Becoming a travel agent (on the side)
Jul 28th, 2003, 05:53 AM
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Becoming a travel agent (on the side)
Hi,
I know I have seen this question before but didnt see much in a search....
I do so much internet searching/booking for myself and friends/co-workers, I would like to see if/how I can become a "certified" TA...
This would not be my primary profession as I am a teacher, I am just wondering if anyone else has had the same thoughts I am having
Off the top of my head Questions:
*are there any perks,
*upfront costs?
*who do I contact
*what else should I consider
I would appreciate any thoughts,
Thanks!
Lava
[email protected]
I know I have seen this question before but didnt see much in a search....
I do so much internet searching/booking for myself and friends/co-workers, I would like to see if/how I can become a "certified" TA...
This would not be my primary profession as I am a teacher, I am just wondering if anyone else has had the same thoughts I am having
Off the top of my head Questions:
*are there any perks,
*upfront costs?
*who do I contact
*what else should I consider
I would appreciate any thoughts,
Thanks!
Lava
[email protected]
Jul 28th, 2003, 06:08 AM
#2
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Lava, I have had the same thought many times. My youngest child is off to school full day in September. Now it's time for a part time job . I've started to research on-line & @ the library about working from home or for a travel company. There seems to be many ways to go about it. So I can only say I have alot more research to do & alot to learn. Good Luck!
Jul 28th, 2003, 06:26 AM
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It is very easy to become your own travel agent. Do not work for an agency, they will not pay you and you get 1/2 commission, if you are lucky.
here is what you need to do. You must first become a CLIA (cruise line international association) Member. They will issue you a CLIA number. You will receive an official certificate. This will allow you to register with wholesalers, airlines, Disney, cruise lines etc. You must first be a CLIA member before you become an IATA member or TSI member, as you need to sell travel first and be a proven TA. You do not need to sell airline tickets as you will be selling Travel Services, which have air included (wholesalers, cruises etc include air in their price) You will not need to sell airline tickets, as it is not longer profitable and a big pain in the a$$. Everything is E-tickets anyway, which anyone can buy on line so there is no need anymore to pirnt tickets (SABRE) I think that now TA make $5.00 per ticket.
What you need to become a CLIA member:
-An Agency Name
-An official Business certificate, raised seal, and notorized and registered with your local township
-A tax ID number - your accountant can do this for you.
After you have all these things call CLIA at 1-212-921-0066 and see their website at www.cruising.org
you can download an application and either mail it or fax it. I think membership is $298.00. You can put a cc# on the application and fax it over. You will then receive in the mail your official CLIA certificate with your clia #. You then need to apply for a CLIA ID card which is $18.00. you need to have a passport picture taken and fill out the application and mail it. You can now register with all wholesalers. You will definately need a fax machine and business cards.
I know it sounds difficult but it is not. It took me 2 days to get everything done and a start up cost of under $500.00. The savings is incredible. I book my caribbean vacations thru wholesalers and I pay the net which is usually 1500.00 less. I have a small agency and I plan trips for friends and family and ME! I really love it. I used to work for an agency and did not like their policy. I had to find out this stuff the hard way - hope this helps you. It is so worth being your own agency.
The agency I used to work for still owes me close to $1000.00. I do not know how to get it out of them. They keep telling me the check is in the mail - give me a break! I really want my money but don't know how to get it. So take the time and create your own
here is what you need to do. You must first become a CLIA (cruise line international association) Member. They will issue you a CLIA number. You will receive an official certificate. This will allow you to register with wholesalers, airlines, Disney, cruise lines etc. You must first be a CLIA member before you become an IATA member or TSI member, as you need to sell travel first and be a proven TA. You do not need to sell airline tickets as you will be selling Travel Services, which have air included (wholesalers, cruises etc include air in their price) You will not need to sell airline tickets, as it is not longer profitable and a big pain in the a$$. Everything is E-tickets anyway, which anyone can buy on line so there is no need anymore to pirnt tickets (SABRE) I think that now TA make $5.00 per ticket.
What you need to become a CLIA member:
-An Agency Name
-An official Business certificate, raised seal, and notorized and registered with your local township
-A tax ID number - your accountant can do this for you.
