| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 15/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 2 |
| Copyright: Other |
Last-minute offer for call-centre operation
Endacott sets up late bid for ARTAC venture
Report by PAULNORRIS
URBANWEB managing director Steve Endacott has put forward a last-minute offer to run the call centre for ARTACWorldchoice’s planned direct-sell operation.ARTAC announced at its conference last month that it wants to set up a direct-sell venture later this year (Travel Weekly April 24) but members expressed concern that ARTAC directors were pushing them to accept a joint direct operation with Thomas Cook.
Endacott was not asked to tender for the account by the ARTAC board but has put forward an offer which he claims will be better than the one proposed by Thomas Cook.
Urbanweb is offering to pay ARTAC members 3% commission, about a quarter of the percentage it will make from tour operators who sell through the call centre.
Endacott claims the 3% is treble what Thomas Cook is proposing.
“I was not asked to tender but I will be disappointed if we are not considered.”
Endacott said he assumed that Thomas Cook thought it was a forgone conclusion it would win the contract as it has an existing partnership with Worldchoice.
Thomas Cook has pledged to put £3m into marketing the ARTAC brand.
ARTAC commercial director Julian Foster said the consortium has approached nine companies to bid for the call centre and all those tendering would receive a fair hearing.
Foster rejected any suggestions that Thomas Cook’s bid was likely to win because of its alliance with ARTAC.
Thomas Cook managing director of e-commerce Andrew Windsor said Thomas Cook has a range of options for paying Worldchoice agents if it runs the call centre. These include a percentage-based commission scheme which rises in accordance with sales.
Worldchoice board members meet today to discuss bids. Foster said a final decision will be made next month.
Latest offer: Endacott claims to offer treble the commission of the Thomas Cook proposal