and more to the International Community with their offerings. The increased fee would in no way cause me to avoid purchasing something of interest.


Message Edited by travel2fun on 12-18-2007 03:18 PM

[CMDAVILACLI]

On the handling fee, I feel that I'm still way ahead of the game even with the increase. The last two pacakges I won on LL saved me over $1500.00. (One was a mystery and the other was a weekend package.) Also, with the help that I get from the LL staff, I feel that the $40.00 is well worth it.

cmdavilacli