After you have all these things call CLIA at 1-212-921-0066 and see their website at www.cruising.org
you can download an application and either mail it or fax it. I think membership is $298.00. You can put a cc# on the application and fax it over. You will then receive in the mail your official CLIA certificate with your clia #. You then need to apply for a CLIA ID card which is $18.00. you need to have a passport picture taken and fill out the application and mail it. You can now register with all wholesalers. You will definately need a fax machine and business cards.
I know it sounds difficult but it is not. It took me 2 days to get everything done and a start up cost of under $500.00. The savings is incredible. I book my caribbean vacations thru wholesalers and I pay the net which is usually 1500.00 less. I have a small agency and I plan trips for friends and family and ME! I really love it. I used to work for an agency and did not like their policy. I had to find out this stuff the hard way - hope this helps you. It is so worth being your own agency.
The agency I used to work for still owes me close to $1000.00. I do not know how to get it out of them. They keep telling me the check is in the mail - give me a break! I really want my money but don't know how to get it. So take the time and create your own
Jul 28th, 2003, 06:55 AM
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SandyFeet, Thank-you so much for all that great information. You made it sound very simple.
A few more questions:
*How many travel services do you need to sell before getting your TSI membership?
*What are the benefits to having a TSI membership?
*Do you create your own website so you can sell online?
I can ask you so many questions but thats all I have for now.
Thanks again!!!!!!!
P.S.Take them to small claims court (or atleast threaten to) Hopefully that check will be on the mail today!!!!GoodLuck
A few more questions:
*How many travel services do you need to sell before getting your TSI membership?
*What are the benefits to having a TSI membership?
*Do you create your own website so you can sell online?
I can ask you so many questions but thats all I have for now.
Thanks again!!!!!!!
P.S.Take them to small claims court (or atleast threaten to) Hopefully that check will be on the mail today!!!!GoodLuck
Jul 28th, 2003, 08:36 AM
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As usual, SandyFeet is always ready with helpful information to anyone who asks.
Thanks for your informational responses and all the time and effort you spend on this board helping folks out.
Your good karma will result in only sunny days on your next vacation
Thanks for your informational responses and all the time and effort you spend on this board helping folks out.
Your good karma will result in only sunny days on your next vacation
Jul 28th, 2003, 09:19 AM
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Boys, I am glad I am not a TA in the states if the agency doesn't pay you at all other than commission.
I believe it would also be helpful for you to take a course. There is a lot more to it than just calling people and making reservations. You need to be able to consult your clients, and to do this you need to know a lot of things about a lot of different places. You can also take a lot of destination courses offered by different tourist boards. I know there was one to Barbados that at the end of the course offered a fam trip to the spot. I think the course was like 4 or 500.
I took a 2 year course that was for Hospitality and Touism. My course also taught us Marketing, Accounting, and just tons of business courses for those who wanted to either manage, or open thier own business. You can also take 1 year courses, or some at home courses.
I believe it would also be helpful for you to take a course. There is a lot more to it than just calling people and making reservations. You need to be able to consult your clients, and to do this you need to know a lot of things about a lot of different places. You can also take a lot of destination courses offered by different tourist boards. I know there was one to Barbados that at the end of the course offered a fam trip to the spot. I think the course was like 4 or 500.
I took a 2 year course that was for Hospitality and Touism. My course also taught us Marketing, Accounting, and just tons of business courses for those who wanted to either manage, or open thier own business. You can also take 1 year courses, or some at home courses.
Jul 28th, 2003, 12:30 PM
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Hi!
After you become a CLIA member they will send you videos, and books that teach you about cruises AND how to sell vacations. When you register with Disney, you sign up for the Disney "college of knowledge" - also teaching you how to sell (this not only teaches you how to sell Disney but relates to all kinds of selling as in how to ask close ended questions and how to close the deal) You could apply these selling tactics to anything. Excellent source of information espically if you have never sold anything before. This is free from Disney. You don't really need to take courses, believe me, many TA's don't even leave their town and haven't been on a plane in years and years! If you start small, and your clients are friends and family, the referrals will come. Take the time to have nice business cards printed, and let people know what you do. Most people would much rather do business with a friendly face and someone they know.
