Hiya Redstone.
Simple mechanic doesn't work for me as my father was a LAME, and an engines man. I am aware of the degree of expertise and dedication you need to be a good one. I took my pencils to school in navy blue and purple Pratt and Whitney engine parts boxes.
Unfortunately, the skill level is not passed on through DNA. So - I must hack away at being a simple travel Agent.
Back to your reply and question. Rex has opted to embrace the large sales outlets in Australia who do most of their selling as opposed to QF who have basically said "make your own dollars by charging the punters a fee".
This has given Rex in most cases a point of difference in the market place, in that many or even most agents will not charge the service fee, making their fares significantly lower to the direct buy customer who does not wish to go online and accidentally book June instead of September. The booking engines can be a mother in that regard if you get the cursor in the wrong spot.
There are 2 groups of thought out there. One (QF and friends) are cutting commission to allegedly save in revenue dilution and there are them other dudes (ZL included) who have elected to support those supporting them.
I will admit to getting the pig in me totally over January/February and redirecting revenue away from QF International, using the code shares on the same flights and generally runing with scissors in the face of the inevitable.It made no difference, but cost QF around $300,000 in turnover. It would have cost me a few bucks in the long run too, but bloodying the nose of the megabeast was more important short-term.
There are many like me out there. They impact how many punters you have down the back of the aeroplane you sign out in a very direct way. The above was posted so you know what is going on at the coal face - before they get to the 'drome. QF has gone adversarial, and is throwing out sweeteners like Santa on steroids to re-endear themselves to their onsellers, but Rex has taken a very clever stance which opens the door just a crack to future expansion knowing it has the heavyweights of the Travel Industry (pull your head in here Woomera - no comment required!!) firmly behind them.
I hope this has broken some of the complex rubbish from this side of the fence down a bit.
Best regards
EWL
"....heavyweights of the Travel Industry...."
Woomera