Advantage and Airtours have scored a massive own-goal with the handling of their proposed tie-up. Surely it was obvious that charging for bookings with non-preferred operators, crippling costs for joining the franchise and fines for failing to hit sales targets would send any independent into a blind rage?
These demands have now been withdrawn but the net result is that many independents are now deeply suspicious of the tie-up.
SWIFTA and other Southwest Advantage members have now rejected the franchise proposal.
And what about those conditions of dress code?No self-respecting independent is going to let someone with a tattoo of an eagle across his face serve members of the public.
People running their own business don’t need or want to be told to cover up tattoos, limit earrings or keep their nail varnish intact as if they’ve been transported back into the classroom.
Now the date for signing up has been put back again and there is a real danger that the deal won’t go through. To save it, Advantage and Airtours need to get out to members and talk to them about the positive aspects of the tie-up rather than bombarding them with weighty documents.
Do you agree with me or am I being unfair?Send your opinions to the address below.
Jeremy Skidmore – editor