Travel Agent Chatter | Starting And Growing Your Travel Agency

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 113 Steph chats about getting a VTC accreditation as an independent agent or to make a CTD with a company, answering client fee questions and whether to get an accreditation first or apply to host first.Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) (New article on what FAM trips are, how to find them, and how to go on one!) (Sign up for HAR’s newsletter to get alert when Call for Speakers opens) (More on the GDS: What it is and if you need it.) (How to become a corporate travel advisor.) (What are the travel agency accreditation options, including VTC and CTD?) (A little more on what you can expect when it comes to airline commissions.) (Section 8.3 goes over personnel requirements for CTD agencies.) (Find all sorts of fee information in our annual travel advisor report! What % of advisors charge fees, what for, and how much.) (Verbiage from 50+ advisors on how

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 112 Steph chats with Lindsay Taylor-Lauer, Director of Luxury & Hosting at Travel Leaders 365 about umbrella liability policies and they can take the place for E&O insurance, travel industry jobs besides being a travel agent, and the downward trend on flights.Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) (Read more on what Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is and what it does and doesn’t cover.) (HAR's list of travel business jobs!) (Hear how other advisors started out in the travel industry and how their old careers skillsets and networks transferred to being an advisor in HAR’s other podcast, Travel Agent Chatter.)[email protected] (Lindsay’s email address) (Travel Leaders 365’s profile on HAR)We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 an

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 111 Steph chats about the number of suppliers for your travel business, how to add a travel agent rate to HAR's download of 200+ rates, what to do if you don't have money to join a host agency, and does dual hosting offer more perks for your clients.Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F1 (More info on preferred suppliers) (HAR article on the process of making a booking)5, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) (Form where suppliers can submit their travel agent rates free of charge) (Find 200+ travel agent rates that you can access as an advisor!) (Find FAM trips on HAR’s event calendar) (Sign up for our newsletter to never miss another fabo HAR article) (List of travel consortia with reviews and information on their programs.) (HAR’s Travel Industry Job Board. Free to post a job. 4k visits/mo) (Million Miles Travel’s profile on HAR) (Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your que

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 110 Steph chats with Jenn Lee, VP of Industry Engagement and Support for Travel Planners International about gifting a dinner for booking, charging sales tax for travel services, and duel hosting.HERE'S A LIST OF HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR TODAY’S EPISODE: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) (Find the latest episodes of Travel Agent Chatter!) (HAR’s Disney Dining Reservation Calendar) (Disney booking tips from top Disney advisors) (More info on ASTA’s advocacy efforts) (HAR’s Course on Starting your Agency!) (Episode 109 going over sales tax more in-depth) (Find all of HAR’s survey reports here.) (Data on advisors belonging to more than one host in 2021 from our Hosted Travel Advisor Report 2022) (Article on things to think about when belonging to multiple hosts) (Fiercely forward travel advisors FB Group)(TPI’s profile on HAR) (Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)We do this ev

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 109 Steph chats about where to use your agency name, sales tax, hiring a registered agent, and keeping clients when you leave a host.A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) Thank you to Travel Leaders Market Square for sponsoring today’s episode (Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.) Take the survey, get the free report! (Become a HAR course affiliate and earn 20% commission) (More on ASTA’s Legislative Day 2023) (What to expect with ASTA Legislative Day) (Info on travel agency accreditation numbers) (More info on ASTA’s advocacy efforts) (HAR’s Course on Starting your Agency!) (Info on West Virginia taxing travel agency services) (Info on New Mexico’s taxing on gross receipts for agencies located in NM) (Info on South Dakota’s taxing on gross receipts for agencies located in SD) (List of host agencies with profile details on if

