miketrance Sorry you were caughtup in all this mess. Have you asked for proof that FI was paid from rich? Did you get a refund for the money that was supossedly sent to FI. Did you call your credit card co and dispute the charge to rich's agency or did you let rich keep your money and use it to pay media luna? I am not trying to blame you or anything like that, I know how frustrating it must be and if I were in your position I would have accepted the move to the new hotel. As to why rich would hold the money from FI and then "move your reservation", it is because he has started a new relationship with HM resorts and wants to get off to a big start by bringing as many guests as possible. What does "move your reservation" mean? Where did the money come from to pay media luna?
Cajun Diva In your earlier post you spoke of all of rich's awards and accolades. That is how people spoke about Bernie Madoff before he made off with the money. Industry awards say nothing about what rats do when fleeing a sinking ship.
I was stuck airfare is non refundable. Rich told me that the owner of HM, and himself were sharing the cost. I understand what you're saying about a big start, but that seems like an awful lot of work. Also it doesn't address the fact that FI sent out the first email to me, not Rich. Cajun Diva was offered to stay at FI for an ADDITIONAL 500 dollars, why if the resort wasn't payed would they accept this? If it was FI's attempt at taking care of customers, why wasn't everyone offered this same deal?
Also, I'm sure you would agree that as a booking agent, image is very important. Trust in who your booking with matters, as it should. Why, if Rich was starting a new relationship with HM, would he put his credibility up for debate for a few bookings? It seems that electing to do something like that would be foolish for someone starting a new relationship with a different set of properties. Remember if FI was keeping their end of the bargain, as well as Rich, they would both have been paid for NO extra effort.
I cannot speak for Rich, as I am not him nor affliated with him, but it seems he recognized a problem and took care of it the best he could. I have to go with Occams razor on this one. It was easiest for Rich to simply send FI the money, and get paid his comission. Either that or take the money and go out of business. Well he isn't out of business so stealing doesn't make sense, and moving the reservations to curry favor with HM seems like a zero sum game. (people now questioning his credibility).
Also, if your customer contacted you, as their booking agent, and said the resort claims they wern't payed and they're demanding money, what would you do? If you did send the money what would you do? How would you take care of your guests? Would you send MORE money to the resort, if so how could you be sure they would use that money? Would you try to move the guests to a different property, in hopes that the short term loss would help your guests and create repeat business? Or would you close your business, or simply ignore this and let the customer deal with the resort?
If FI were paid, these seem to be the only options available to this booking agent. I honestly don't know what I would do. I'm grateful he offered to move us at no cost to us.