Home based Travel Agent - any ideas how to?

slewis1972

Hi

I am exploring the idea of being a part time travel agent. Reason being, I end up helping all the family with there travel booking and there friends etc, so was thinking, if I became a travel agent or some form agent from one of the companies, not only could I make a few bob out of the deal but they would also get the same benefit.

I have googled my heart out and it all seems to be Americanised. The one that comes up is Traverus Travel Agent as a referral agent, just not sure they do the UK as would prefer one over here to deal with.

Depending on the sign up costs, considering the amount of holidays I help with, it could well pay for itself.

Any advice appreciated.

Scott

salduck

it isnt normally as easy as that im afraid!! Most companies will look for you to have experience and not just booking friends!!
All the big agencies thomas cook, co-op etc have homeworkers but most will expect you to have a nice client list already!!
Travel counsellors are a good one too

Reggie_Rebel

Most of the best ones require that you have been working in an ABTA Bonded travel agency for two of the last five years. Some want you have held a managerial position. They will also expect a minimum number of hours work from you.

Set-up costs can be anything from £200 to £600+, plus you will need to take and pass an Insurance Exam before you are allowed to sell Travel Insurance.

There are really two types of Homeworkers.

1 - The Travel Counsellers Type. You clients here are usually people you know and are happy to recommend you to their friends and family. You would be expected to be pro-active in getting your business in, possibly involving visiting people in their own homes.

2 - The Teletext Agent. Here you sit waiting for the 'phone to ring as people scroll through Teletext etc, looking for holidays and call up when they see one they like. You'd need to be a VERY good sales person to make lots of money and willing to work most nights between 6.00 pm and 10.00 pm

slewis1972

Hi

Just seen

http://www.explorertravel.co.uk

Which could kit the bill. Anyone know anything about them?

Scott

Reggie_Rebel

They have a few different options, which one were you thinking of?

slewis1972

Personally I'd like the option to have a specific one but I think the cost is way out of my reach at the moment. So I suppose I need to start off with the promoter.

Personally, I'd like a way to have a relationship with the main company so I can specialise in one area.

Scott

sparklygirl1

Travel Counsellors are having a bg recruitment drive so if you want any more info pm me and I can speak to head office for you.

MrsChips

Hi there... it's been mentioned before but to work as a Homeworker you will be required to have experience - usually 2 years ABTA experience in the last 5 years. I'm a travel homeworker myself and it's not as easy as booking holidays for friends and family - you need both experience and knowledge along with excellent sales skills.

Travel Consellors are probably the most difficult to get into as they expect you to have your own Client bank and do all of your own advertising - So If you have little or no experience and no customers to bring with you then i'd forget that option.

Explorer Travel is similiar to an affiliate website, you just need to market your own website and you'll get paid commision on any holidays booked via your website. they are part of a large company so all legit but it's £250 for the standard "Promoter" site and you have marketing costs to take into consideration.

As a Travel agent myself, in this current climate you need to ensure that the holidays you are selling are both ABTA & ATOL bonded as the customer is becoming very aware of the need to book with a reputable company after the XL Holidays failure.

Good Luck