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 108 Steph chats with Lindsay Taylor-Lauer, Director of Luxury & Hosting of Travel Leders 365, about seller of travel license, creating a business plan, and getting an Admirals Pass.A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) (Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.) Take the survey, get the free report! (Become a HAR course affiliate and earn 20% commission) (Info on the 4 U.S. Seller of Travel registration states) (Canadian Seller of Travel registration information.) (Travel industry attorney list) (HAR’s free travel agency business plan template) (HAR’s course on starting an agency has a more in-depth and editable agency business plan PDF) (More info on Travel Leaders 365)[email protected] (Lindsay’s email) (Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 107 Steph chats with Chad Burt, co-owner of Outside Agents, about how to get clients to commit and ASTA memberships and attending industry events.A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) (Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.) Take the survey, get the free report! (HAR’s course affiliate link to earn 20% commission!) (Glenda Beagle’s site) (More on Host Week) (All Host Week presentations) (Host Week Presentation: Building Your Marketing Funnel: Online List Building for Your Travel Business) (Host Week Presentation: 5 Easy Steps to Building a Marketing Plan) (HAR’s Travel Agent Chatter podcast) (HAR’s calendar of nearly 100 travel industry events!) (Outside Agents’ HAR profile + reviews)[email protected] (Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 106 Steph chats about E&O vs. liability insurance vs. umbrella policy, host-only agency vs a host/agency hybrid, and whether a website that clients can interact with is important to have.A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) QR code (Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.) Take the survey, get the free report! (Amy Garner TAC episode)  Thank you to our sponsor, Uniglobe Travel Center (360 Coverage Pros E&O Insurance) (Article on E&O insurance) (List of host agencies with data on who is host only vs. host hybrid) (Data on website booking engines) (Take the survey to help us get better data on website booking engines) (Uniglobe Travel Center’s HAR profile + reviews) (Sign up for e-reminders for the Friday 15 and submit your questions!)Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 105 Steph chats with Krissi Harmon, Director at OAL Travel Network about monthly costs when starting your travel business, fees to become a travel agent, and attributes to becoming a travel agent like joining a host agency or obtaining an ASTA or CLIA number.A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) QR code (Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.) (Wix website building tutorial) (More info on travel MLMs) (Information on startup costs and earnings for new advisors) (Take our annual survey and get the report for free when it comes out! Normal price: $89.) (HAR’s commission plan comparison and calculator) (List of travel agency accreditation options) (Reasons to use a host agency vs. going on your own)[email protected] (Krissi’s email)844-OAL-LINK (OAL Travel Network’s phone number) (OAL Travel Network’s HAR profile) (OAL Travel Network’s

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 104 Steph chats with Lindsay Taylor-Lauer, Director of Luxury & Hosting for Travel Leaders 365 about using an EIN for two agents and how to do taxes, becoming an independent agent and getting the best rates with suppliers, and what to do if a client finds a better rate than you did.A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)  (Lindsay’s Host Week presentation: How to Make Your Clients Crave the Travel that You Sell) (Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.) (Find all the Travel Agent Chatter episodes, including our newest!) (List of travel industry attorneys) (Article going over the different types of business structures) (List of commission ranges by supplier type) (3 Real-Life Ways Travel Agents Save You Money) (Advantages of using a travel agent vs. booking online)[email protected] (Lindsay’s email) (Travel Le

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/tac26It started with Disney—doesn’t it always—and before she knew it, Amy Garner was introduced to the world of booking outside of theme parks and that’s when business really took off. Well, until the pandemic came. Despite the pandemic blip, Wicked Travel Concierage is looking to hit $1M in sales for 2023! Coming from a “neuro spicy” family, Amy came into travel wanting to help other families like hers that felt like anxiety, ADHD, autism, etc. were roadblocks to visiting Disney. She’s a firm believer that if there’s a reason you think travel is inaccessible to you, let’s have a conversation about it and see what we can do. Then she works her magic. In the last 5 years, Amy’s expertise and passion for accessible travel has grown beyond neurodiverse clientele and Amy openly shares her favorite accessibility resources as well as how she opens up the conversation with clients about any travelers with special needs. Whether it being plus sized, grandpa traveling w

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 103 Steph chats with Michelle Leal, Vice President. Member Engagement for Travel Edge, about switching from being a subagent to an independent contractor, choosing a niche, and they explain travel agent documents & waivers (Terms and Conditions, Service Agreement, and Liability Waiver).00:00 | Welcome to Friday 15 & Hello to Travel Edge!02:39 | From Sub Agent to IC11:05 | How to select a niche19:06 | Differences between waiversA list of helpful resources for today’s episode: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) (Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.) Take the survey, get the free report! (HAR’s Travel Advisor reports have data on the average hours worked by advisor… and tons more!) (Find a travel niche) (Listen to our Travel Agent Chatter podcasts to find examples of different niches) (More in-depth niche worksheet (Tom Carpenter’s law office) (HAR’s free travel agent form templat

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 102 Mary chats with Ali Moffitt, Marketing Manager for Andavo Travel about replacing a full-time job w/ a travel advisor job, how to find and generate more leads, and changing your EIN number and business structure.Helpful Resources: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) (Upcoming survey opens next week, April 15th! Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.) (Travel expenses article and free tax organizer! (HAR’s Travel Advisor reports have data on the average hours worked by advisor… and tons more!) (Travel Agent Chatter podcast: Example of advisor that is doing his agency PT while still holding down another job.) (HAR’s Lead Resource & Comparison Chart) (The Riveting IRS document, “Understanding your EIN”) (HAR’s Travel Agency Business Structures, How to Choose) (Andavo Profile)We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning q

