Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15

This week for the Friday 15, we've got a final in-house HAR special with the entire HAR crew, Shayna Zand, Abbey von Gohren, Rita Perez and Jenn Myers! So much to catch up on, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!

1. What are a few things that families care about when they travel (other than the cost) that advisors can typically overlook or forget about?
2. Having been a franchise owner, if you were advising a brand-new IC today, what would you tell them to focus on in their first year and what should they ignore?
3. For a newer advisor, what’s one marketing activity that actually works and one that’s a waste of time early on?

RESOURCES:

➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-conferences-events/2024/trends-in-the-family-travel-market-in-2024

➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/top-travel-agency-marketing-tools

➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software/packy

➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-setup-accelerator

➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-market-research-reports

➡️Finding your niche - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche

➡️Host Week registration: https://har.news/Register

➡️Monday Coffeespot https://har.news/MondayCS

➡️Tuesday Coffeespot https://har.news/TuesdayCS

➡️Wednesday Coffeespot https://har.news/WednesdayCS

➡️Thursday Coffeespot https://har.news/ThursdayCS

➡️Friday Coffeespot https://har.news/FridayCS

This week for the Friday 15, we've got a special in-house HAR special with Jenn Myers and Rita Perez! So much to catch up on, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! 

1. I’m a relatively new advisor (I started about a year and a half ago) and I am trying to understand the concept of “leads”. My host agency (which I love!) does not have a lead generation program, and I would really like to see how a lead works and practice using my training and skills with a mock lead. Do you know of any programs or practice websites/workbooks for this? Also, in the future how might I generate real leads on my own? Thank you for everything you all do! - Lisa
2. I've signed up with a host agency, and done the online education, but I am still pretty confused about how to create FIT trips through the host. For years I have run my own trips and have strong relationships with specific hotels, lodges, transportation companies and tour guides. There are specific hotels and lodges that I always use when I book trips. Now that I have my own company and a host agency, I am realizing that none of my contacts/hotels, etc. are used or even findable on the host agency's site. When I did my initial call with the host agency, they said it wasn't a problem to book non preferred suppliers, but now I am not getting any info about how to book these hotels and lodges that I want to for upcoming trips. I can book these hotels and lodges with an OTA or directly with the hotel or lodge, but am I then liable as the supplier since I didn't book through the host agency? I was told by the attorney who I hired to do my Terms and Conditions that it was important for me to book everything through the host agency for my protection, but I am not sure how to do that. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you from another Minnesotan! So grateful for your work with new advisors!! - Heather
3. I'm a new advisor and the host agency's booking platform is soooo complicated! I'm still trying to make it through the training. Thinking about switching to another host. Are booking platforms so complicated in general? How can you find out? - Marsha

RESOURCES:

➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leads

➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier

➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/fit-travel-meaning

➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software

This week for the Friday 15, it’s the RETURN OF STEPH LEE as she cohosts with Lori Speers of Levarte, now a KHM travel company.  So much to catch up on, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! 

1. I am wanting to transition from working fulltime at home for my current job, to owning my own homebased travel business.  I still need to keep my fulltime salary while my travel business ramps up.  I have been researching into host agencies, and think this is the way I will go.  If I do choose to go this path, what should I expect?  Will I have a specific contact that will help me (hold my hand) while I get started? - Kristen
2. Question regarding the registration of my travel agency: I'm French, I'm thinking of being hosted by a host agency based in the U.S and therefore register my agency as a LLC in the U.S since it's the easiest model for foreigners. Are there any specificity I need to be aware of? For example, what lawyer should I use? - Lohan
3. How do you start a partnership with someone? Someone wants to "get into" travel with me. I specialize in cruises. She has done alot of all Inclusives, been to several destination weddings so that would be hers. What's your thoughts on this? - Denise

RESOURCES:

➡️Great article from KHM about 6 questions you should ask when searching for the right host agency - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/6-questions-when-searching-for-host-agency

➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-lawyers

This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Sheila Folk of Travel Industry Solutions. We’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! 

1. I'm very confused and overwhelmed by the FIT "best practice" for travel advisors.  When advisors put together a/an FIT, do they always use tour suppliers (like Classic Vacations/Project Expeditions, etc), or make it themselves by reaching out directly to tour operators (if price is more favorable to client), or just patch things together with a DMC? How do advisors find DMCs if they don't have connections? Thank you in advance. 
2. With hosts, what start up costs can I expect when joining. Is it better to join one that charges a flat monthly rate, or pay a lot every year or a one-time fee? There's got to be setbacks for each one, I'd imagine. Any other costs with a host I should consider?
3.  How do I determine what my niche is? I feel like I will only make money if I sell luxury. 

