Host Agency

I am shopping for a good host agency. do you have eany suggestions?

Hello John,

I would suggest trying YTB Travel, you can have your own site and booking engine for only 49.00 to register if you have been a previous Iatan Agent before. Check out my site and let me know what you think.

www.ytb.com/aletasupertravel

John,
I would NOT suggest YTB. Do the research. If it sounds too good to be true --- it is.

Agreed, unless you are into pyramid schemes, stay clear. Check out www.pathonline.travel for quality reputable agency hosts.

I'm glad there are still smart people in the world...if you look through the threads you'll see when YTBers aren't gaining enough ground on you, they resort to attacking

YTB is mlm...and honestly, is it making "some" people money?; of course it is but is "everybody" making money, NO

I'm looking to get a home based travel agency started. I just don't know where to start. I have had several suggestions; however after searching the web there are so many options. Can somebody help me? Looking for low start up fees, low monthly fees, and I want to be certified. Please send and info to nrfholley@aol.com ASAP! Thank you.....

Lamarcus Larry in Tampa, Florida said: I will be happy to help you.
Call me or send me a email

Lamarcus Larry
813-270-1773
amaritravel@yahoo.com
www.traverustravelpros.org

P. S.
pyramid schemes? Big business are the ones because you will never be President of Wal-Mart or any other type.
I can truly say that those that get in Traverus Travel makes money because it is duplicate able to the masses.

Have you heard of www.cruiseplanners.com? What are your thoughts?

John Mac in Evansville, Indiana said: I am shopping for a good host agency. do you have eany suggestions?

I would most definetely suggest www.cruiseplanners.com.

ginn12 in South Bend, Indiana said: Have you heard of www.cruiseplanners.com? What are your thoughts?

Cruise planner is great if you have $10,000.00 to invest in American Express.But if you are looking to have your own travel portal and book travel for your customers, or send them to your vary own travel portal and they can book their own travel 24/7?
There is training every day on the Internet and c calling.

Then check out my travel portal website. its just like Travelocity,orbitz, and all the other websites.

www.amaritravel.traverustravel.com

Lamarcus Larry
amaritravel1@yahoo.com

Thanks for the info. Cruise Planners besides the upfront $10k or $495.00 for me since I was already an agent also has other fees during the year.

I really like your website. Will keep it in mind.

We can offer assistance.

Best regards,
David
www.travellinesexpress.com
ebooks4life.blogspot.com

If travel is the industry you desire to be in than TraVerus Travel is the company to work with. With TraVerus you are in a completely duplicatable business with no pressure to recruit. You earn 70-80% commission on travel and the best part of being with TraVerus is the support. There are not many businesses out there with the support that this company has.

Check it out for yourself!
selenahigh.etraverus.com

i want to join but how do i know this isnt a scam are you guys certify

Hi Ricardo

Yes TraVerus is a Licensed and Bonded Agency and as an agent with TraVerus you can also be Certified under the company.

Give me a call or send me an instant message on yahoo lenahigh1 or call me 856-534-7625

visit my site www.selenahigh.com

Ricardo

Have no fear man I a caribbean man and had the same fear, but I joined Traverus with no regrets.

Give it a try man.

Hi everyone,

I have to admit I wouldn't have joined Cruise Planners if it were going to cost me $10k. Too much I agree. But since I was already an agent for three years it was a no brainer to increase my commission. Plus they have an intranet site for us to go on to get more hits, marketing etc.

Yes I have two websites. Mine was www.greatcruising.com and mine with cruise planner's is www.greatcruising.org. Most people know my .com website.

If I can help anyone in anyway with the pros and cons of Cruise Planners I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Ginny

ginn12 in South Bend, Indiana said: Hi everyone,

I have to admit I wouldn't have joined Cruise Planners if it were going to cost me $10k. Too much I agree. But since I was already an agent for three years it was a no brainer to increase my commission. Plus they have an intranet site for us to go on to get more hits, marketing etc.

Yes I have two websites. Mine was www.greatcruising.com and mine with cruise planner's is www.greatcruising.org . Most people know my .com website.

If I can help anyone in anyway with the pros and cons of Cruise Planners I'd be happy to answer any questions.

Ginny

Hey Ginny,

I'm interested in starting a travel business and had some questions about CruisePlanners.

1. How hard is it to find customers?
2. What is the commision percentage?
3. Is it a good time to invest in this kind of business?

thank you,
drew

Drew,

I just wanted to let you know that there are alot of companies out there. I have been apart of a travel company for the last 2 years that has been lucrative and the commissions are sweet.

Please view my site www.selenahigh.com and look at the opportunity section. If you have questions please contact me at the phone number on my site.

