Home-based travel agent - host agencies in Ontario/Canada?

[trivial]

I'm looking into becoming a home-based travel agent, and am looking for a good host agency in Ontario or Canada. My interest is specializing in Disney travel, but it doesn't really matter to me if the host agency specializes in Disney travel, as long as they have a clean reputation and a reasonable commission rate. Please PM me if you have any recommendations or offers. Thanks!

[misslissa]

What kind of previous work experience do you have?

[mousy_in_canada]

I too am very interested in this.. I am always getting calls now from friends of friends to book their trips, I currently have 4 Disney trips on the go and one trip to Spain and one to Austria.. I might as well branch into the travel business.. I think I am there already lol

If you find a good host agency can you let me know too?

[tmli]

This weekend there is a travel and leisure show at the International Center in Toronto....there will probably be home based agencies exhibiting.

[F4disneyfan]

This sounds interesting and I currently plan about 8-10 Disney trips a year not counting the trips that I rent DVC points for. When somone gets info about this please post it.

[misslissa]

I have no idea. When you want to be an agent, most companies you apply to/work for require a certified Travel and Tourism Program or CTC Certification which is equal to a Travel and Tourism Program. :confused3

[lisaviolet]

I have no idea. When you want to be an agent, most companies you apply to/work for require a certified Travel and Tourism Program or CTC Certification which is equal to a Travel and Tourism Program. :confused3


TPI (Travel Professionals International) doesn't. Host company.

They take those looking into starting a travel business. But you need to provide a large outlay. Experienced travel agents, with strong sales, can come aboard for a nominal fee. Their head office is in Winnipeg. But they are Canada wide and have an office in Ontario. You can can get credits toward your CTC with their training.

I know of an experienced agent who works for them/with them. She has been impressed with their professionalism.

[minnie56]

Cruise Ship Centers

http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Consultant.aspx

I work with them. Good Company and I sell about 50-50 Cruises and Disney! I make my own hours and mostly work from home.

:thumbsup2

[lisaviolet]

Cruise Ship Centers

http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Consultant.aspx

I work with them. Good Company and I sell about 50-50 Cruises and Disney! I make my own hours and mostly work from home.

:thumbsup2

Thanks so much for this information Minnie56. If you don't mind, did you have to provide an initial outlay or were you simply hired by them?

Thanks,

Lisa

[minnie56]

I did..I think around $800 if I recall correctly? And yearly approx $160 to be able to access their 'Intranet' kind of system for booking etc etc...

Good Luck!

[lisaviolet]

I did..I think around $800 if I recall correctly? And yearly approx $160 to be able to access their 'Intranet' kind of system for booking etc etc...

Good Luck!

Thanks Minnie56. Three more. Can you work solely at home? And book any travel reservations? And I assume they are TICO registered. Correct?

Thanks again for sharing.

Lisa

[minnie56]

Thanks Minnie56. Three more. Can you work solely at home? And book any travel reservations? And I assume they are TICO registered. Correct?

Thanks again for sharing.

Lisa

-Yes, you can work solely at home
-Can book ANY travel reservations, access to all
-TICO and CLIA registered. Now in part owned by EXPEDIA so access to the best prices!
No prob..
;)

[lisaviolet]

Thanks so much.

[mousy_in_canada]

Thank you for posting those links, I have emailed them and will see what they say!

Mousy

[eryn the pooh]

Hey mousy,
I actually just had an interview with the local cruise ship centers in my area(BC) on Wednesday. I was shown a training kit that I need to do before starting and the price of it was about 1030$ with taxes. I have just finished a year long course with algonquin academy in Toronto so the girl I saw said I wouldn't have to do the entire training. She is right now finding out how much I will have to do and pay for.
I found that in BC this was really the best option for me. They seemed to be actually better set up for independant agents than any other agency here. But I did not venture out to companies that did not have offices near me, so that limited my choices.
I really liked the manager I met with and it seems like they give alot of support to help out new comers. I am a little concerned about the commission rate. I think it's only 40/60 and that sounds hard to make a living out of. But I might be mistaken.
Anyway, let me know how it goes and I'll keep you posted with any info I get if you want.

Eryn

[mousy_in_canada]

Thanks!
I got an email from TPI and they are WAY more expensive to start but you get 10% more.. not sure if that is worth it or not.
this was in the email I got

We have two different investment levels.

The first level is $8,900. At this level you can have 1 additional person work with you. The $8,900 will cover both training spots. Your commission level will remain at 70%.

The second level is $12,900. At this level you can have an additional 3 people work with you. Again at the price, it will cover all 4 training spots. Your commission can go up to 80%




So as you can see $1,000 sounds a lot better.. I will have to wait to see when I get the email from the cruise ship centers and go from there I am interested in seeing what they have for us in the southern Ontario area.

I appreciate you letting me know!
Mousy

[lisaviolet]

Thank you for posting those links, I have emailed them and will see what they say!

Mousy

Mousy,

Keep me posted. I've emailed them as well. Thank you for starting this thread. Eryn, thank you for posting your information as well.

Lisa

[eryn the pooh]

No problem!

