Dream of being a travel agent ? Travel the World ? Partake in it’s many mythical FREE PERKS ? Or you could … “Take the perks” & leave the work for your agent ! Fun Read/Valuable insight.

Who wouldn’t want to be able to SEE THE WORLD on a “shoe string” budget ? 

It can be done !  Just apply hours of studying, piece your destination together, and opt to accommodate at where the wind may lead you !  You could stay at hostels, find folks around the world who will allow travelers to overnight with them free, or maybe even contact a local church for its members hospitality.

Oh … You were thinking more about … The FREE PERKS of a travel agent ?

 

Had someone ask me, this week … If I cruise free.  No !  She said, I’ve been so jealous cause I thought you did.  No !

Apparently many folks think travel agents travel free ! Matter of fact, over my many years in the business, I’ve had at least 2 customers get into the travel business, without ever letting me know.  And just lately, a girlfriend has done the same.  Though this last one just started, the other 2 haven’t done much with it.  Hmm, why ?  Truth learned ?  It’s work !  Your travel is not free !

There’s a book, that has been floating around for years, and I’ve even seen lately, as a post on facebook, encouraging folks to buy … You can travel free.  Though it’s been years, since I too have purchased/read the book, you’ll find many FREES, but it doesn’t really have to do with being a travel agent.

I admit, there may be some FREEBIES or discounts available to me as an agent, that I never check out.  It may require a lot of paperwork or partaking in an online class … Or approval won’t be given till last minute … Or the discount is just too small to worry with !

Hotels.  If lucky, we “might” get 10% off.  That basically covers the taxes.  Why not instead, be a AAA member, like I am, or AARP member, for the same 10% discount.  And you don’t even have to book with AAA nor at AARP !  The hotels give you these discounts, when booking direct.  FYI, I can’t have “both” discounts.  Also, years past, don’t know if it holds true today(?), AAA members could receive complimentary Travel tic sheets … Help plan your travels for you.  And they might (?) offer to buy your air flights for you with no fee.

I admit, I do get discounts at Marriott’s (and there may be others, I could do the same with).  My cost, $59-$99.  This took taking online classes, years ago, when I was first joining the business !  Then each year in October, I have to remember to renew my status, if I want to receive my new “certificates” in the mail by January.  This last year, everyone had to retake these hours of classes again.  However, for the last 3 years, either more & more Marriott’s do not offer agent participation at their location, or specific areas of travel are “blocked” during peak seasons.  Never can I use these in Alaska again !  I’ve not used the 6 certificates I receive each year, in my travels, for the last 3 years. 

Airfare.  Agents don’t fly free nor do we get any discount !  In past, but don’t know if it holds true today (?), agencies receive 6 complimentary airline tickets a year.  But these belong to the owner of the agency. 

I admit, about 15 years ago, I ran across an offer though United (?).  It was an agent & partner flight.  I have no idea, how I found this United person in Washington who booked my flight, nor know how to find her again, who allowed me to partake.  The one reason I was able to participate, was because no  complimentary agency airfare certificate was needed.  And yes, I paid about $600 and my roommate paid $700, to fly r/t from Washington to Singapore (Reg cost was $1900pp).

Car Rental.  I seldom look into this. At select times, you may get 10%.  But again, if you find a coupon to use or the car rental already has a discount, you can NOT apply a travel agent discount too.

Cruises. My cruises area not free.  About 18 years ago, I did get a free 4N cruise, because it was a last minute company seminar, but I did have to pay the taxes.  And 2 years ago, Carnival was giving travel agents a free cruise, and I went on the Carnival Splendor for Thanksgiving (taxes were free too).  But I understand Carnival has been giving MANY free cruises to cruisers in the last 2 years … Something to do with past participation in the casino (?) … Consider hitting the casino, when on your next cruise.

It’s true, from time to time, I do receive, lower cost offers on cruises.  But they are not free.  And there’s usually some rules that go with it.  I either have to take their classes online before I come or attend classes while onboard.  Other times, the offers are at the wrong time, just like it’s travelers, which is why they have the open space.  Or, you may not be guaranteed/approved till 2 weeks prior (and now you are paying higher air cost).  Others require you have an IATAN or CLIA card (see below, what it takes to have an IATAN card).

