Travel Agent Chatter | Starting And Growing Your Travel Agency

In episode 158 Steph is flying solo! We’ve got some great questions and requests from our audience this week, so have a listen! QUESTION :1. Not a question but a request... PLEASE discuss agent etiquette on FAMs. From the unwritten rules of don't sit on the bed or use a toilet to the obvious ones of show up on time, don't solicit guests, etc. There seems to be a lack of awareness and understanding lately. —Becky S.2. What are the benefits of the GDS? —Anonymous3. I saw ASTA had a conference this week. I hear about all these travel events and I don’t know which ones I should prioritize. Is ASTA’s event a good fit for new advisors, even if I’m not a member yet? —Anonymous TODAY’S RESOURCES: (Travel Agent FAM Trips: What They Are + How to Find Them) (HAR’s travel industry conferences and events calendar with over 100+ events!) (In-depth information on what the GDS, global distribution system, is and which travel advisors use it.) (What is a travel agency debit memo?) (HAR’s travel industry conferences and ev

Welcome to Friday 15! For today's Friday 15 throwback, we are re-streaming Vol. 92 from Feb. 2023, where Steph chatted about acquiring a GDS system without a host, attending FAM trips through other host/consortiums, using a payment system without using a host, and do you need to be certified to work with a host.Helpful Resources: (Use code HAR149 to save 50%) (More on IATA/ARC) (Global Business Travel Association) https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-fam-trip (HAR’s event calendar with FAMs, conferences, ship inspections and more) (Few notes on things to know when doing credit card processing) (high risk credit card processing in travel)https://hostagencyreviews.com/eventshttps://www.adventuretravel.biz/ (See many of the certification options available) (HAR’s new course on starting your travel agency!) (Host Week 2023)har.news/7DS (What is the GDS and Which Travel Agents Need It) (Travel Industry Lawyer List & Free Legal Docs for Agencies)(Carpenter Law Office) (Sign up for reminders and ask

In episode 156 Steph is so excited to co-host with Meredith Calloway of GTN! You’ve sent along some fabulous questions this week, so please join us for some great Friday afternoon conversation! Here's Today's Questions! 1. Hi! I’d like to charge a fee for my business. I plan to specialize in luxury, which I think will make it easier to charge a fee, like Courtnie in your last podcast said. What is the best rate to charge? Any other fee-charging tips? —Anonymous2. I'm currently with a Virtuoso host agency but thinking of making a change. Is there a way to filter your hosts to select for Virtuoso? I'm not sure I want to give that up. —C.3. Hi there. I have a couple questions about becoming a travel agent and thought maybe you could send me more information. I would like to understand the difference between being a host agency and a franchise. There is so much information online that is untrue and it's hard to decipher between what's real and what people just put out there to take your money. Any information you

In episode 155 Steph co-hosts with Jenn Lee of TPI and their new franchise Vacation Planners! We’ve got some great, in-depth questions from you this week, so let’s get down to business. Join us! Questions :1. Hello Stephanie, I am new to the industry and I am trying to find a travel host. If I am geared towards making money and want to make this a full-time job, would it be better to choose a host agency that offers leads? Would that make a difference? —Nina C.2. If I am signing a contract with a host agency, am I required to provide my SSN along with my driver's license? I am not very comfortable providing that information but would like to know if the host agency needs that information prior to the training and hiring? ---Hemangi S.3. Hi! I was reading your article on travel expenses travel agents can write off. What about writing off a cruise where you are escorting a group and while onboard you meet with them daily to answer questions, "herd cats" and also to organize and host group events both on the sh

In episode 154 Steph co-hosts Stephanie Gries of Travefy. (It’s a special Stephanie and Stephanie episode!) They’ve got some big questions to cover, so grab your note-taking materials and get ready to study up!Questions :1. Hello HAR, I have learned so much from your site and have found it to be an invaluable resource, I only wish I had found it sooner!I been a travel advisor for about 3 years. I recently left my host. There were some areas of the business that I did not feel the owners were keeping the same priorities as when the agency was first started and not providing support that had also been promised.On top of taking a 60%/40% commission split- which I now know is not industry standard! In the IC contract that I terminated with my previous agency, there is a paragraph that reads:"Directly or indirectly, continuing for one year after the termination of this Agreement, contractor shall not, hire, solicit,induce, or attempt to induce any independent contractor working with the Company to terminate his/he