I have found that I really do not need an IATA card, as I sell travel services only. That means that you sell thru wholesalers (travel impressions, Classic Custom Vacations, Apple Tours, etc) It is very very easy. You do some research like you would for your own trip. Get a price range and a destination. Call different wholesalers and get your prices. Call your clients with the prices. You are paid your commission by the wholesaler, not the client.
To have a TSI Travel Sales Inermediary Program. There are a lot of rules and/or's type of thing. But basically you must prove that you have $25,000.00 invested in the travel business, not issuing airline tickets, 2 letters of recommendation from a national travel asociation, provide valid proof of errors and omissions insurance...blah blah blah. Really not needed, I get all the travel discounts I need without all this hassle. I can supply travel services to my clients and myself. If you do not wish to sell travel, you may do it for yourself as CLIA does not care as long as you pay your yearly membership.
If you need more information about IATAN/TSI do a google search and type in IATAN.
Oh yeah I forgot to tell you that you ned to open a seperate bank account in the company's name if you wish to sell. This way when you get your commission checks, you can cash them as they will be made out to your company
Taking a business course seems a bit moot IMHO. After your start up costs, of under $500.00 there is nothing left to spend. The phone numbers you call are all 800# and it costs you nothing! You need a computer and a fax machine.
I don't know if a travel website is of any use, honestly. I have seen them and looked at their counters, seems pretty low and most look abandoned as they have not been updated in a few years. The best advertisement is YOU and your business card. I think you should save your money! Even the Travel Agency I worked for has a website but no one ever looked at it and it has not been updated in a very long time (and they are a large co) If you love to travel and love research the rest is very easy. Have Fun!
After you become a CLIA member they will send you videos, and books that teach you about cruises AND how to sell vacations. When you register with Disney, you sign up for the Disney "college of knowledge" - also teaching you how to sell (this not only teaches you how to sell Disney but relates to all kinds of selling as in how to ask close ended questions and how to close the deal) You could apply these selling tactics to anything. Excellent source of information espically if you have never sold anything before. This is free from Disney. You don't really need to take courses, believe me, many TA's don't even leave their town and haven't been on a plane in years and years! If you start small, and your clients are friends and family, the referrals will come. Take the time to have nice business cards printed, and let people know what you do. Most people would much rather do business with a friendly face and someone they know.
I have found that I really do not need an IATA card, as I sell travel services only. That means that you sell thru wholesalers (travel impressions, Classic Custom Vacations, Apple Tours, etc) It is very very easy. You do some research like you would for your own trip. Get a price range and a destination. Call different wholesalers and get your prices. Call your clients with the prices. You are paid your commission by the wholesaler, not the client.
To have a TSI Travel Sales Inermediary Program. There are a lot of rules and/or's type of thing. But basically you must prove that you have $25,000.00 invested in the travel business, not issuing airline tickets, 2 letters of recommendation from a national travel asociation, provide valid proof of errors and omissions insurance...blah blah blah. Really not needed, I get all the travel discounts I need without all this hassle. I can supply travel services to my clients and myself. If you do not wish to sell travel, you may do it for yourself as CLIA does not care as long as you pay your yearly membership.
If you need more information about IATAN/TSI do a google search and type in IATAN.
Oh yeah I forgot to tell you that you ned to open a seperate bank account in the company's name if you wish to sell. This way when you get your commission checks, you can cash them as they will be made out to your company
Taking a business course seems a bit moot IMHO. After your start up costs, of under $500.00 there is nothing left to spend. The phone numbers you call are all 800# and it costs you nothing! You need a computer and a fax machine.
I don't know if a travel website is of any use, honestly. I have seen them and looked at their counters, seems pretty low and most look abandoned as they have not been updated in a few years. The best advertisement is YOU and your business card. I think you should save your money! Even the Travel Agency I worked for has a website but no one ever looked at it and it has not been updated in a very long time (and they are a large co) If you love to travel and love research the rest is very easy. Have Fun!
