Credit Advice
Giving credit is normal practice in competitive business but care must be taken.
(1) Don't give credit to travel agents, handling agents or Tour Operators unless you know them or they have been recommended by a reliable source. If in doubt, check with Fáilte Ireland. Otherwise, ask for a deposit with the booking plus cash in advance or on arrival. This is normal practice in our competitor destinations.
(2) Make sure cheques are cleared through your bank before assuming the money has been paid over to you. Cheques drawn on foreign banks can take up to six weeks to clear.
(3) Best ways to handle international payments are through international money order, bank transfer or Eurocheques for smaller amounts.
(4) Check method of payment before taking a booking from anyone - direct, through travel agent or Fáilte Ireland Regional Tourist Office.
(5) Bear in mind that vouchers do not guarantee payment unless you have a specific agreement with the operator who issued them. Never accept vouchers unless you are clearly entitled to redeem them.
(6) Giving or withholding credit is a commercial decision which only you can make. If in doubt, ask for advice from your accountant, solicitor or trade association. If large amounts are involved you can consult an international credit rating company like Dun & Bradstreet for a fee.
(7) When you do grant credit, take the following steps: Invoice the amount clearly, giving all relevant details. Keep copies of all correspondence. Keep constant watch on the total amount owed by any one firm. Never allow credit become over-extended
(8) Fáilte Ireland has no legal role in recovering outstanding debts. However, we will use whatever influence we have to encourage a settlement if the debt is reasonably substantial. You will need adequate documentation to establish the debt - show you have made all possible steps to secure payment yourself. Obviously, there is little Fáilte Ireland can do if the money is owed by a travel agent or Tour Operator who is neither listed nor supported by us.
(9) If Fáilte Ireland fails to persuade an operator to settle, your only recourse is to take legal action. You may need to use an international debt collection agency who will charge you for their services.
(10) Any lists of tour operators or events featured on our Calendar of Trade and Consumer Promotions are for information purposes only. It does not imply approval or recognition by Fáilte Ireland - Irish Tourist Board of any companies participating at events. Please maintain your normal procedures for evaluating companies with whom you do business.
Finally:
The art of good marketing communications is preparation. You must prepare yourself and your product in order to market it to your target customers. Fáilte Ireland will be happy to advise you on what promotional opportunities there are for your product and what marketing support is available to help you promote more effectively. If you wish to speak with us in person, please call the Marketing Advisory Department and we will make an appointment to meet with you here in the office.
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