Years back, our annual conventions cruises at Cruises Inc, were heavily discounted.  But today, we have to bring onboard, so many staff, where we can’t charge them, cause they’re working (the cost is absorbed by the agents).  So these discounted cruises do not exist like years past.  AND … If the cruise line is offering perks for cruisers who buy or if the rate drops, we do NOT receive.  But yes, we often get a lot of perks while at convention, such as gifts and cocktail parties.  These are being paid for, by the participating cruise lines.  And we have no idea what these might be, till 30 days from sailing or till we get onboard and “participate” in the activities/seminars provided (you don’t show; you don’t get).

I’ve been on 137 cruises.  The majority, I paid for, months in advance for that lower cost, just like everyone else !  Maybe 20%, I’ve received at a discount or maybe even free.  See below, how you can cruise free without being an agent !

FAM TRIPS.  There are a lot of these.  And yes, there are many offers, in visiting destinations, at a lower cost.  However, some require you being a member of an organization or you pay higher. Others require you have an IATA or CLIA card (see below, what it takes to have an IATAN card). And more often than none, travels are offered when you and general travelers can’t get away, which is why there’s space.   Besides, you can’t get away to everything … You have stay home & work … Make money not only for traveling, but ….(see below, what it takes to have an IATAN card).

And FYI ... Many are for traveling to Europe.  Have you noticed the cost of airfare the last 3 years ?  Have you seen me travel to Europe in the last 3 years ?

 

Ok … Now that you know agents do not travel free … Let’s talk about the boo-coos of money that an agent makes. 

Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

How many times do you call your agent & never buy ?  Do you get a charge ?
How many times do you call your agent & make a change ?  Do you get a charge ? 
How many times do you call your agent with questions ?  Do you get a charge ?
Have you ever cancelled ?

Fortunately, only a couple of times over my travel career … I have had a couple of folks say … “For what I’ve paid, I expect my agent to dadadada … “. 

For the most part, most agents don’t charge a dime to help you !  So the myth that you have paid your agent is not correct.
Agents are truly here in trying to help you with their industry expertise … All complimentary to you !
Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

But agents get commission ?

They do.  But the traveler has to pay the “set travel cost”, whether they go through an agent or they opt in buying direct !  So the myth that this is coming out of the pocket of the traveler is not correct ! 
Agents are paid by cruise lines or tour operators for helping travelers with their industry expertise, “instead of” the cruise lines/tour operators having to do so.  The cruise line/tour operator want travelers to have the needed expertise in helping to make this a “good” vacation, for “less issues for them” !  Travelers who “opt” in not going through an agent for their expertise, is not only, not saving themselves a dime, but they are on their own with any issues, and without expertise backing.
Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

Did you know, if the cost of the travelers package goes down, the agents commission is also lowered ? 

Lots of paperwork is required to get you that lower rate or upgrade.  Do agents charge their travelers ?
Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

Airfare … Agents/nor agencies make commission on flights.

Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

Hotel … Agent/agencies receive 10% “if” that hotel pays up.

Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

 

Ok … Let’s talk about the needed IATAN card … For travel perks ! 

YEARLY, an agent must make & put a minimum of $5,000 of commission/pay in their pocket, to stay qualified for an IATAN card.

Doesn’t sound like much needed to qualify ?  Maybe you might want to go back and read examples above !   Or for further insight …

Did you know agents do not get their commission till the traveler return from their travel ?

So if you book for 2017, that’s when your agent gets paid.
It takes about 1 ½ to 2 years to get on your feet as an agent.
And months you have no folks traveling, you receive nothing !
Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

Do you know the average commission amount ?  10%

Ok, so the travelers package cost is $1,000.  Are you thinking $100 ?  Then that would be est 50 packages, right ?
Is this 10% on the entire amount of the travelers package ?  NO !
Today, the est tax on a 7 night cruise for a $1000 package is about $325 (?).  So now we’re talking $67.50 in commission.  Now you need to sell 74 packages.
Now, if you work by yourself, and not through an agency, this $67.50 is yours.  If you don’t work alone, you might have to split by 50%.  Now you’ve made $18.75.  Now that’s 266 packages.
Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

You say … Well why not be on your own and not connected to an agency ?

HHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEHEHHEEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE !!!!!
There a lot of laws in this industry.  Lot of rules.  Needed insurance. 
Not only do travelers “need a backing”, so do agents !
Not only this … But agents who work alone/on their own … Receive NO added discounts/amenities from the cruise lines … And often, not a chance at earning higher commissions or bonuses. 
So what advantages do you now have for the BENEFIT OF YOUR CUSTOMER to encourage them to buy from YOU ?
Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

 

You’ve heard the ol saying … DON’T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB !

And if you can only participate “part time”  … Hmmmmmm !
What if your “part time” evenings are filled with caller who are already booked … That means no additional money earned that day !
I personally work on the phones 9-6pm, M-F only.  At night, I’m either finishing up with a call that came in before 6pm, or paperwork.  My weekends are my best time in getting needed paperwork done, when I’m on the phone.  FYI, I don’t have a husband, kids, nor grandkids that I must divide my time with.
Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

Let’s talk about “perks” you could receive as a traveler WITHOUT having to be an agent … And leaving the work to your agent !

Above, I mentioned 10% hotel discounts.  AAA and AARP.  I’m not receiving better than you (other than maybe a Marriott once in a while “if” I can find a participating hotel in my area of travel) !

Let’s talk about Cruise credits ! 

And I don’t mean credit card points !  And I don’t mean past passenger perks !

Maybe not you … But many travelers are taking advantage of cruise credits.  This too is where my 20%, mentioned above, has come from. 

The cruise lines award YOU as a group leader.  You decided the date you want … Have your agent hold space specifically for you.  Now you invite family & friends to join you.  These cruise credits/earnings begin with only 8 couples of 16 people.  Sometimes … Not all the time … The cruise lines will run a sale, where this number is lowered.  AND … You can use points for your group, to get this number lowered.  SEE THE WORLD !

Where have I taken groups ? All over the World ... Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bermuda, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Hawaii, South America & more.  Call & join one of my groups today !

 

We use to call it ... Cruise Free.  But today ... So much has changed.  Taxes are never free.  Sometimes, 1/2 your cost is taxes.  And ... Cruise lines won't pay commission on your free ticket.  So this too is deducted from the amount.  See why we no longer say cruise free ... But instead, I call it cruise credits.

 

You say you don’t have that many friends ?  Then how do you think you can be an agent ?

Getting in this industry begins with you reaching out to family, friends, co-workers. 
If you can surpass getting a group together and sail … I’m sorry to say, your odds at being successful as an agent has just gone down.
That’s a true test … Start with putting a group together, before EVER considering the idea of being a travel agent.  If it works & you like it … You can either begin then … Or … Try it out another year … Or another cruise in the same year.  You may sadly learn, same folks can’t travel every year … Nor more than once a year.
Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

If I had it to do all over again … I would have kept my real job.  I would have chosen 6 dates a year, and invite everyone I know, to sail with me, so I would get these cruise credits.  And I would let my agent do the work !  Why ? There are some days, I “wish” for such freedom.  Other days … I love what I do … Helping others out of a pinch … Getting more savings for my customer because of being part of the Cruises Inc team !

 

Consider cruising on cruise credits … And let your agent do the work.

Travel agent work is not for everyone !  Not that you don’t have it, but It takes a special type of personality, along with attention to details (thinking out of the box for others), and understanding industry rules !  And the education NEVER STOPS.  To be in our company, there are classes you must take ... Then  there's CLIA's cruise program to reach certain levels, like I'm a Master Cruise Specialists ...  Then there's the cruise line programs ... And a million Tour Operators.  This is not a "get educated over night" type of career !  Not only do you need the travel education, you have to learn "how the cruise lines/tour operators" work ... And if in our company, that insight too.  Not only for individuals, but for GROUPS !  My company offers 3-6 insightful seminars a week !

If you still want onboard as an agent … Call me … Cruises Inc is the best agency to be a part of !  We're not like any other agency or a franchize ... We are team ... I'm not alone ... I have a 63 person back office staff ! And as the "largest cruise-only distributor", we get the best perks/pricing "from the cruise lines", FBO our clients !

Oh yeah, we have a few internal quirks too.
But I made the right decision 25 years ago … And have not change my mind … FBO my client … And for me !