Jul 28th, 2003, 02:17 PM
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This topic has really peeked my interest. I am self employed. I also have a 2nd company that is just a real estate company, all I do is receive rent and pay my mortgage. If I added travel related services to my state filing, I probably wouldn't have to do anything else? Make up some business cards, and thats about it. I already have the checkbook and tax ID#. I am listed with the town, but I don't have any papers with a raised seal? What is that? I'm thinking about this mostly for myself, but also for family members, freinds, etc. We just booked a cruise for our company employees, and would love doing that every other year, but if Icould do it wholesale, we could afford it every year!
Sep 3rd, 2003, 12:48 PM
#11
Hi I know this is an old post that I am replying to but.....I have been dying to know how to become a travel agent for myself. There are no official courses in my area of Virginia. I love to sit and read about places to go. I also love going to these places and would love the discounts a travel agent gets. I am with the people on this post who wish to do this as a side business. Sandyfeet, why a cruise line certificate first? Also is the 289. and annual fee? Once I am set up, saying I can do this..how do I have access to the airlines, hotels, etc...Do I need a special computer program? What about business insurance? Do you need this? Sorry if my questions are repeated. Lava- did you ever become the travel agent???Please reply.
Sep 3rd, 2003, 02:09 PM
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Hi,
You will be selling Travel Services, meaning you will be selling travel thru a travel wholesaler. Since Travel Agents do no make commission on airline tickets and do not print out tickets (you are given a travel agent receipt the equivelent of an e ticket)it does not make any sense to sell airline tickets. You register with CLIA, as they are recognized travel association. Any travel wholesaler recognizes CLIA, it has nothing to do with cruises but it identifies you as a travel services agent. When you register with Travel impressions, for example, they will ask you for your tax ID # and your CLIA certificate. Most travel agents sell travel this way now, as you act as the middle man. Less work for you, the customer is happy as they get actual airline tickets thru a wholesaler or cruise line, and you do not ned to have a credit card machine as the credit card number is given to you by the customer and you in turn give it to the wholesaler. Your commission is paid for by the wholesalers that will also pay you commission on the air travel, it may not as be as high as the hotel portion, but is is better than nothing. Since the airlines stopped paying commission and actually charging for printed tickets, travel agents make 0$. If anyone just needs air tickets, I tell them to get their own thru the web and print out an e-ticket, since that is what you would get from an agency anyway, and ther is no saving $$ on ari travel only thru a TA. Right now as far as being a TA the only way to make money (if you want to call it that) is to sell thru wholesalers and you need to be a CLIA member to do that. Go to the website www.cruising.org and you will get all the info you need there. Believe me, it is far from brain surgery, the wholesalers do all the work, you just ask the questions and get the prices and pass it along to your client - its that simple.
TA discounts can be good, it depends on where you are going. Some hotels give nothing, some give 50% off everything. When I book my own trips i book thru a wholesaler. I get the best price on air/hotel/packages and I pay the net, since I am a TA I do not pay myself commission. Meaning that - I save money by the wholesaler NOT having to pay my commission, so I can either take the commission or have the commission minused off the total amount due, which is what I do!
You will be selling Travel Services, meaning you will be selling travel thru a travel wholesaler. Since Travel Agents do no make commission on airline tickets and do not print out tickets (you are given a travel agent receipt the equivelent of an e ticket)it does not make any sense to sell airline tickets. You register with CLIA, as they are recognized travel association. Any travel wholesaler recognizes CLIA, it has nothing to do with cruises but it identifies you as a travel services agent. When you register with Travel impressions, for example, they will ask you for your tax ID # and your CLIA certificate. Most travel agents sell travel this way now, as you act as the middle man. Less work for you, the customer is happy as they get actual airline tickets thru a wholesaler or cruise line, and you do not ned to have a credit card machine as the credit card number is given to you by the customer and you in turn give it to the wholesaler. Your commission is paid for by the wholesalers that will also pay you commission on the air travel, it may not as be as high as the hotel portion, but is is better than nothing. Since the airlines stopped paying commission and actually charging for printed tickets, travel agents make 0$. If anyone just needs air tickets, I tell them to get their own thru the web and print out an e-ticket, since that is what you would get from an agency anyway, and ther is no saving $$ on ari travel only thru a TA. Right now as far as being a TA the only way to make money (if you want to call it that) is to sell thru wholesalers and you need to be a CLIA member to do that. Go to the website www.cruising.org and you will get all the info you need there. Believe me, it is far from brain surgery, the wholesalers do all the work, you just ask the questions and get the prices and pass it along to your client - its that simple.
