Starting a travel business is one of the questions many people who search my site ask me during the past year.
Starting a travel business has been something people who have visited my site over the past year have inquired about. I have shared my thoughts on what it would take to become a home based agent. I myself in my research to find what area would be best for me had looked to see what the requirements were before I started to work with a referral agency. Here are some of the things I found you should do before taking this important step.
1. LicenseFind out if your state requires a special license to operate your agency. Get in contact with your state department of licensing.2.General business licenseYou will need to obtain a general business license for the state you live in or decide to operate your agency in. Many cities and towns require licensing of all businesses including home based ones.3.Host agencyHook up with a good one such as Mtravel,Dugan's or Nexion.A good host agency will allow you to book reservations for your customers using accounts they have established with suppliers. You will earn commissions for your bookings but expect to pay a %
of your commission for the priviledge of using their accounts to make bookings.
4.Avoiding pitfallsThe best way to avoid most of the common pitfalls alot of new agents or agencies encounter is to get proper training.A lot of host agencies supply this training so take advantage of it. The (OSSN)Outside sales support network as well as (NACTA)
National Association of Commisioned travel Agents offer good information.
5.AdvertiseYou'll want to let people know that you are starting a travel business. You do this by posting on travel-based message boards and search engines,flyers,newspaper ads and building a website.6.Start bookingStart booking reservations for your clients using the internet and telephone.Because most suppliers are looking for business they'll make thier telephone numbers available. It's much easier though if you work with a host agency as they probaly have a established relationship with the suppliers already.
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