OCTOBER 2007: BIZ LIFE
Easy ways to
tighten travel costs
EVEN FOR COMPANIES trying to operate on a tight budget, some
travel is often unavoidable. “You have to stay in front
of your customers,” says Joe Murray, vice president of
River City Travel in Portland. But travel costs don’t
have to eat away at the bottom line. Here are a few tips from
the Small Business Administration and local experts that can
help any company:
Have a travel policy.
Guidelines go a long way toward travel savings. According to
the SBA, your policy should detail how to approach traveling
while on the company clock.
Use a company credit
card. A centralized form of payment provides a monthly
expense report while also reflecting benefits back onto the
company. “They provide a record of actual
spending,” says Judy Myers, manager of business
development at Azumano Travel.
Consolidate trips when
possible. A travel agent can help get the best price for
a block of airplane seats or several hotel rooms. And consider
trimming the number of travelers.
Keep detailed records.
“Data collection will centralize how you book your
travel,” says Myers. Through detailed record-keeping
trends emerge and companies can see where they need to put
their money and where they can afford to cut back.
Call in the experts.
On or offline, a company specializing in corporate travel can
evaluate your company’s travel patterns and recommend
cost-cutting measures such as hotel or airfare discounts.
“Use a travel agency that can help you negotiate
rates,” says Murray.
Join an airline perks
program. Most large airlines offer discounts and
incentives, says Myers. Preferred carriers and business rewards
programs work best when your company goes through one or two
travel agencies and can provide an accurate record of travel
data trends. After all, the same frequent travel bonuses that
benefit vacationers also reap rewards, in much larger terms,
for corporate
travelers.
COLLEEN MORAN
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