A few questions to ask are what kind of fee's you will pay, yearly or monthly, also if you are given any help with advertising, maybe bonuses and advancement to higher commission rates, your FAM opportunities, etc...! There is so much to learn and ask! The past few months have been the busiest ever!

Keep me posted as well with your info from cruise ship centers.


Eryn

[OnMedic]

Dead Thread?

I am curious to find out what solution paid the best commission, while offering the best support; backend, training, CRM and marketing.

We are looking at the Home Based-Independant option as well as an exit plan for my wife from her current career. We are well travelled and might as well expand our passion and family/friend planning experience!

I think you are correct in saying CruiseShipCentres commission is diismal in comparison, while still requiring a start-up fee, annual technology fee, and maybe even a monthly fee?

40% commission split...

= Commission on average cruise ($3,000 booking value) = $180
= Commission on average DCL ($3,000 booking value) = $144

Therefore...

To make $30K a year with a product/pricing mix = 75% Standard Cruise Line/25% Disney Cruise lines...

you would need to book 125 Standard Cruises and 52 Disney Cruises. Tall order, especially starting out.

If anyone can find 70-80% commission split with minimal start-up and onging costs, let us know!

[minnie56]

I am not sure why the CSC start up fee is so steep for you?
When I started 6 years ago I paid approx $800
The website as of today has fee's as follows...recession has made a dent!

The investment for a Retail Cruise & Travel Consultant is as follows:

Expedia CruiseShipCenters offers the opportunity for a rewarding career and a great lifestyle.Initial Investment $495 CAD
Marketing $170 CAD / year
Includes CruiseDesk® license, personal website, unlimited email marketing
Available Territories Canada

There is no monthly fee and commission split increases with sales..I think the minimum split (for you) relates to sales under $150,000. Once you are over that, it gets better.

Buying power of ECSC affects the commission rate of various cruiseline being a preferred customer..but most are around 15-18% based on prices before taxes. Many do this as a retirement job..some make some serious money. Most, not.

:confused3

[mollyseven]

Travel Counsellors is another work from home agency in Canada. They are a U.K company that has expanded into Canada and it's a great company.
They are looking to expand more and they offer a great split, low monthly fees and give you everything you need to suceed. They give you a laptop fully loaded with all you need to work from home. You go to Toronto for 3 days of training and get your supplies, business cards etc and then you are ready to roll.
PM me if you would like information and I can send you a referral for more info.

[monkey30]

In Alberta I believe you still need your tourism certifcation for this am I wrong in this?

[Susan2771]

Flight Center has a home based agent program as well but you need to have a very strong existing client base. They have a fairly generous commission split but you need to have experience in being a travel agent.

In terms of training, you have to go out there and find it on your own to keep up with the ever changing world of travel, suppliers, products, brands, niche markets, destinations, attractions, etc. Maybe it would be a good start for your wife to start taking some courses in a travel and tourism program to get her certification and also get prepared for the Tico exam which she will need to pass to be able to sell travel if you are in Ontario

[tone.def]

In Alberta I believe you still need your tourism certifcation for this am I wrong in this?

You do need to pass the TICO exam in Ontario. No pass, no sell. You sell without passing, you get fined.

[mousy_in_canada]

Besides earning commissions may I ask what the benefits are to being a travel agent. Do you get discounts off your stays in hotels and cruises are are those type of discounts not really there?

[TinkPirateMom]

I am a work from home independent travel consultant. I am in the US and travel agencies here work different than from Canada but I would be happy to answer any questions the best I can.

Here 80% is usually the best cut you can get (few exceptions). It is a very difficult business to break into if you do not have an existing client base. I don't want to sound pessimistic at all and I actually think agents in Canada have it a better than we do here as far as making money (most Canadians travel for a week to 2 weeks at a time, Americans tend to take 3-4 night trips that don't have as much profit), but here are some things to consider that a lot of newcomers may not know about:
1. Out of pocket expenses can be high. I spend over $700.00 just at he post office last year. Office supplies, computer, internet, fax, phone line, mail, fees to hot agency, business cards and other marketing materials, tables at bridal shows and trade shows, etc.
2.We do not get paid until several weeks after the clients travel. Take a look at the boards here to see how far in advance some people plan their trips. This can sometimes mean that you spend a year working with a client just to earn a couple of hundred dollars. Also if guests cancel you make either nothing or a small amount paid by insurance company if insurance is purchased. Also ste up a system to deter tire kickers. Dreams Unlimited has a system I really like from what I have read on their site as far as quotes are free but you must actually book to be assigned a travel consultant and given their number. I have worked with clients for months and given them countless quotes only for them to decide to book on Expedia to save 20 bucks when I could have matched the price anyway.

You do receive discounts from hotels but there are usually restrictions as far as who you can bring (if anyone) and when you can travel. Airlines do not give us discounts. However, that's another area that I think may be slightly better in CA as I think some tour ops give airline discounts and comps to those in the travel industry.

If you want to specialize in Disney travel you will want to complete the Disney College of Knowledge online.

HTH!