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 101 Steph chats with Stephanie Pickles, President & Founder of Pickles Travel about working in travel part-time, California regulations, and choosing a host with no reviews.Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) (Upcoming survey opens next week! Sign up for reminders and to get the final reports here.) (Travel expenses article and free tax organizer!) (HAR’s Travel Advisor reports have data on the average hours worked by advisor… and tons more!) (Travel Agent Chatter podcast: Example of advisor that is doing his agency PT while still holding down another job.) (Info on Seller of Travel licenses for US agencies) (Info on Canadian travel agency regulations by province) (Download the free questions to ask your host agency spreadsheet to keep you nice and organized!) (HAR’s article on MLMs) (Email or call scheduling is best way to reach the PTN team

Welcome to Friday 15! Today Steph chats about filling your company under a PO box, if you can use your personal vacation as a startup booking, and what to do when you have a business name availability problem.Here's a list of helpful resources for today’s episode: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) (Free previews of HAR’s Complete Guide to Starting a Travel Agency Course first chapter with 7 lessons.) Travel expenses article! (Travel Agent Forum March 31st in Las Vegas. Stop by our booth or join us for the host agency panel Steph is moderating.) (Special thanks to today’s sponsor, Uniglobe Travel Center!) (USPS’ Street Addressing program allows you to get a street address for you PO Box) (Free tips on things to think about when choosing name for your agency) (The HAR course has a 6 page exercise to walk you through different ways to think about your name.)https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 99 Steph chats with Geraldine Ree about how to find more and better leads, tips for saving time as an advisor, and tips on recruiting new advisors.A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) (HAR article on things to consider with lead programs and where to find some!) (Consortia profile list with details of lead programs) (Host profile list with details of lead programs) (Zicasso lead program for luxury agencies) (Sandra McLemore’s Host Week presentation on avoiding distractions) (Information on employee compensation and benefits from HAR’s annual survey) (Sign up to get reminders when the survey goes live and results are published!)https://www.geraldineree.com/ (Geraldine’s website)[email protected] (Geraldine’s email)https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 98 Steph chats about how to charge fees, marketing for wave season and providing services to clients outside your niche.A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) TAC episode on DWs/Honeymoons. Travel expenses article! (Travel Agent Forum March 31st in Las Vegas. Stop by our booth or join us for the host agency panel Steph is moderating.) (The Travel Agent’s Guide to Charging Fees. Verbiage for charging, inspiration for charging, and ideas on different fee structures) (Read all the HAR reports on fees through the years!) (More details and reviews on Virtuoso consortium. Also lists the host members of Virtuoso.)Not taking March 24th off. March 31st, Geraldine Ree. (More on Geraldine Ree)https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 97 Steph chats about choosing between a host and franchise and if you should get your own E&O insurance or use your Host Agency's (If they offer it). A list of helpful resources for today’s episode: (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!) (Independent advisor report 2022) (Affiliate link for course in footer of the page) (Travel Agent Forum March 31st in Las Vegas. Join us on the host agency panel Steph is moderating.) (Franchise or Host Agency article) (List of industry franchises) (What is a host agency) (Do travel agents need E&O insurance. Everything you’ve ever wanted to know.) (Our course on Complete Guide to Starting a Travel Agency with video interviews with E&O carriers) (Thanks to our sponsor, Dream Vacations Advisor)Taking March 24th off. March 31st, Geraldine Ree. (More on Geraldine Ree)Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!)

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol25 ****** With 175 all-inclusive site visits under her belt, Ashley Morris may have a funny name to her agency --- Alpaca Your Bags Travel --- but she does not joke around when it comes to planning amazing destination weddings and honeymoons for her couples. Ashley’s website is now on its third iteration and this one is a beaut! Visually appealing, full of content and personality, and set up to streamline her operations, it’s a model for how to prime your prospective clients to fall in love with you and ensure they have a great experience their entire journey working with you. And that website is clearly doing something right because Ashley is clocking in an average wedding size of 80-90 guests and a most impressive 75% close ratio after her free consultation calls, there is a lot any advisor—destination weddings or not—can learn from her. It’s no surprise to us that her 9 year old agency is currently on track for $4M in sales for 2023!We discuss the variou

Welcome to Friday 15! In episode 96 Steph chats about non-disparagement clause in host contracts, switching host agencies and how to do it, and if Canadian businesses can sell travel to clients in the states.A list of helpful resources for today’s episode:https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 (HAR will be at Travel Agent Forum in Vegas from March 31st to April 3rd) (HAR’s new Ultimate Guide to Starting a Travel Agency course) (Host Agency Contracts: What to Look For) (Host Week Playlist on YouTube) (Ed Ventures, small, MN-based faith tour operator) (Faith Travel Association for networking) (ACTA’s website) (Montana’s secretary of state) (Uniglobe’s HAR profile)Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!