Independent travel agents
Discussion
These seem to be springing up everywhere (on-line). Earn a second income, inspire, travel. Seems mainly based on middle aged women posting on Instagram and seems to be more Multi-level marketing than anything else.
www.inspiredtavelco.com for example:
"Are you unhappy with your 9 to 5? Do you want to upgrade your lifestyle or love to travel but can’t afford it?
I am here to help you.
While I maintain a full-time position in a corporate environment, I have obtained a license that has allowed me to travel more with my family and generate additional income. This extra income has not only funded a significant extension to my home but has also contributed to a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Are you prepared to discover the travel industry's best-kept secret? Get ready to embark on your journeys more intelligently while earning attractive commissions on all your adventures!
If you are an avid traveler or seeking an online business opportunity that can transform your lifestyle, then Inspired Travel Co. is your ideal solution. Prepare to embark on an exciting adventure and pack your bags for what lies ahead!"
Are these in any way legitimate, either for using to leverage good value holidays, or for the provider to actually make an income?
www.inspiredtavelco.com for example:
"Are you unhappy with your 9 to 5? Do you want to upgrade your lifestyle or love to travel but can’t afford it?
I am here to help you.
While I maintain a full-time position in a corporate environment, I have obtained a license that has allowed me to travel more with my family and generate additional income. This extra income has not only funded a significant extension to my home but has also contributed to a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Are you prepared to discover the travel industry's best-kept secret? Get ready to embark on your journeys more intelligently while earning attractive commissions on all your adventures!
If you are an avid traveler or seeking an online business opportunity that can transform your lifestyle, then Inspired Travel Co. is your ideal solution. Prepare to embark on an exciting adventure and pack your bags for what lies ahead!"
Are these in any way legitimate, either for using to leverage good value holidays, or for the provider to actually make an income?
The answer I'm afraid is 'it depends'.
I know of plenty of individual successful travel agents that are making a really good living. They won't be doing it part time though nor will they be affiliated with the like of InteleTravel who I presume is who you've seen?
If you have a niche audience and a specialist in certain product, of course you can make good money.
If you're looking to sell to friends and family or other mum's and dad's at the school gates, then no, you will probably struggle to make enough to pay the host agencies fees.
Would you book a holiday with someone you knew was doing it part-time, as a side income? The booking part isn't the hard part, it's the knowing what to do when things don't quite go to plan...
Happy to answer any questions you might have though, where I can.
I know of plenty of individual successful travel agents that are making a really good living. They won't be doing it part time though nor will they be affiliated with the like of InteleTravel who I presume is who you've seen?
If you have a niche audience and a specialist in certain product, of course you can make good money.
If you're looking to sell to friends and family or other mum's and dad's at the school gates, then no, you will probably struggle to make enough to pay the host agencies fees.
Would you book a holiday with someone you knew was doing it part-time, as a side income? The booking part isn't the hard part, it's the knowing what to do when things don't quite go to plan...
Happy to answer any questions you might have though, where I can.
The independent TA we use is a Travel Counsellors franchise and to do it right it is far from a part time role.
I knew him before he bought into it when he was a recruitment consultant in my sector and had been involved with travel in the past.
As i understand it, he had to pay a fee for training and access to their systems and support and I think the receives commission on everything he books.
I knew him before he bought into it when he was a recruitment consultant in my sector and had been involved with travel in the past.
As i understand it, he had to pay a fee for training and access to their systems and support and I think the receives commission on everything he books.
Gilmore said:
Would you book a holiday with someone you knew was doing it part-time, as a side income? The booking part isn't the hard part, it's the knowing what to do when things don't quite go to plan...
That paragraph encapsulates my thoughts. Especially if things don't go to plan at a time when the agent can take action. Not for me, guess it depends on resource levels and cover at the agent, by which time aren't they a proper albeit small agent.
ExBoringVolvoDriver said:
The independent TA we use is a Travel Counsellors franchise and to do it right it is far from a part time role.
I knew him before he bought into it when he was a recruitment consultant in my sector and had been involved with travel in the past.
As i understand it, he had to pay a fee for training and access to their systems and support and I think the receives commission on everything he books.
You're off to Mauritius this month, aren't you? I've always used TC for my trips out there. A bit pricey, but worth it. I knew him before he bought into it when he was a recruitment consultant in my sector and had been involved with travel in the past.
As i understand it, he had to pay a fee for training and access to their systems and support and I think the receives commission on everything he books.
ExBoringVolvoDriver said:
The independent TA we use is a Travel Counsellors franchise and to do it right it is far from a part time role.
I knew him before he bought into it when he was a recruitment consultant in my sector and had been involved with travel in the past.
As i understand it, he had to pay a fee for training and access to their systems and support and I think the receives commission on everything he books.