[minnie56]

Yes, lots of benefits! Often-but not always discounts on hotels, many at 50% off. Usually applicable on 1 room.Some airllines offer decent deals (Westjet is one) but you can't book outside of something like 30 days and it is for you and 1 guest. Cruiselines offer decent TA rates on select sailings usually within the next 3 months. If you want to book far out of course you will always pay the net price..minus your commissions. Cunard/Princess offer a free cruise for you and 1 guest upon completion of an online training course which is pretty lengthy to complete but totally do-able. Discounts on Park N Fly (50%)--car rentals etc...and of course, there are many fams and seminars available. Last Fall for attending a Bermuda information evening, you could sign up for a 5 days trip to Bermuda-for $300. That was air - deluxe hotel and most meals. Not too shabby.

Of course, Always great rates on rooms at Disney and DCL and throughout the year other promos that include passes and free dining.

IMO--the BEST travel 'club' out there!:)

**I should add also-I don't pay for my mailings, but do pay for my own office supplies and if I want to participate in a show of any kind I would pay that fee as well. Haven't done it-and if I chose to do likely would get involved with other agents in the office to offset costs I imagine.

[Susan2771]

Tink Pirate is right on a lot of what she wrote.

[My 2 princesses]

So I gotta ask......how hard are the TICO exams???

[minnie56]

Not hard..read the book and it's multiple choice and pretty easy!:)

[tone.def]

Not hard..read the book and it's multiple choice and pretty easy!:)

Yes, but you are not forgetting to mention to these discount hungry, starry-eyed folks that in order to qualify for the discounts and fam trips, it takes a lot of more than saying you're a travel agent! You need to work for an agency, get an IATA card and in order to get one, you have to sell something like over $10,000 a year in travel...

[APB513]

Yes, but you are not forgetting to mention to these discount hungry, starry-eyed folks that in order to qualify for the discounts and fam trips, it takes a lot of more than saying you're a travel agent! You need to work for an agency, get an IATA card and in order to get one, you have to sell something like over $10,000 a year in travel...

Actually in order to qualify for the IATA card you have to earn at least $10,000 a year in commission not sell $10,000 in travel.

[TinkPirateMom]

Actually in order to qualify for the IATA card you have to earn at least $10,000 a year in commission not sell $10,000 in travel.
Right, so it will take a year or two to do this because it is based on commission earned and commission is not paid out until after travel. Most industry discounts require you to have an IATA ID card to qualify. Don't get me wrong, I think the benefits are decent but if you need to actually earn a living and you do not have an existing client base it can be difficult.
So just to give you an idea this is what I find myself thinking some days....
Is it really worth it to work my butt off for $20,000.00 a year and travel discounts or should I look for a higher paying job so that I can still travel and not need the discounts?
I am currently dealing with a client that was supposed to travel last September for her wedding. She canceled the wedding with less than 24 hours notice. Her trip was non-refundable at that point and she had no insurance. However, I went out of my way to change her travel dates so she could use the trip in the future. She picked this July as her new travel dates. Now here we are a month before travel and she needs to cancel or change her dates again. When I re-booked her new dates I had her sign a contract stating that this new booking was 100% non-refundable and the dates could not be changed again nor could names or resort. She is calling the owner of the agency and the tour operator screaming crying that I will not help her. Ugggh!!!! Be prepared to be on call 24/7 to deal with this crap as an independent agent.
Sorry that turned into a vent. I just try to warn people that think this is such a fun job and that you get to travel for free. It's like any other job there are perks but there are down sides.

[minnie56]

All good points..you have to be in this for reasons other than the deals for sure. It is a full time commitment and you certainly earn your money! For me, it makes the $$$ I intended it to and pretty much allows me to travel all over for decent prices. That said, I have been in the travel business of one type or another for 37yrs..it's in my blood, I wouldn't know how to do anything else and I love putting all kinds of vacations together and getting positive feedback for my efforts! I can make a difference and that feels good?

:)

[TinkPirateMom]

All good points..you have to be in this for reasons other than the deals for sure. It is a full time commitment and you certainly earn your money! For me, it makes the $$$ I intended it to and pretty much allows me to travel all over for decent prices. That said, I have been in the travel business of one type or another for 37yrs..it's in my blood, I wouldn't know how to do anything else and I love putting all kinds of vacations together and getting positive feedback for my efforts! I can make a difference and that feels good?

:)

Great response! Thank you for sharing your experience as a TA. I have found that those that have been in the business for years do make quite a decent living. For me, I started at a large agency (not as an independent) and there I had a set salary rather than commission only. I was there for 2 years. I don;t think there are many places like that left that pay salary rather than commission. For the past 3 years I have been a home based agent and I specialize in Destination Weddings in the Caribbean and Mexico. To be honest, I think I may just be burned out on wedding clients. Brides/Grooms and their families can be tougher than your average vacation client.

The first year as an independent, I don't think I had any income at all. Not because I wasn't working or didn't have clients but because everyone plans their wedding travel a year in advance so I worked for a year with no income and then that first set of clients began traveling and I started to see an income the 2nd year albeit not the greatest. However, that year I traveled to Jamaica, Aruba, Turks and Caicos, and Riviera Maya on discounted rates (little or nothing for resort, paid full price for airfare). This year, I am starting to make better money but finding it difficult to travel because these bridal clients seem to need me 24/7.