TA discounts can be good, it depends on where you are going. Some hotels give nothing, some give 50% off everything. When I book my own trips i book thru a wholesaler. I get the best price on air/hotel/packages and I pay the net, since I am a TA I do not pay myself commission. Meaning that - I save money by the wholesaler NOT having to pay my commission, so I can either take the commission or have the commission minused off the total amount due, which is what I do!
Sep 3rd, 2003, 02:23 PM
#13
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Sorry I left out some answers.....
no you do not need any special computer or programs. Once you are registered with your wholesalers of choioce, you can log on to their websites, or call them and you will have access with your clia #..have you ever noticed on some websites it says "travel agent login"? That's what its for. You are selling, so you do not need SABRE, which IMHO will no longer exist, since there is really no need for it anymore when most people buy and then check in 24 hrs prior via airlines web sites.
Most airline websites have "check available seats" for the flights you are looking at. There is also www.SeatGuru.com, which lists every single seat in airline history and tells you what seats are good and which are not so good. So if you have a client and the want to sit in first, go to seat guru and get the best seat for them. You don't want to look like a schmuck and seat them by the Lav or have restricted leg room. So you see what's available first then see the best seat. All wholesalers honor airline seat assignments (requests). Also, you save your clients lots of $$ by going thru wholesalers, since they buy blocks of rooms and airline seats.
You will also need a good fax machine...
no you do not need any special computer or programs. Once you are registered with your wholesalers of choioce, you can log on to their websites, or call them and you will have access with your clia #..have you ever noticed on some websites it says "travel agent login"? That's what its for. You are selling, so you do not need SABRE, which IMHO will no longer exist, since there is really no need for it anymore when most people buy and then check in 24 hrs prior via airlines web sites.
Most airline websites have "check available seats" for the flights you are looking at. There is also www.SeatGuru.com, which lists every single seat in airline history and tells you what seats are good and which are not so good. So if you have a client and the want to sit in first, go to seat guru and get the best seat for them. You don't want to look like a schmuck and seat them by the Lav or have restricted leg room. So you see what's available first then see the best seat. All wholesalers honor airline seat assignments (requests). Also, you save your clients lots of $$ by going thru wholesalers, since they buy blocks of rooms and airline seats.
You will also need a good fax machine...
Sep 3rd, 2003, 02:41 PM
#14
THANKS SO MUCH for your quick reply!!!One question is do you need to have insurance in case someone says I hated my trip and I want to sue you!!! I plan to sell to myself and family and friends, but you never know. I checked the ClIa website and they ask about a bond or something financial backing you. Is this what you mean about becoming a TA on your own needing 25,000 collateral? So, if I am just an agent selling goods from a wholesaler, I do not need insurance? What do you answer than in that category of the application? Also, is the certificate from the town like a permit to do business from home? Sorry if my questions sound so dumb. I am new to all of this! Thanks
Sep 3rd, 2003, 02:54 PM
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You are tiring me out with questions that have been answered in the above posts. Please re-read them. If you want to be an at home TA, you will have to learn to get this info yourself and thru your computer. All the info you need is at your fingertips!
Sep 4th, 2003, 02:22 AM
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Sandy feet,
Regarding money owend to you, I had a similar problem. 3 options that I have used: Small claims court(small filing fee)and relatively quick(a couple of months), the Department of Labor will go after salaray owed to you, but when I used this avenue it took over 1 year, and for larger claims, a debt collection agency(they took 30%). Hope this helps.
Regarding money owend to you, I had a similar problem. 3 options that I have used: Small claims court(small filing fee)and relatively quick(a couple of months), the Department of Labor will go after salaray owed to you, but when I used this avenue it took over 1 year, and for larger claims, a debt collection agency(they took 30%). Hope this helps.
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