RESOURCES:

➡️What is an FIT - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/fit-travel-meaning

➡️We have a wonderful article from our friends at TPI they wrote earlier this year on the ‘Real Costs of Starting an Agency’ and they give a complete breakdown, including host fees and other fees to consider - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tpi-q1-2025

➡️Finding a Niche - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche

This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels! This week we’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST, and you know it’s gonna be good. Join us! 

1. I worked as an independent contractor for a brick-and-mortar agency before covid. BDMs visited us regularly with updates, and stayed to chat. Their presence drew attendees and raised my credibility. Unfortunately, that agency has the worst split in the business. I switched to a host agency with a much better split and no fees or minimum sales, but they're on the opposite coast.

Now my BDMs, whom I've never met, are on the other side of the country and aren't about to co-host events or invite me to anything. BDMs based near me can't help because they work in territories. I never sold much with the new host and basically went dormant. Now, I'm planning to relaunch. However, the lack of BDM contact and support is paralyzing. How do the thousands of agents working in far-flung locations deal with this? Those I've talked with don't seem to realize the value of BDMs, both personally and professionally. Any advice? - Linda

1. I am just starting out as a cruise specialist agent. I have seen other agents promoting group bookings that appear to be created by them with lower than advertised rates and extra perks. Can you explain how this works and the pros/cons of this? I know I am not ready for this yet, but I am very interested in how someone gets started with this and how it works. Thanks, - Travel Dad Matt
2. I have been in the industry for just over 2 years working part time while I build up my business. I am curious about host agency commission splits and why some host agencies have higher commission splits. I notice there is a range of agency commission splits 70/30, 80/20 or 90/10.  Right now I am at a 70/30 split and I wonder if this is an average commission split?  I wonder for host agencies with higher commission splits is it because they offer more perks or benefits than host agencies with a 90/10 split. - Michelle

RESOURCES:

➡️Talking more about BDM’s when switching hosts - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/switching-host-agencies-5-things-to-consider

➡️Group booking tips directly from other travel advisors - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/group-booking-tips-travel-advisors-agents

➡️Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 

➡️Commission splits - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-commission-plan-comparison-calculator

This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Betsy of Uniglobe Travel Center. We’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! 

1. I'm a disabled travel agent just starting. I'm nervous about Fam trips. how can I explain or how can a host agency help me go on Fam trips - Michelle
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 were they are struggling and be more involved. And do I lose all my credentials that I already with some vendors. I have completed my different trainings and courses?
3. I am just stepping into starting a travel agency at the very early stages and still working 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 in the future.

RESOURCES:

➡️ More about FAM trips https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-fam-trip

➡️We also had a wonderful guest named Becky Kirby on our other Podcast, travel Agent Chatter where she goes into detail about accessible travel and some great links depending on what you’re specifically looking for - https://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter/becky-kirby-the-greater-go#sts=Accessible%20Travel%20Tips 

➡️We have an article about Travel Agent Leads, how those programs work, what to expect and alternatives to lead programs (like working alongside associations) - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leads

➡️6 easy tips for choosing your travel agency name - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-names

This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Robin and Jennifer of TiqueHQ. We’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! 

1. I am just starting out but I had a question about credit card reward points. If a client has points for flights or hotels with a particular credit card. Am I able to book travel for them using their points or a combination of points and money and still receive commission?

2. I'm just starting out in the business. I'm about three months in and I'm working on setting the foundation of my business. I'm completing trainings, learning about suppliers, listening to podcasts, creating a logo and social media, along with plenty of other items on my to-do! I was even able to complete my first booking for some of my family! With that said, I'm worried that because I don't have more of a legitimate business, it's going to be difficult to complete bookings with any of the leads I get. What do you suggest I do to help build up my business and get potential clients to trust in me as their travel advisor when I'm so new?

3. I'm a new advisor and the host agency's booking platform is soooo complicated! I'm still trying to make it through the training. Thinking about switching to another host. Are booking platforms so complicated in general? How can you find out?