Working from home takes some getting used to because you never get to leave work, but after a while the right balance can be found. This business can be very rewarding as the PP describes. I think starting out will just take patience and perseverence. I know when I was on a travel agent only FAM in Mexico I was with many Canadian travel agents. They were making higher commissions because their clients tend to take longer vacations which is nice. They were also allowed to bring their spouses on that trip and the agents form the US were not, not sure why? I believe Canadian TA's still make commission from airfare as well while we do not. So you have some advantages on your side. Best of luck!

[ccudmore]

Great response!I believe Canadian TA's still make commission from airfare as well while we do not. So you have some advantages on your side. Best of luck!

According to a travel agent I know here in Canada, they get commission on airfare for AirCanada and WestJet, but not from any U.S.-based airlines. That info is a couple years old so I'm not sure if it's still accurate.

[minnie56]

We get small commission from Westjet and only a small amount on Tango fares only with AC. Hence adding a nominal booking fee because researching air is very timely. We can sometimes book air with a consolidator and find better than the consumer can ie: booked air yesterday YYZ-YVR for $598 w/Westjet and the WJ site had it at $756 so I would add a small fee and the client is still delighted because it is less than they would be able to find it for. Win-win. No commissions with U.S carriers...

TinkPM sounds like you invest a lot of time and energy! I am on call too...but I do manage to get away and the office takes over in my absence. Good support system thankfully...we help each other.:)

[sue_gowin]

I can't believe I JUST came across this thread!!! I decided to make a big change just after the new year this year, and signed up for an online travel agent program. After graduating that, I found it hard (of course) to find a job. I really wanted to focus on Disney vacations, but that's hard to come by in Canada. I signed up with Expedia CruiseShipCenters in June, and am well on my way. Luckily we know a lot of people, and those people have been really good at spreading the work to "book with Sue!!". I paid the $500 start-up fee, and had my e-mail and booking engine working that afternoon. I wrote my TICO a few weeks ago and passed (even though I thought I failed!!), so I'm "officially" good to go!!!
Minnie56...I'm almost done with the "Disney Learning Connection" program, and I'm planning on booking myself a trip for next year with my sister. I'm having a hard time finding out if I can book myself a package with the agent discount. I know I can get a room discount, and I know I can get a ticket discount, but I can combine the two? Or do I have to do just one or the other? Also, If I can combine room/ticket discounts, can I add a dining plan? Again, I'm just having a hard time finding any information on this on the Disney agent site.
TIA!!!!!!!

[mollyseven]

Sue.....the disney agent site is easy. On the top you see a bunch of areas to click on and one is agent benefits....you can hover over that and a drop down menu comes up with Disneyworld hotel rates, tickets etc.etc.
When you click on this you can find out about agent hotel rates or ticket discounts. You can get a free ticket once per year for yourself and no discounts for others. You can get agent rates any times per year at all the hotels. I went in May and stayed at POR with an agent rate and they switch up the hotels offered every few days it seems.....sometimes they had cbr offered and sometime POR or whatever for moderates.
You have two days to fax them a copy of your iata card or they cancel your reservation.
I have stayed at all the mod's and a value and deluxe.......but just once used the agent rate as I only started working again as an agent in December.

[TinkPirateMom]

I have our room booked under the Disney Travel Agent discounted rates. It is a huge discount. The discounted ticket has more requirements than just booking the room (some college of knowledge must be completed and you must have so much in Disney sales or at least that's the way it is for US agents).

I am not sure if you can purchase a dining plan when booked with these rates. That's a great question though!

[My 2 princesses]

I can't believe I JUST came across this thread!!! I decided to make a big change just after the new year this year, and signed up for an online travel agent program. After graduating that, I found it hard (of course) to find a job. I really wanted to focus on Disney vacations, but that's hard to come by in Canada. I signed up with Expedia CruiseShipCenters in June, and am well on my way. Luckily we know a lot of people, and those people have been really good at spreading the work to "book with Sue!!". I paid the $500 start-up fee, and had my e-mail and booking engine working that afternoon. I wrote my TICO a few weeks ago and passed (even though I thought I failed!!), so I'm "officially" good to go!!!
Minnie56...I'm almost done with the "Disney Learning Connection" program, and I'm planning on booking myself a trip for next year with my sister. I'm having a hard time finding out if I can book myself a package with the agent discount. I know I can get a room discount, and I know I can get a ticket discount, but I can combine the two? Or do I have to do just one or the other? Also, If I can combine room/ticket discounts, can I add a dining plan? Again, I'm just having a hard time finding any information on this on the Disney agent site.
TIA!!!!!!!


Just curious - can you sign up with an agency first and then write the TICO exam or do you have to write the exam first. I'm just wondering if I am reading you right.

[mollyseven]

For us here anyway it's not about sales it is just about completing your disney college of knowledge program.
And in order to sell travel here you have to have completed your tico exam, so I cannot imagine anyone hiring someone without having completed your tico exam.
The exam is easy, not hard and anyone can do it. Having that piece of paper will not make you a good travel agent it just makes it legal.