I can find very little fault in the Travel Counsellors model. They all receive proper training, have an excellent support set up for the travel counsellors and have the economies of scale to give them access to all the right product, key relationships and enough clout to get things sorted. I knew him before he bought into it when he was a recruitment consultant in my sector and had been involved with travel in the past.
As i understand it, he had to pay a fee for training and access to their systems and support and I think the receives commission on everything he books.
Of course every individual travel counsellor will be different, but on the whole, they’re an excellent outfit.
Lo-Fi said:
ExBoringVolvoDriver said:
The independent TA we use is a Travel Counsellors franchise and to do it right it is far from a part time role.
I knew him before he bought into it when he was a recruitment consultant in my sector and had been involved with travel in the past.
As i understand it, he had to pay a fee for training and access to their systems and support and I think the receives commission on everything he books.
You're off to Mauritius this month, aren't you? I've always used TC for my trips out there. A bit pricey, but worth it. I knew him before he bought into it when he was a recruitment consultant in my sector and had been involved with travel in the past.
As i understand it, he had to pay a fee for training and access to their systems and support and I think the receives commission on everything he books.
Didn’t use our TC contact this time, a Secret Escapes deal which he couldn’t match.
However, we are using him for our Singapore, Australia and Bali trip next February along with a Canadian and Alaska cruise trip.
Great service and everyone we recommend always speak highly of the service.
ExBoringVolvoDriver said:
Lo-Fi said:
ExBoringVolvoDriver said:
The independent TA we use is a Travel Counsellors franchise and to do it right it is far from a part time role.
I knew him before he bought into it when he was a recruitment consultant in my sector and had been involved with travel in the past.
As i understand it, he had to pay a fee for training and access to their systems and support and I think the receives commission on everything he books.
You're off to Mauritius this month, aren't you? I've always used TC for my trips out there. A bit pricey, but worth it. I knew him before he bought into it when he was a recruitment consultant in my sector and had been involved with travel in the past.
As i understand it, he had to pay a fee for training and access to their systems and support and I think the receives commission on everything he books.
Didn t use our TC contact this time, a Secret Escapes deal which he couldn t match.
However, we are using him for our Singapore, Australia and Bali trip next February along with a Canadian and Alaska cruise trip.
Great service and everyone we recommend always speak highly of the service.
Would you do a quick review on the Mauritius thread when you get back? I'm always interested in other people's experiences of the place. Might help to temper my own (probably biased) opinions!
(Try Blue Marlin if you haven't yet
)Gilmore said:
The answer I'm afraid is 'it depends'.
I know of plenty of individual successful travel agents that are making a really good living. They won't be doing it part time though nor will they be affiliated with the like of InteleTravel who I presume is who you've seen?
If you have a niche audience and a specialist in certain product, of course you can make good money.
If you're looking to sell to friends and family or other mum's and dad's at the school gates, then no, you will probably struggle to make enough to pay the host agencies fees.
Would you book a holiday with someone you knew was doing it part-time, as a side income? The booking part isn't the hard part, it's the knowing what to do when things don't quite go to plan...
Happy to answer any questions you might have though, where I can.
I agree with this. I’d also not want to be booking with anyone who’s only recommendation comes from that they can see on google and trip advisor. I know of plenty of individual successful travel agents that are making a really good living. They won't be doing it part time though nor will they be affiliated with the like of InteleTravel who I presume is who you've seen?
If you have a niche audience and a specialist in certain product, of course you can make good money.
If you're looking to sell to friends and family or other mum's and dad's at the school gates, then no, you will probably struggle to make enough to pay the host agencies fees.
Would you book a holiday with someone you knew was doing it part-time, as a side income? The booking part isn't the hard part, it's the knowing what to do when things don't quite go to plan...
Happy to answer any questions you might have though, where I can.
My mate runs an independent agency and has done for 20+ years. Any tour they sell has been recce’d by him and then tested by his team before they market it.
Lo-Fi said:
I may be a touch envious.
Would you do a quick review on the Mauritius thread when you get back? I'm always interested in other people's experiences of the place. Might help to temper my own (probably biased) opinions!
(Try Blue Marlin if you haven't yet)
I may have already indulged………Would you do a quick review on the Mauritius thread when you get back? I'm always interested in other people's experiences of the place. Might help to temper my own (probably biased) opinions!
(Try Blue Marlin if you haven't yet
)Will do - impressions so far are mainly positive although that could just be our hotel.
ExBoringVolvoDriver said:
Lo-Fi said:
I may be a touch envious.
Would you do a quick review on the Mauritius thread when you get back? I'm always interested in other people's experiences of the place. Might help to temper my own (probably biased) opinions!
(Try Blue Marlin if you haven't yet)
I may have already indulged Would you do a quick review on the Mauritius thread when you get back? I'm always interested in other people's experiences of the place. Might help to temper my own (probably biased) opinions!
(Try Blue Marlin if you haven't yet
)Will do - impressions so far are mainly positive although that could just be our hotel.
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