I have been into travel agents today looking for a 'late deal' - unfortunately when you only have the ONE island in mind...and resort AND leave from your local airport , theres not much on offer!
BUT the nice travel agent said, never mind September 11 -book for NEXT summer prices to Greece are going to be a lot lower
Message posted by janmanessi on 30 July 2011 at 8:23pm - IP Logged
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Viv- agree the prices are appalling BUT they are accepted when on commitment because it is a guaranteed income whether occupied or not- also the apartment owner does not have to spend any money on publicity themselves, as well as facing the insecurity of being in competition with all the other independent apartments...sure there are many more independent beds on Corfu than there are independent seats on planes!
Message posted by mousey on 31 July 2011 at 8:17pm - IP Logged
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I agree with Jan, I think I am correct in saying that they get a payment upfront early in the year...which helps their cashflow in the winter when they are on contract. In todays market being independent seems to me to be a somewhat more exposed strategy.
Message posted by NIGEL on 31 July 2011 at 8:24pm - IP Logged
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I thought it was the other way round, payment at the end of the season by British TO's?? Lots of people got burnt with the collaspe of Golden Sun, Kosmar and Libra. The good independants are thriving because they invest their earnings and upgrade their properties. I could name four in Agios Gordios where you have to book a year in advance.
Message posted by mousey on 31 July 2011 at 10:22pm - IP Logged
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I do wish all the independents all the success possible and admire their constant reinvestment in their business.
A standard contract for a season would provide for a deposit at the start of the season with stage payments.
Some tour operators have had problems getting a contract in place without these terms this year due to the collapse of operators and uncertainty you mention Nigel.
Message posted by janmanessi on 31 July 2011 at 10:51pm - IP Logged
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Unless things have changed a lot payment by commitment is on contract with specified dates for payment of each percentage.
Allotment bookings are paid when clients have departed.
Whilst agreeing that tour operators are FAR from perfect a lot of delay in suppliers getting paid is due to the Corfu local agent retaining the money paid to them by the tour operator (on time) to distribute- can be over a year in some cases!
Message posted by Bill on 31 July 2011 at 10:56pm - IP Logged
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Commitment contracts are paid up front, allotment contracts are paid after clients have departed. The only exception to that would be if an early booking agreement is made as an addendum to an allotment contract. Then it is fairly normal for a proportion of the payment to be made by a set date prior to the guest's arrival, with the balance being paid after their departure.
Message posted by jrk on 06 August 2011 at 5:55pm - IP Logged
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Outlook not looking that good I am afraid to say. For instance, I gather that tzatziki and humus sales have hit rock bottom. Do you think that Greece might be heading for a double-dip recession?
Message posted by Elliemay on 06 August 2011 at 6:11pm - IP Logged
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Hi,
Sorry jrk but I have no idea what you are on about. If you are trying to be humorous at least put a few smileys in your post so that we know that you are joking!
Message posted by jrk on 06 August 2011 at 7:28pm - IP Logged
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I cannot do these faces-not smart enough.
Would you put a smiley face on please.
I gather the fires are out so maybe we can relax, have a glass of wine even have a feeble attempt at humour?
Message posted by corfuwolves on 06 August 2011 at 8:14pm - IP Logged
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Hi jrk,
Sorry for the late reply, my internet here in Corfu is in and out like a fiddlers elbow.
If I can do it anyone can as I am a total technophobe.
When you make a post, look to the far right above the box that you are posting in. You will see a smiley face, click on that and it will bring up a plethora of options of smilies. Just take your pick on which one you wish to put in your post.
OK, clear as mud no doubt! Just give it a try.
Message posted by Ray and Gisela on 07 August 2011 at 11:37am - IP Logged
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Topic:
, theres not much on offer! 
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