[TinkPirateMom]

For us here anyway it's not about sales it is just about completing your disney college of knowledge program.
And in order to sell travel here you have to have completed your tico exam, so I cannot imagine anyone hiring someone without having completed your tico exam.
The exam is easy, not hard and anyone can do it. Having that piece of paper will not make you a good travel agent it just makes it legal.

Actually, it is the same for us no sales requirement, my mistake. We just have to show a valid IATAN or CLIA card when picking up the park ticket, When making a discounted room reservation we have to fax a copy of the IATAN or CLIA ID card and then show it again at check-in.

[minnie56]

I can't believe I JUST came across this thread!!! I decided to make a big change just after the new year this year, and signed up for an online travel agent program. After graduating that, I found it hard (of course) to find a job. I really wanted to focus on Disney vacations, but that's hard to come by in Canada. I signed up with Expedia CruiseShipCenters in June, and am well on my way. Luckily we know a lot of people, and those people have been really good at spreading the work to "book with Sue!!". I paid the $500 start-up fee, and had my e-mail and booking engine working that afternoon. I wrote my TICO a few weeks ago and passed (even though I thought I failed!!), so I'm "officially" good to go!!!
Minnie56...I'm almost done with the "Disney Learning Connection" program, and I'm planning on booking myself a trip for next year with my sister. I'm having a hard time finding out if I can book myself a package with the agent discount. I know I can get a room discount, and I know I can get a ticket discount, but I can combine the two? Or do I have to do just one or the other? Also, If I can combine room/ticket discounts, can I add a dining plan? Again, I'm just having a hard time finding any information on this on the Disney agent site.
TIA!!!!!!!

Congrats!You can combine the TA room discount and also get a 2 day parkhopper complimentary once a year. Occasionally through the year they will have a time limited promotion that will include free dining as well. Somtimes in late Nov into Dec. You cannot purchase it.

As someone else has mentioned...no sales requirement here in Canada and a IATA or CLIA ID card is required via fax within 24hrs I believe of booking a room at the TA rate.

Good luck! Have fun!

[sue_gowin]

My 2 Princesses - you have to pay to do the exam whether or not you have found a job. I'm pretty sure it's a standard rate (I think it was $40, plus $20 fee for the procter while you're doing the exam).

As for my room/ticket issue...I'm almost done the first block of College of Knowledge programs, I have a lot of time during the day, so I seem to be zooming through them. minnie56, just to clarify, I can combine room/tickets. Say I want to add a 10-day park hopper. I'm not looking for a discount here, I'll pay full price for the tickets, I just want to have them!!! Also, with the dining plan...has anyone ever tried adding it to their agent discount ressie? Again, I'm obviously not looking for discount, but I'm a big believer in the dining plan, and insist of having it when I go to Disney. Are you saying they won't let you add it on at full-price??? I wonder why that is...that stresses me out a bit, because I know my sister will want it as well. Maybe I should just call them??

[minnie56]

You can book your room at the TA rate and apply separately for the 2 day comp parkhopper. You cannot add tickets or dining - at least online. If you call, perhaps you can add the additional tickets but I am pretty sure that the dining can only be added at certain times of the year when Disney have TA promos including it? Let me know if they tell you otherwise? Call the TA line, they are pretty good with clarifying.:thumbsup2

[TinkPirateMom]

Instead of the comp 2 day park hopper you can get a discounted 10 day park hopper w/ water parks and more option for $213 (retails for $401) for yourself only. You cannot add no expiration to it. It can be requested once per calendar year. Again this is assuming we get the same offers here (sorry if I'm intruding on a Canadian agency thread).

If you do find anything about purchasing the dining plan with a discounted room rate, please let us know! If it definitely is not possible to add and you really want the Plan and are staying value or mod it may just be better to go during Free Dining.

[Mickey1Fan]

I am a PT TA and since I have not made $10,000 in commission, and probably never will, I can not get an IATA card. I was not even able to book my last trip using the TA discount. I had to find the best package available. I am working for a small company that has been in Toronto for over 40 years.

I was quite disappointed as the prices were much better for the TA.

I have completed all the College of Disney Knowledge courses including the advanced.

[minnie56]

Instead of the comp 2 day park hopper you can get a discounted 10 day park hopper w/ water parks and more option for $213 (retails for $401) for yourself only. You cannot add no expiration to it. It can be requested once per calendar year. Again this is assuming we get the same offers here (sorry if I'm intruding on a Canadian agency thread).

If you do find anything about purchasing the dining plan with a discounted room rate, please let us know! If it definitely is not possible to add and you really want the Plan and are staying value or mod it may just be better to go during Free Dining.

Yes, there is that option too! My DD was working at Disney (Epcot) for the past year so I have been using her 'deals' so haven't even looked at what I can get in ages....good reminder!

From the site:

Discount Ticket
One specially priced 2- to 10-day Magic Your Way® Ticket with Park Hopper® and Water Park Fun & More Options

[sue_gowin]

I am a PT TA and since I have not made $10,000 in commission, and probably never will, I can not get an IATA card. I was not even able to book my last trip using the TA discount. I had to find the best package available. I am working for a small company that has been in Toronto for over 40 years.

