Page 57 - Woman's Weekly - New Zealand (January 2020)
P. 57
Consumer
Do you have
a question for
Kevin? Email nzww@ When booking
bauermedia.co.nz
(Subject line: Consumer) or domestic flights online,
is it really necessary
post to: NZWW, Bauer
Media, Private Bag to select, and thus pay
92512, Auckland extra, for your seat?
1036. Also, how do auction houses
work out commissions?
Up, up and away!
Kevin Milne
CONSUMER
By choice
IS IT COMPULSORY TO SELECT A
SEAT WHEN BOOKING FLIGHTS?
ho has to pay the such as top-end art works
hen you book no option – particularly if more commission at an or expensive vintage cars.
domestic air travel than one person is travelling Wauction – the person However, auction houses may
Wonline, you’re asked and you’re concerned you whose goods are being sold or also impose a charge on
to select your seat and are won’t be seated together. The the person buying them? And buyers as well. This is often
then charged for the privilege. airlines can’t guarantee that what’s a buyer’s premium? referred to as a buyer’s
You’re not sure if you actually you’ll be seated together if Usually both end up paying a premium. In effect, it’s a
have to select a seat and pay you don’t select a seat. But commission, but it depends buyer’s commission. Usually
for it. Can you skip that bit, not the reality is, even if you don’t on the auction, so read the this doesn’t mean the auction
select a seat and fly cheaper? pay the extra, they will do Conditions of Sale before house is clipping the ticket
You most certainly can. And their best to seat together you participate. Auction twice. It simply avoids putting
the airlines will allocate you those who book together – houses charge the seller a all of the cost on the seller.
a seat as they always have. particularly if one is a child. commission on each sale After all, the buyer benefits
But in order to make as much But don’t get sucked in. It’s they make. Often they will from the transaction as much
money out of you as possible, not necessary to select a seat negotiate a lesser commission as the seller. But commissions
they are keen you take the and you will save yourself for very expensive individual must be taken into account
option to select a seat and pay some money if you don’t. You items, or charge a smaller when working out a reserve
extra. Sometimes the wording just move to the next section commission in auctions that price or, if you’re buying, how
makes it seem as if you have in the online booking process. are selling high-cost items, much you’ll bid for an item.
New Zealand Woman’s Weekly 57