In episode 153 Steph co-hosts with the one and only Mary Stein of HAR. Sponsored by Outside Agents - thanks Chad and team! Here’s a taste of the questions they’ll cover:Questions :1. I keep noticing offers from my host agency/consortia/vendors that would provide perks for my clients and bonus commissions for me…after it is too late to claim them. How do other agents manage the flood of consumer and agent incentives so they can make recommendations that are good for their clients and good for them? —Vince K.2. I am thinking about switching to another host agency because the one I am with really does not reach out to ask me why my sales are low. It is very difficult to find clients. I would like to sign up with a host agency that will reach out to their members to help them to figure out where they are struggling. Sorry for the long intro but my question is do I lose all my credentials that I already have with some vendors. I have completed my Disney Knowledge, Universal's course and some of Norwegian's cours

In episode 152 Steph co-hosts with the one and only Jenn of TPI and the chat on TPI’s new franchise, Vacation Planners! Questions :1. What is your view on terms and conditions? I see so much talk about them but do I need to invest in getting custom terms and conditions for my agency? That seems crazy to me. —Anonymous2. Hi Steph! I signed up for a host agency on your site and he asked me to Venmo over the payment to get started. He seems legitimate but it just has me worried. Is sending Venmo to a host agency normal? —Anonymous3. First I would like to say how helpful your website and podcasts are. I listen to Spotify, watch YouTube videos and read all the articles every chance I can. Everything is SO HELPFUL! Thank you so much. I am still in the process of finding the best host to join and here's my question: I am a Brazilian and US resident and I was wondering if I could have customers from other countries as Brazilians would be a huge network of clients for me visiting the US. Do host agencies accept that

In episode 151 Steph tackles some great questions with co-host Henley Vazquez from Fora! Questions : 1. I have my agency set up after going through your 7 Day Set Up program but now I’m lost on how to find clients and start advertising. I know there is no one way to do things, but what would you recommend for next steps once my agency has opened? I sent an email to my friends and family about my new agency and also set up social profiles. –Anonymous2. I am looking for a host agency and I have never had one before. I have compared a ton on your site and I am feeling overwhelmed. What are the main things I should be looking for in a good host agency? Or should I start my own? ---Judi N.3. I was just invited on my first fam trip! Do you have any advice on how to make the most of it or tips for a new travel agent going on their first fam? Thanks! ---AnonymousTODAY’S RESOURCES: (HAR’s 7 Day Setup LITE is a free online course that helps you start your agency. It does not have support and takes you through resourc

In episode 150 Steph fields some great questions from our good friend Anonymous (ha!) about naming your biz and choosing a HA based on locality. She also breaks down how to become a travel agent in some handy steps! Questions :1. I am just stepping into starting a travel agency at the very early stages and still working on what it would look like for me. When considering a niche and a business name, I suspect having the niche in the business name can help, but would it cause issues if I wanted to pivot or expand to a different niche at some point in the future and possibly require a business name change and rebranding challenges. Do you have any advice or should I just worry about the future. –Anonymous2. How important is it to join a local host agency? —Anonymous3. I know there isn’t one set answer for this, but how would you break down the steps on how to become a travel agent? —AnonymousTODAY’S RESOURCES: (Guide to choosing a travel niche) (Tips for choosing travel agency names + examples) (HAR’s 7 Day S

In episode 149 Steph co-hosts with April Swales of Uniglobe. Here are the questions they’ll cover. Got some fun ones this week! Questions : 1. How do HAR courses differ from an IATA course or something offered through a host agency? –Anonymous2. Hello HAR and team! I have a question about commissions. For travel agents based in Europe, as far as I know most airlines do not pay any commission. But it seems to me that this is not the case for TAs based elsewhere. I am asking this because I just got my IATA accreditation, and my business is mostly flight consulting. But I do this for clients based worldwide. 3. Most travel agents where I am from have to add a ticketing fee to their customers, and if they sell flight only then their only revenue will be that fee. In the end, if I don't get any commission from airlines, what is my benefit in using a GDS?TODAY’S RESOURCES: (UTC’s 3 month mentoring program) (List of trainings specific to corporate advisors, including IATA) (List of other travel agent training o