I was quite disappointed as the prices were much better for the TA.

I have completed all the College of Disney Knowledge courses including the advanced.

Oh dear, that's awful. I wonder why you had trouble booking, and minnie56 hasn't had any trouble. Minnie - do you have your IATA card?? Have you sold $10000 in commission? This might make my dining plan problem much easier if I can't even get the TA discount. Sorry, Mickey1Fan, I can't believe they put such restrictions on TA's!

[sue_gowin]

Instead of the comp 2 day park hopper you can get a discounted 10 day park hopper w/ water parks and more option for $213 (retails for $401) for yourself only. You cannot add no expiration to it. It can be requested once per calendar year. Again this is assuming we get the same offers here (sorry if I'm intruding on a Canadian agency thread).

If you do find anything about purchasing the dining plan with a discounted room rate, please let us know! If it definitely is not possible to add and you really want the Plan and are staying value or mod it may just be better to go during Free Dining.

Thanks for the ticket info, TinkPirateMom....I was thinking the same thing about free dining. We already have our time set though, and it's right in between available dates for the dining plan (early May 2012). Go figure.:confused3

[minnie56]

Expedia Cruise Ship Centers is non IATA...we are a CLIA agency and also have a TIDS number of course. I use my CLIA ID card (you do have to have that and they expire every Dec 31 so have to be renewed) to book Disney. I have made over $10,000 in commissions but I wouldn't say thus far this year yet with Disney alone? It's never been a requirement for me or the other TA's in the office. I have a nice little Disney Client heading out this week that spent $5700 for 4 nights (!!) at Kidani AKL and added 12 hours of VIP tours at $275 an hour which I don't get ONE penny for! That hurt......
A lot.
:scared1:

[TinkPirateMom]

Expedia Cruise Ship Centers is non IATA...we are a CLIA agency and also have a TIDS number of course. I use my CLIA ID card (you do have to have that and they expire every Dec 31 so have to be renewed) to book Disney. I have made over $10,000 in commissions but I wouldn't say thus far this year yet with Disney alone? It's never been a requirement for me or the other TA's in the office. I have a nice little Disney Client heading out this week that spent $5700 for 4 nights (!!) at Kidani AKL and added 12 hours of VIP tours at $275 an hour which I don't get ONE penny for! That hurt......
A lot.
:scared1:

Oh my ! That sounds like an awesome trip but I can feel the hurt for you!

I think the $10,000.00 in commissions requirement is in regards to being able to apply for an IATA ID card which is required to book TA discounts with Disney not that it has to be sold through Disney trips. Is CLIA's requirement $10,000.00 as well?

[minnie56]

No, there is no $10,000 requirement with a CLIA card for whatever reason??:confused3

Thanks for sharing my pain lol..

[sue_gowin]

Expedia Cruise Ship Centers is non IATA...we are a CLIA agency and also have a TIDS number of course. I use my CLIA ID card (you do have to have that and they expire every Dec 31 so have to be renewed) to book Disney. I have made over $10,000 in commissions but I wouldn't say thus far this year yet with Disney alone? It's never been a requirement for me or the other TA's in the office. I have a nice little Disney Client heading out this week that spent $5700 for 4 nights (!!) at Kidani AKL and added 12 hours of VIP tours at $275 an hour which I don't get ONE penny for! That hurt......
A lot.
:scared1:

Ouch!!!! I'm in the middle of booking a 3 night AKL for 2500...I thought THAT was steep! I can't believe they don't commission for tours....and while on that topic, I get mad that I don't get commission for selling land excursions for cruises either. Very annoying.

[minnie56]

Ouch!!!! I'm in the middle of booking a 3 night AKL for 2500...I thought THAT was steep! I can't believe they don't commission for tours....and while on that topic, I get mad that I don't get commission for selling land excursions for cruises either. Very annoying.

I hear you...most of us use 'Shore trips' for cruise excursions. They do pay comm and are very reliable! have used them myself many times.

;)

[canadianmommyof2]

I'm also a home based agent with CruiseShipCenters...just started in January. Things are slow to start but I hope to see an increase come fall when more people in Canada travel to escape the frigid winters!

[lizzyb]

Wondering if any of you travel agents can help me. Looking for the best deal on a hotel close to the airport (buffalo) on August 27th. Thanks!

[VeroBeach]

No, there is no $10,000 requirement with a CLIA card for whatever reason??

IATA requirements are sales based. CLIA requirements are education based (ACC, MCC etc). CLIA used to require 1 training course per year; now you need to be enrolled in one of their education programs which can take a few years to complete.

[minnie56]

I'm also a home based agent with CruiseShipCenters...just started in January. Things are slow to start but I hope to see an increase come fall when more people in Canada travel to escape the frigid winters!

