I see a lot of post in the Oufitter's section from companies representing outfitters, and those directly representing themselves.

At Dortmund, I was surprised by the cost differences between the booking agents and direct.

I did a little research on some hunts I saw at Dortmund versus booking directly and found sometimes a drop of over 30% in price from going direct.

One of the packages published recently on here shows a drop of over $400 from what booking direct on the outfitters website would be. This was on a plains game hunt that the outfitter had published prices of on their website. The increase to the total hunt cost was about 5-15% by using the agent. What happened to no price change?

Are outfitters tired of paying agents that percent?

In the old days agents and the outfitters represented the same prices. I guess this is no longer the case.

So someone please explain to me the point of this endeavor?

Several outfitters who were at Dormund told me they only relied on agents to fill empty holes, and it was cheaper to fly to Dortmund or the big shows in America and Canada and fill your datebook then it was to give away a percentage off of a hunt.

I used an agent the first time, and I am sure I will use an agent again. There are agents I trust, and those I don't. Just interesting to look that in the age of full transparency (thanks to Google), I can find outfitters in any price point for any animal.

Funny thing to think about.

The only time I used an agent I got screwed. I prefer to book directly with who I'm hunting with and take out the middle man.

I have a different experience. I use booking agents and have no issues with them. I have been taken advantage of by booking direct. I guess you need to know who you are doing business with...

I have used agents on limited occasions and booked directly on many occasions. A good agent can be a real asset on a booking. Currently working with John Barth and Merrona Carlsson with Adventure Unlimited on a trip to Cameroon in a couple of months. They have been the source of a wealth of information, have been on top of making sure things were done in a timely manner, excellent in coordinating both with the outfitter and the travel agent, etc. Top notch all the way. You simply cannot lump all agents together in one basket.

I use an agent on most hunts. I also use Adventure Unlimited. I believe in them.

I've used 4 different booking agents so far..all 4 of them are AR members and advertise hunts here. I have received excellent service from them and will continue to use them and possibly others in the future. The big advantage that I see is communication, which can be spotty at best with outfitters in Africa.

John and Merrona are good people.

I was the first client of Adventure Unlimited. I have never once regretted using them. There is no telling how many trips he has sent me on all over the world.

I have never felt the need personally.

If trust is not an issue, one advantage of having a booking agent involved is putting trophy fees in escrow with him. Been a while for me, but carrying around traveler's cheques was a pain and worry. Another is all the travel specifics that the safari company is not likely to be clued in to. As an example, I was in good hands once getting to P.E., but had no info on domestic flights, transport between terminals (international and domestic), "tipping" porters, etc. They assumed I would simply arrive on the expected day. Similarly, should something go awry the safari company will educate you on what Africa and 'no recourse' means. Close margins means there's no room for making good on troubles. An agent can PREVENT a lot of potential troubles. You get what you pay for, bargains included. Of course, it helps to know what questions to ask...

I have worked with several agents but us Neal and Brownlee the most. I have only dealt with one agent I felt was less than advertised. If I named the company here you would be surprised .

The only time I booked direct with outfitter/PH last summer I got screwed. Other 7 trips to Africa was with agent, no screwing. Learned my lesson.
And the screwing PH was one I'd hunted with twice before through the agent. Just when you trust people........

I have done it both ways in Africa and Canada/Alaska. My bias is to use them unless I have direct experience (like a repeat or close friend recommendation).
I used a booking agent for my first safari which was five days of archery in Zimbabwe and then seven days of rifle hunting for buffalo and plains game also in Zimbabwe. The archery portion was terrific. The rifle hunt was a total bust.
I won't use that booking agent or safari company again. But I have had good success with several other consultants.

I have booked directly and thru booking agents that are sellers agents.

If I was going to hunt seriously and spend real dollars I would have John Barth represent me as a buyers booking agent.

Hunting new areas, hunting difficult/expensive species, spending real dollars on hunts and trophy fees you need a fiduciary agent and intermediary to look out for you.

Mike

My answer is the same as the proverbial old man's answer when he was asked if he wore boxers or briefs.

Depends.

I have never used a booking agent.

I have used both - in my case, Klinebergers in Seattle a long time ago. They went out of their way to make sure my first safari was enjoyable.

And a few years back booked through Ray Atkinson.

Again, his services was exceptional, and I would not hesitate to book through him again.

But, as most of my hunting has been with my long time friends the Vincent's, I don' actually need to book any more, as our slot is reserved for us every year.

Payment was made in advance with the Klinebergers, and trophy fees with travelers Cheque at the end of the hunt.

With Ray payment was made in advance, and the balance paid at the end of the hunt. Him and Pierre were quite happy that I pay whatever was required after I return home.

All Alan Vincent needs do is just ask for the money to be sent, and it goes immediately.

No receipt required.
No contract required.
No headaches.

Except putting up with Walter of course

LEDVM said "I have never used a booking agent."
Ditto.
AND I rely on knowledgeable friends (some of whom I hunt with) to assure a good outfitter. This applies not only to Africa, to all hunts.
The only time I think I made a mistake was when I bought a hunt from an outfitter unknown to me at a show!
I have never made that mistake since.

There are many agents who have been once, yet say they can sell as an agent. There are many great agents here. I echo what was said about a new agent/land. Just read the Cameroon thread. It's the same with travel agents. I've been enough places to know how it works, but I'm willing to pay a reputable representative for those unknown territory.

I would suspect asking a booking agent how the hunting is in an area he books for is like asking a used car dealer how good the car is.

I have heard nothing but postive comments about John Barth from many people.

The last time I spoke to an agent he told me to expect a 6x6 bull elk or bigger. I got a road hunt with zero animals seen. But I did see dozens of pickups and about 100 hunters in six days.

On the up side, I think an agent is valuable to keep funds in escrow here in the states when dealing with unknown PHs overseas.

I guess I would rather know who my PH is and deal directly with them. Maybe I can get a better hunt price, maybe not, but it may be easier to deal with one rather than with two.

I guess agents and PHs are alike in that one won't know the quality of their character until things go south. Good ones are wonderful. Bad ones can make a lifetime dream turn into a nightmare.

In another thread, was Martin Peters acting as an agent?

Cal

Often like most people when I travel I book my hotels through Hotels.com or kayak and save $20-30 a night. Then when I show up at the hotel I get stuck with a $15 parking fee, that Kayak didn't tell me about.

Versus going to Hilton.com and booking a room, at the HHG Honors rate and knowing what I will pay.

My booking agent hunting travel has been the same.

I wanted to add other animals, none of this was relayed and I paid the booking agent the entire fee up front. This created a problem, when I got on the aircraft knowing I hadn't killed everything I had paid for.

Just like Kayak or Hotels.com.