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol29Special thanks to today’s sponsor: CaffeineToday’s guest is a former professional fundraiser who put those skills to work and went from travel being a part time job on the side in 2017 to full time in June 2018. Here’s the thing to know though. Even with $2.5M in sales, that’s not the metric our guest watches. This travel advisor has niched down into groups—both destination weddings and celebrations groups—with a minimum of 10 rooms and an average spend of $500-1000 per guest, per day. The metric she does watch is the steady income that comes from her group booking fee of $5,000 per group and the 18 clients that are in her VIP club where there is a $6.5k a year annual retainer that has a minimum annual travel spend of $50k, and that doesn’t include air. For today’s guest, commission is just icing on the cake. Courtnie Nichols is a study in crafting the business of your dreams by thinking about what you want out of life and reverse engineering your business

In episode 148 Steph co-hosts with Katie WIlliams of Tern. Here are the questions they tackle this week! Questions : 1. I'd like to switch to Tern. We're currently on Axus. Is there an easy way to transfer that data or can you tell me the level of manual work that needs to be done by our team to make the move? –Anonymous2. I have been diagnosed with ADHD and of course, some of the things I struggle with is creating processes and maintaining focus (among other things ). I'm relatively new and I would like my niche to include ADHD travelers. Any tips and tricks for ADHD advisors to start and keep up with processes and tasks? Thanks so much! –Sandra S.3. Is there a way to tell if a host agency offers Tern on their HAR profile? –AnonymousTODAY’S RESOURCES:[email protected] (Katie’s email — anonymous, reach out!)(Tern, Axus and other travel itinerary builder comparison chart) (Look on a host’s profile for more details)

In episode 147 Steph co-hosts with Lori Speers of Levarte Travel. Here’s a quick look at the three questions they cover this week. Questions : 1. I found a host agency which fits with my requirements but they don't have any reviews on host agency reviews. Is it okay or not to work with host agencies without any reviews on their profile? --Meseret G.2. Is there an advantage to working with a host agency that has a storefront? Could you also please explain what the “Host Type” is on the HAR profiles. What is “Host Only” and what is “Hybrid (Host & Travel Agency)”? It’s my understanding that all host agencies are travel agencies. --Anonymous3. Before I get started with my confusion I would like to tell you what an amazing job you and your team do!!! So thank you! (Aw, thank you!) I love organizing experiences and adventures. This is where I'm stuck at a crossroads; I want to start working and become more knowledgeable in the industry by working at a host agency, but I’m not quite ready to leap out on my ow

In episode 146 Steph and the lovely Lindsay Lauer of Travel Leaders 365 answer your excellent questions! Questions :1. Would the Accelerator course be helpful if I've been an employee? I'm thinking of going on my own. I do a volume of around $1M and have 2.5 yrs experience with over 1000 cruise bookings. --Anonymous2. Can I require my agency's independent contractors (ICs) to work exclusively with my agency? A few prospective ICs have told me that exclusivity is not allowed by law. Is this correct? --Anonymous3. I’m wondering if I can start with a host agency right away, or if I need to complete any training first. Does it vary by agency? --Donna A.TODAY’S RESOURCES: (HAR’s 7DS Accelerator Course - Start your agency faster, with the support you need) (HAR’s Hosted Advisor report 2023 with income data) (HAR’s Employee Travel Advisor report) (Guide to paying and understanding estimated taxes) (Attorney Mark Pestonk on if a host agency can require exclusivity of ICs) (Hidden dangers of IC misclassification) (