You will--it goes in spurts and takes time to build referrals...:thumbsup2

[connorsmom911]

Another p/t home-based TA here too! I just started in April under my sister, who also works p/t at the same agency. Things are definitely slow to start, as I am completely new to the travel industry, but I have booked a few clients so far! I'm doing it more for fun than anything else, as I have a stable, full-time job that pays the bills. I work for a great local agency, but their focus is certainly not on Disney, and that's all I want to sell! Keeps feeding my addiction above board!:rotfl:

I was a little disappointed that in order to take advantage of any agent discounts that we have to have an IATA or CLIA card, as I don't think I will even come close to $10K in commission, or be able to complete all the requirements for the CLIA card (the ship inspections part). But if I make enough commission to pay for a trip every year, then I'd be happy!

And I agree with the other posters...the TICO exam was pretty easy. It's the "learning the ropes" part that is really hard!! At least because I'm focusing solely on Disney (maybe Universal and Seaworld later on) I feel confident that I know what I'm selling! Currently working on a website, facebook and twitter, trying to spread the word. I'm hoping to organize a "Disney night" at my agency in the fall, and hopefully that will drum up some more business!

[Susan2771]

Expedia Cruise Ship Centers is non IATA...we are a CLIA agency and also have a TIDS number of course. I use my CLIA ID card (you do have to have that and they expire every Dec 31 so have to be renewed) to book Disney.

I work for an Expedia CSC and our office has an IATA number and I do have my own IATA card. It is a benefit to have because a number of suppliers require you to present your IATA or CLIA identification to take part in fam trips which are amazing learning and training opprotunities.

[minnie56]

I work for an Expedia CSC and our office has an IATA number and I do have my own IATA card. It is a benefit to have because a number of suppliers require you to present your IATA or CLIA identification to take part in fam trips which are amazing learning and training opprotunities.

Oh that's good...our location doesn't but the CLIA card gets the same access except for some airline rates (British Awys for example). I didn't know some did and some didn't ..I guess it's up to the franchise owner.

Connorsmom911 you don't have to complete all the CLIA accreditation to have the ID card. Used to be you had to complete an online course and apply, I think it might be a little more now but not the certification. I have my ACC and am debating going further...not sure it's really worth it but I had the card many times without anything more than 1 course completed.

[VeroBeach]

Connorsmom911 you don't have to complete all the CLIA accreditation to have the ID card.

New agents have 2 years to complete the ACC course; they can get the card if they are enrolled and working toward the ACC. If they don't achieve the ACC in 2 years, their card is suspended for 1 year and then they can try again. This was put into effect 2009.

See http://cruising.org/membership-center/2011-clia-photo-id-card for details.

[sue_gowin]

I'm hoping to organize a "Disney night" at my agency in the fall, and hopefully that will drum up some more business!

That sounds great!!! Keep us updated on how that goes!! Where in Canada are you? If you're close to me, I'd love to attend your "disney night" I promise not to sweep up any of your clientele!! lol

[sue_gowin]

New agents have 2 years to complete the ACC course; they can get the card if they are enrolled and working toward the ACC. If they don't achieve the ACC in 2 years, their card is suspended for 1 year and then they can try again. This was put into effect 2009.

See http://cruising.org/membership-center/2011-clia-photo-id-card for details.

GREAT information. Thanks for sharing....I'm definitely going to do this!

[Susan2771]

I'm hoping to organize a "Disney night" at my agency in the fall, and hopefully that will drum up some more business!

Good luck with your Disney night. Be sure to contact your agency's Disney Rep for tips and collateral and goodies for a gift basket prize giveaway. If you think it will be hard to get a number of people out to a venue, consider hosting a webinar on Disney for clients interested in the product and potential clients. I know it's hard when you are targeting a family market to have them come out for an information night so sometimes a webinar from the comfort of their own home is a great alternative. I've been thinking about doing a Disney Cruise night at our agency in the fall and introduce clients who have done Walt Disney World to a whole other side of Disney

[connorsmom911]

Connorsmom911 you don't have to complete all the CLIA accreditation to have the ID card. Used to be you had to complete an online course and apply, I think it might be a little more now but not the certification. I have my ACC and am debating going further...not sure it's really worth it but I had the card many times without anything more than 1 course completed.

New agents have 2 years to complete the ACC course; they can get the card if they are enrolled and working toward the ACC. If they don't achieve the ACC in 2 years, their card is suspended for 1 year and then they can try again. This was put into effect 2009.

See http://cruising.org/membership-center/2011-clia-photo-id-card for details.

Thanks for that info!! I have my 40th b-day trip to WDW coming up and it was such a let-down after getting my "ears" to realize I couldn't get my comp ticket for that trip without an ID card. I did look into CLIA but I guess I didn't read close enough. Guess I know what I'm doing on nightshift tonight!!

That sounds great!!! Keep us updated on how that goes!! Where in Canada are you? If you're close to me, I'd love to attend your "disney night" I promise not to sweep up any of your clientele!! lol

I'm in Kitchener, and I certainly don't mind the support from other TA's! I kind of go by the "we should support eachother" philosophy, but thanks for promising not to steal clients!;)

Good luck with your Disney night. Be sure to contact your agency's Disney Rep for tips and collateral and goodies for a gift basket prize giveaway. If you think it will be hard to get a number of people out to a venue, consider hosting a webinar on Disney for clients interested in the product and potential clients. I know it's hard when you are targeting a family market to have them come out for an information night so sometimes a webinar from the comfort of their own home is a great alternative. I've been thinking about doing a Disney Cruise night at our agency in the fall and introduce clients who have done Walt Disney World to a whole other side of Disney

Yes, I talked to my Disney Rep a while ago and she offered collateral and a gift basket. I'm just trying to fit it into my schedule and figure out what to do/say/etc. The webinar is a fabulous idea! I'll pick my boyfriend's brain on that one as he's delivering a lot of the training for his company by webinar now.