Sincerely,
Selena High

Find a host that will train you and does not have an MLM or recruiting component to it. YTB, Traverus and World Ventures are ALL MLM Companies.

travelresearchonline.com/cardmills/

I suggest you check out PATH. Do your homework. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is.

www.path4hosts.com/index.asp

Look into CruiseOne...They offer eveything much better than Cruise Planners. The technology and marketing programs blow Cruise Planners out of the water. I am probably going to buy a franchise in Aguust. I am an expert agent and have been affiliated with AMEX before. There is really nothing that AMEX offers except a headache when trying to book "exclusive" offerings. CruiseOne just seems more reputable....They do't call me every day with some special offer, like a "free franchise"...starting to sound like an MLM now!

Are you presently with Cruise Planners?
What makes Cruiseone that much better?
I'd really be interested in their marketing programs.
How much is their franchise?

Cruise One would be a great choose if you are an experienced travel agent and can prove that you made over $5,000 in commission in the past year. I looked at them and Cruise Planners two years ago when I decided I wanted to become a travel agent.

Money was a big factor for me so I when with Cruises Inc a sister company of Cruise One. The start-up fees were $495.00 plus my cost to attend a week long training program in Fort Lauderdale Florida. We have a great website for learning more about the company.
Check out my company provided web site: www.cruisesinc.com/camiller.

This has been a great first step for me and I earned $3,375 last year working part time from my home.

Do you mean your comissions were $3,375.00? How part-time were you?

I've often thought of leaving Cruise Planners to try something new but I've been with them since 2000 and they keep getting better and better that I'll stick around a while. I like them because even though their pretty bug now they treat us like family and they help us anyway they can.

Ginny Schoenfeld
info@greatcruising.com

Please make sure to include Dugan's Travels in your comparison shopping. Just do a search for us online and you will find out more information.

Jennifer

The best one I think is Travel Planners International, Im with them, I can add you as a sub agent so you can get it for a good price, let me know.

email me at tmccaffery@vacationsnbeyond.com

I can help you get started with leads, etc

Program is 80-90% Commission with loads of extras

Hello all,
Can anybody tell me about AVC?
Is it true that they provide the leads after you have signed up?
I'm agent at Cruise Ship Centers but I think I need a change.
Thanks,

aroma

drew priddy in Anniston, Alabama said: Hey Ginny,

I'm interested in starting a travel business and had some questions about CruisePlanners.

1. How hard is it to find customers?
2. What is the commision percentage?
3. Is it a good time to invest in this kind of business?

thank you,
drew

Hey Drew,

Actually business is back to normal again. You may not get as much commission until the end of the year but people are cruising. People are saying that by 2010 we should be back to normal.
You could either invest the money now with Cruise Planners or wait until the first of the year. I know the have training then.

Ginny

I am hoping some of you folks can give me some recommendations. I am a travel agent with 20 years experience and have been offered a concierge position where I will need an IATA number. Would it be best to apply for one under an LLC, or do a “host Agency”? I am not really clear as to which one would better suit me and I would need to make this happen ASAP as it is part of the job offer. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Best,

C.C.

cwilshire@tourarts.com

I am hoping some of you folks can give me some recommendations. I am a travel agent with 20 years experience and have been offered a concierge position where I will need an IATA number. Would it be best to apply for one under an LLC, or do a “host Agency”? I am not really clear as to which one would better suit me and I would need to make this happen ASAP as it is part of the job offer.Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Best,

C.C.

cwilshire@tourarts.com

I would definetely do it under an LLC although I'm sure if you go with a Host Agency you could get your IATA number as well.
You could also get your own IATA if you go through CLIA ata cost of $300.00. Well that's what it was about ten years ago.

Good Luck

Ginny Schoenfeld
Cruise Planners, Inc.
info@greatcruising.com

Thanks Ginny,

So what would be the bebefit of the host agency? I will be issuing air tickts as well as high end hotels etc, not sure what benefit the host would be? Can you explain?

C.C.

Maybe I should have re-phrased that answer. If it were me I would not go with a host agency. I don't know much about them but what I've heard is that they have you pay a minimal amount each month. I believe $49.99. They give you a beautiful site with booking online etc.. The company I'm with is Cruise Planners and I purchased a franchise so it doesn't work the same way as a Host Agency. If you need me to explain I'd be happy to do so.

With a host agency you find clients and book them yourself. With LLC & in particular Cruise Planners they have many booking engines for air, land packages, hotel and car rental which are less than expedia. For this particular booking system each agent can put in their amount of commission.
For cruises it's our standardd 15% - 18%.

Yea there are many agents out there that only work with a Host Agency and are happy but I don't believe they have a marketing program like we do.

The answer to your question, I don't think there are any real benefits in going with a Host Agency.

For air, hotels, rental of cars & hotels I go through www.farebuzz.com.

C.C. if you would like to email me directly I'd be more than happy to send you a link to my intranet. I really shouldn't but I'd like to help you any way I can.