RESOURCES:

➡️Charging fees - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agents-guide-to-charging-fees

➡️Free Resources: http://tiquehq.com/launch & tiquehq.com/tech-stack

➡️Our software directories - https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software

➡️HAR*Wired Day 4 demo day, worth taking a watch to see them all back to back so you can get a better idea - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pfEi73sRE0

This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Kelli Hayes Smith of Wanderlust Campus. We’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! 

1. How to get visibility and to get my first clients to work with me and trust me as a junior travel advisor? - Julie
2. How do you face your fear about marketing your travel business on social media if you are an introvert? - Tracy
3. New advisor here, just starting out-I’m wondering if it’s possible to be successful in getting leads through online marketing only, and not tap into friends and family or local community?

RESOURCES:

➡️Our wonderful partners at Travel Edge wrote an article in our blog about the Ultimate Guide to Marketing your NEW Travel Business - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-edge-q3-2024#sts=Build%20a%20marketing%20calendar:

➡️There are many different tools you can use to help you, we have some in our directories listed here - https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software/category/social-media-marketing

➡️We also have a great article about Social Media 101 from one of our hosts Nexion here - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/nexion-q3-2021

➡️We have a complete guide and comparison chart on what leads are, programs, what to expect from programs and questions to ask about agent lead programs if you want additional support here - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-leads

This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Sheila Folk of Travel Industry Solutions. We’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! 

1. I realise that every Host agency has a different network of suppliers. Even though I understand that I'm not supposed to go out of network if working in their system, if I am able to keep my own name and advertise as my own company, am I allowed to book with different networks of suppliers?
2. I feel a little overwhelmed with so much information and access out there that my brain is freezing. I don't know where to start off so I am doing all at the same time and freaking out. Do you have a "step list" of what to do first that you would recommend? - Build a website, contracts, forms, services guide, social media, trainings (do I prioritize supplier trainings or destinations?) I have a business and social media account set up and going but I am a mess behind it all.
3. Can an agency change your commission level without notifying you or sending you a new contract to sign?  Shouldn't there be some kind of agreement or acknowledgement from the agent before that happens?  Then what if a host changes to a monthly fee. Again shouldn’t there be a new contract or the option to leave and take your business.  

RESOURCES:

➡️We have a great article on What is a Preferred Supplier - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier

➡️We have a great article about 10 steps to starting a travel agency - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/starting-a-travel-agency-from-home. We link to many other snippets from other podcasts, along with templates available complimentary to you and any required accreditation information

➡️Tech Week! Registration is open for HAR*Wired! | Host Agency Reviews: https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/tech-week

This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Jenn Lee of Vacation Planners and TPI! This week we’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! 

1. Hello all! I am at the start of my journey to becoming an independent travel advisor who will join a host agency. What are some of the ways that travel advisors obtain health insurance? I did see that ASTA members have access to their insurance partner but that this varies by state. I'm in Indiana if that helps. Thanks so much! I am really finding your podcast helpful. - Cindy
2. I’ve been with my host for about four months and I’m not loving the experience. I feel like I’m on my own when it comes to marketing, the website they provide is very basic, and the trainings aren’t great. On top of that, I pay a $40 monthly fee, a $180 startup fee, and they take a 70/30 commission split. I do appreciate that I get access to a lot of partners, which is a plus, but overall it feels like I’m paying a lot for very basic tools. My question is: is this experience pretty typical for newer advisors with host agencies, or is it a sign that I may need to start looking elsewhere? (Note: she has come back saying that we flagged to host as an MLM/Hybrid that she’s a part of) - Keeping this Anonymous
3. Are there Host Agencies that specialize in wellness travel? Are there host agencies that specialize in Faith-based or Religious travel as a main thing or sub- niche, OR at least have options to book through certain faith based suppliers. - Warren and Jason

RESOURCES:

➡️We have a full article about travel MLM’s and what you need to know - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-mlms

➡️We will also link to our host directories where if the host fills the requirements of being a travel MLM, we ensure it’s clear to you all - https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts

➡️Still figuring out your Niche? Here’s our step-by-step guide - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche

➡️In our article on how to find the best host agency, we have a downloadable doc that compares the hosts and in one of the columns we outline the hosts’s Niche/specialty that can help guide you - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency

➡️Tech Week! Registration is open for HAR*Wired! | Host Agency Reviews: https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/tech-week

➡️Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/legacydriventravelpros 

➡️https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/vacation-planners

➡️https://vacationplannersfranchise.com/