Maybe we should all crash eachother's "Disney nights" to get ideas!:woohoo:

[Nagle]

Cruise Ship Centers

http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Consultant.aspx

I work with them. Good Company and I sell about 50-50 Cruises and Disney! I make my own hours and mostly work from home.

:thumbsup2

Just wanted to offer a heads up about Expedia CSC. While I am glad for you that your experience has been a good one, my association has been less than satisfying.

I attended one of their seminars last October because I wanted to get into the industry part time as a prep for when I retire from my full time work. The session was to recruit people for their new office they were opening in my home town.
I ended up signing up. Paid over $600 for the start up fees plus the $160 or so that you mention for the web site stuff.
After my Amex cleared, all of a sudden the manager was not nearly so quick answering my emails, my training materials were over a month in arriving (never did get my business cards or name tag)and there was still no evidence that they were going to open an office here. To be fair, I was also getting quite busy at work and most of the "webinars" were running at times I could not attend.
By March, I had become quite unhappy with the lack of contact and decided to back out. I spoke to the local manager and explained my concerns/situation and asked for a pro-rated portion of my fees back. I full expected to lose the $160 for the yearly web site fee, but when all was said and done the declined to return any of my up front money. I will copy and paste the note I finally got back from the manager.

Just clearing my emails and realized I had never responded. This is what I got back from partner support. Sorry, wish I could give you a better answer.



Hi Cathy



Unfortunately these requests have been happening way to often which is never good to hear and we have had to put a policy in that we have and are going to follow the existing policy which is ‘cancel within 30days for a full refund minus 100.00’. Unfortunately this does not fall into those parameters.



Leah.

So after I joined they added a policy because people were backing out. The policy was not in place when I joined, but they still didn't refund me a dime.

So for about $760 I have a really nice faux leather Expedia Cruise Ship Centres folder.

As you can imagine, I wouldn't recommend them as employers nor would I as a Travel Agency.

Regards
John

[Susan2771]

Nagle,

I am really sorry to read about your experience with Expedia CSC. I know it takes a lot of work as an independent consultant when you are brand new to the industry and there is a lot to learn. Maybe the timing just wasn't right with you being busy as you were at your full-time job and the office you signed up with definitely dropped the ball in terms of your training and getting you started off. Many of the webinars are recorded that you can go through them on your own time and it is unfortunate again that the manager of that office did not go over with you where to find the training material. I do not know where in Ontario you are located, but did you consider looking into transferring to a different office?

[sue_gowin]

I was going to say the same thing, Susan2771. It's horrible how you were treated. When I started with them, I actually met with the owners multiple times to discuss whether or not it was a 'right fit' for us both. It's weird that they didn't ask to meet with you for a one-on-one 'interview'. I signed up on a Friday morning, and had my training package that Monday, and my business cards the following week. I guess I'm lucky that the owners of my office are incredible and very well organized. I'm sorry you had such a negative experience.

[minnie56]

That is most unfortunate Nagle that your experience wasn't a positive one with ECSC. From what I can make out the franchises do vary greatly and mine from the get-go has been good. I have met the nicest people there and though sometimes I feel our owner isn't always as connected as one should be, overall it's a good fit. When I started there 6 years ago we had a 2 week training period, 9-5 and after that were encouraged to work independantly doing as many courses online/webinars as we could and attend as many presentations and product evenings as possible. I have completed every course pertinant to my business and still continue to keep myself updated on new product and promotions on a daily basis. I love the learning aspect and love what I do! The company as a whole has great buying power and is well respected so for me, it more than works.:)

[laura001]

Congrats!You can combine the TA room discount and also get a 2 day parkhopper complimentary once a year. Occasionally through the year they will have a time limited promotion that will include free dining as well. Somtimes in late Nov into Dec. You cannot purchase it.

As someone else has mentioned...no sales requirement here in Canada and a IATA or CLIA ID card is required via fax within 24hrs I believe of booking a room at the TA rate.

Good luck! Have fun!

Remember though, in order to get a IATA card you MUST make over 10000.00 in commission before you can get the card. Even if the agency itself is registered with IATA and CLIA, that is not enough, it MUST be the individual. This stops people that become agents just to try to get the benefits of these discounts.

Ooops...editing to say that perhaps I should have read the whole thread before putting my two cents in. Guess what I said has already been said 100 times.

[minnie56]

Remember though, in order to get a IATA card you MUST make over 10000.00 in commission before you can get the card. Even if the agency itself is registered with IATA and CLIA, that is not enough, it MUST be the individual. This stops people that become agents just to try to get the benefits of these discounts.

Yes, the $10,000 requirement has been mentioned here for the IATA card. Not so for CLIA though.