In episode 145 Steph co-hosts with Connie Miller of Montecito Travel and they tackle your probing and ever-helpful questions. Questions : 1. I would love a conversation about how to execute charging fees when different trips take such a different amount of time. Some people know what they want - some don't. I've been experimenting and every person I've given an hourly fee (I've tested it at $75 and $100) and my estimated timeline, they've passed on my services. So I haven't gotten any fees in the six months I've been working on this. I've had some great success, but I have also wasted a ton of time with people shopping me and then taking my itinerary and booking it elsewhere to save $20 (especially on FIT trips). I've got to take control of my time and energy and make sure I'm spending time with the right people. But I have no idea how to actually implement fees and what a reasonable rate/package is. And I don't want to scare off people who could become great clients. --Kristina C.2. Are Interline rates acces

****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol28Starting a business is not easy. Starting a successful business is even harder. Judi Lombardi has done both the past 9 months with her newly opened travel agency, Memories on the Move Travel. A seasoned traveler with a passion for planning, she finally made the leap a decade after she first started exploring the idea of starting a travel agency. In 2023, she took the plunge! You’ll hear what gave her the push she needed to make that leap, why she chose to take HAR’s Accelerator course versus doing it on her own, and how she had a lightbulb moment about being an entrepreneur while watching Host Week EduSpots. Opening in June of 2023, Memories on the Move is on track to replace Judi’s previous salary by June of 2024. While Judi has shied away from doing any formal advertising, her agency is a great case study in the power of referrals, hand written notes, and client testimonials. Oh, and did we mention she has a 100% testimonial return rate from her clients

In episode 144 Steph chats with the fabulous Jenn Lee of TPI as they answer some great questions from you, our audience. Here are this week's questions! Questions :1. I have turned down several Canadians because I'm afraid I'm not licensed to work with them. But I've recently been told this isn't correct.. Can you please help me figure out what the current regulations are? I'm talking specifically about potential clients who live in Canada booking through me, a Tennessee-based agent. I've been reached by a couple in Vancouver and one in Toronto wanting to plan honeymoons to the Caribbean. We were specifically looking at Sandals, which I'm sure does tons of business with all nationalities. But I wanted to look at other resorts as well. Thanks for any insight you can provide! --Kristina C.2. How do you find the best Host Agency for you? –Tracy E.3. How do you become a top seller of travel? –Tracy E.TODAY’S RESOURCES: (Canadian travel agency regulations in a nutshell) (Travel industry attorney list) (Tom Carpent

Tune in to see if you won. :) We'll see you next year! Host Week 2024 Landing Site: https://har.news/hostweek View Host Week Magazine: https://har.news/2024HWmagazine Host Week Specials: https://har.news/deals Register for Host Week 2025: https://har.news/signupHW2025 7-Day Setup Course with HAR: https://har.news/7DScourse Host Week 2024 Survey: https://har.news/hwsurvey

When most people think about accessibility, the first thing that comes to mind are mobility challenges. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 61 million adults across the United States identify as having a disability of some kind. Some disabilities are not visible or obvious, like sensory or dietary needs. About 10% or 6.1 million people have hidden or invisible disabilities. People with hidden disabilities are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which includes being entitled to accommodations in lodging. What does this mean for our international travelers, though? How can travel advisors continue to provide stellar service through accommodations, amenities and cultural experiences as the country’s aging population grows at a rapid rate? These and other questions will be explored in “Shifting Identities: Making Travel More Accessible”. This presentation will focus on five aspects of diversity – language, dietary restrictions, transportation, religion and technolog

Aubrey Jackson's 10 years of journalistic experience and love of travel serve as the perfect ingredients for content creation success. The TV news anchor turned luxury travel specialist discovered organic marketing success by creating content that "tell stories" of destinations she highlights, further educating her online audience while enlightening her clients. During this Host Week workshop you will learn how to utilize storytelling to create content that informs your audience and inspires them to complete an action like "book a call" with you and leave the session with actionable steps to begin creating content today and the best apps to use and download right to your iphone, to create 30 to 60 length video content that converts! Take away: •- Identifying "your go to platform" short form content is everywhere and though you may feel like you have to be, I advise choosing a platform to master and in this session I will share why Tiktok became my "platform of choice" - What type of storyteller are you?