Ginny Schoenfeld
Cruise Planners
info@greatcruising.com

Tom in West Orange, New Jersey said: The best one I think is Travel Planners International, Im with them, I can add you as a sub agent so you can get it for a good price, let me know.

email me at tmccaffery@vacationsnbeyond.com

I can help you get started with leads, etc

Program is 80-90% Commission with loads of extras

Tom:

I am originally from Montclaire, NJ (now living in another state) and I am looking into joining Travel Planners International to start a part time business.

Currently I develop slaes training for a training company which I can't name. I don't have any experience in the travel business so I looking for a high level of support in terms of business training(setting up an LLC, taxes, etc.)as well as training on the travel industry itself.

I am hoping to earn around $7k from my part time business. Is this feasible? How has your experience been working with TPI? Were you a new or seasoned agent when you joined?

Marcelle White
e3umla@verizon.net

Not true a host agency will get better commission from suppliers and other things as well. For instance my agency comes with Clientbase Browser, E&O insurance, Booking engines and lots more.

Well it takes time to make money, I first was with Joystar and got ripped because they went bankrupt and owe me 10,000 dollars then I went with TPI.

First Year I made 5,000 second year, 9,000 now im making over 100,000 in commissions, I have a great client base thats what you strive for. Look who you want to target and go from there. I mostly sell Disney World and Cruises family's with small children thats my niche. Seniors are a good niche as well but keep in mind most of them are low budget and will look for the best price.

When you first start in this business sell what you know than work your way up. Your selling a service and most clients may not ever been to that location, learn as much as you can. Keep away from people who are price matching because most of them will never rebook with you.

Another thing to keep in mind when you buy a franchise as opposed to joining a host agency is more than likely you are going to spend thousands more and then if you don't like it or don't feel the company is a good fit for you - you are out that money.

Finding a host agency that works with you both personally and professionally is important. One host agency might be great for one person and another person it might just not be right. It is very common for agents to move from host agency to host agency trying to find what works for them.

It could be as simple as procedures that an agent doesn't like. For example some host agencies require a certain product for you to submit your bookings. It may cost you money to use also. What if the system isn't something you find works for you? Or what if there is a supplier you want to use that the host agency refuses to offer for some reason? There are reasons that might make it so a host does not work for you.

Keep your costs as low as possible until you find that fit. Not all host agencies tell you what you can and can't do.

Jennifer Dugan
Dugans Travels

Another thing I forgot to mention is that a host agency does provide many advantages:

Most host agencies belong to a consortium (ie Vacation.com, Ensemble, etc) which can not only provide you better commissions but also specials that you cannot get on your own.

Higher sales means more clout with a supplier. For example we had a hotel try to tell one of our agents that a rate was non-commissionable and once we let them know that we have 600+ agents and if they were to do that to us, we would not book with them anymore.. they gave us the commission that they originally told us we would get.

Sales managers care more about those who bring alot of business and are their big accounts.

Support is a major issue. So when you have a client who wants to travel someplace you have no experience with, how great would it be to send out an email asking for input and get many responses back from other agents with suggestions and ideas? That in itself is truly wonderful about working with other agents.

Seller of travel laws and dues and subscriptions can cost you alot of money. Not to mention many suppliers will not work with you without an ARC or IATAN number. States like Florida are very expensive to get licensed in without being with a host agency who is already registered.

Going on your own especially when you do not have the years experience of at least being with a host agency can really hurt you. Host agencies do not just take a cut of your commission.. a good one earns it.

Jennifer Dugan
Dugans Travels

I LOOKING FOR HOST AGENCY WHAT IS BEST FOR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS ONLY.I AM FROM EUROPE AND ALLREADY DO DIFFERENT KIND OF BUSSINES AND HAVE BIG CUSTOMER BASE. MY CUSTOMERS OFTEN CALL ME FOR HELP WHEN THEY NEED TO BOOK TICKETS TO GO MOST OFFTEN TO EASTERN EUROPE.I KNOW I WILL BE ABLE TO SELL BUT I DO NOT KNOW WHERE TO START. PLEASE HELP.

Well , I know an agency in Lima. When I traveled to Peru I work with South America Reps! this is the name of this prestigious agency.Here you can contact them
www.southamericareps.com/

Lorena Serkovic in Ney york said: Well , I know an agency in Lima. When I traveled to Peru I work with South America Reps! this is the name of this prestigious agency.Here you can contact them
www.southamericareps.com/

Lorena thanks for replay,i think you missunderstend what i need to do. live in Harrisburg PA and i need Agency that i can work with here in usa. I want to book ticket to ex yugoslavian countries mostly Bosnia.You name looks like croatian name?Thanks for help.

Senko in Carlisle, Pennsylvania said: Lorena thanks for replay,i think you missunderstend what i need to do. live in Harrisburg PA and i need Agency that i can work with here in usa. I want to book ticket to ex yugoslavian countries mostly Bosnia.You name looks like croatian name?Thanks for help.

Try Travel Counsellors. They are based in England, with a US office in New Jersey.