We would like to warn agents of the additional cost involved in selling Inter-Rail passes through Rail Europe.
Attached to the back of the Inter-Rail card is a coupon that enables the client to claim a £7 cash refund when they return the completed card to their travel agent.
Our clients duly returned their card to us and we phoned Rail Europe to find out the procedure for claiming this refund.
The clerk we spoke to had no idea and had to make enquiries. We, of course, had to send the passes back.
We made a request that Rail Europe pay our administration costs, but the cheque we received was only for the £14 for our clients, which we duly processed and forwarded.
We have since spoken to Rail Europe and written to them asking that our costs be covered. But we have not received a reply.
While we appreciate this goodwill gesture to the clients is generous, we strongly object to being expected to handle the work for nothing, especially when the commission is only 5%.
We are sure Rail Europe do not receive any remuneration for their work, so why should they expect us to?
Sally Batchelor
Manager
Foresta Travel
Forest Row
Sussex