Just got offered a PT job at a trav. agcy. planning Disney trips, what do u think???

[ilovediznee]

I ordered my lunch at a local cafe and then into a local travel agency to pick up a new Disney cruise guide. I've been 37 time to WDW, but not their cruise yet.

I started talking to the owner and she started asking me a million questions about what I like, if I do the planning, etc. Then she said, "if you plan your friends trips, you should get paid to do that." I told her that I already work FT and just started working from home, but my dream job would be in plannin people's trips.

She told me to think about working from my home planning Disney trips for clients. They would teach me the ropes and the computer stuff, I would plan the trips and would split the commissions with them. I WOULD have to drum up most of my business, although they get some inquiries specifically for Disney, but I already do that for my friends and I could advertise locally at stores and in the papers.

What do you think?:earsgirl:

[JCW]

A few months ago I answered an Ad in the classified for the same type of job. Full training, then on-the-job training but it was totally outside sales. I already work a full time job too, so I think at this time it would be too much for me. Once you have a customer base, then it wouldn't be too bad. But it definitely sounds like a lot of fun for a Disney enthusiast.

The decision has to be yours. If you have the time, then I say go for it. When/if I am ever able to do it, I will (I kept the agents number). The best type of job is one you enjoy.

Good Luck.

[GoofItUp]

I am an outside agent and work a FT job. I specialize in Disney & cruises. However, I do not advertise at all and only book for friends and family. You have to do it because you enjoy it. Consider the amount of time it takes to really give people good service versus the amount of money you make in commissions (especially if you split it). I LOVE doing this, but I'm certainly not getting rich off of it! The perks are nice at times, too. You could always try it for a while and see how it goes.

[hookedup]

Working from home is the way of the future for travel agents. Specializing in certain niches is also the future of the retail agent. My advice is if you do it because you LOVE IT - not to make money. Then it is something to consider. Remember splitting the commission is probably 5% for you (or less) so negiotiate with the agency upfront about side perks and possible bonuses or commission increases if you reach certain sales goals. Otherwise you may find it is not worth your hard work and it is VERY time consuming!

[mtblujeans]

I would LOVE to do something like that. I am real anal about planning details when we take a trip....I research, and research, and research some more! It drives my husband nuts!! But I get alot of satisfaction from saving, saving, saving and getting the same good quality trip that everyone else gets!! :wave:

[goin2disneyagain]

This sounds like a lot of fun to me. I already work in the travel industry but not for a travel agency. Can someone point me in the right direction on how I could do something like this? I would love to do something like this, especially if I can specialize in Disney. :)

[ilovediznee]

Thanks for the emails. It helps alot. I would be doing it for the fun, but the money would come in handy too.

For those of you that might know, what amount do you think I would earn on a trip? I know someone said 5%, but is that based on the amount of the whole trip or how is it figured.

If a family of four spent $2000 on a trip, that would be $100 for me; correct??

Thanks again - Diane:cool2:

[KristiKelly]

I would LOVE to do something like that. If anyone out there is a travel agent in NC & would like to have someone do this from home, I'm your person::yes::

[simonmunro]

If I could turn "it" off I would love to do Disney planning for a living, however when I'm organizing a trip I get real OCD and can't relax until it's just right. I'd make about 2 cents an hour because I've sat up at 3 a.m. before going over my notes. :confused:

It's a labor of love for my own family trips and for those I love but I think it would be too draining for me personally to even attempt it for others.

[always quiet]

I would love to do something like this for a living.:bounce: My sister hates to call and make her ressies, then change them after a discount code would come out (heck, she wouldn't even know how to find a discount code!:rolleyes: ). I just saved her $703 on Monday when the Sept room code was released. Still looking for the AP code yet. I thoroughly enjoy myself doing this! :tongue:

[PatriciaH]

Originally posted by ilovediznee
Thanks for the emails. It helps alot. I would be doing it for the fun, but the money would come in handy too.

For those of you that might know, what amount do you think I would earn on a trip? I know someone said 5%, but is that based on the amount of the whole trip or how is it figured.

If a family of four spent $2000 on a trip, that would be $100 for me; correct??

Thanks again - Diane:cool2:

Yes, WDW travel Company and DCL give 10% comission (to us anyway.) Some things are non-comissionable (some air, taxes, port charges, etc..) so the full $2,000 may not be comissionable. Otherwise yes $2,000 would be a $200 comission. Some tour companies and cruise lines give more if you sell a lot with them. We have tour companies that we get 17% comission with.

[deanna2426]

I am an outside agent for a travel agency (split commissions 50/50). I specialize in Disney (what else?lol). I do spend alot of time planning trips (primarily friends and family, but the word does spread quick). I use codes, etc., to help lower their costs and also make PS for them. There is not a ton of money in it (10% on packages or room only, 5-7.5% on park admission), but I love it and the extra money helps pay for more Disney trips. The best part of it is I get paid commission off our trips to Disney and my portion of the trip is tax deductible(as are internet service, phone, office supplies, travel guides, etc.). You also get to call on the toll free travel agent line and if you sell enough in any given year, you can earn an IATAN card which will get you hotel discounts(not just Disney, but worldwide, and a free park pass each year,etc.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

It has been one of the best decisions I've made!

Good luck!

[TDERadulski]

Deanna2426 -
I sent you a PM!

- Tara

[inkkognito]

I say go for it!
It sounds like it is on the level, but just make sure that you get a fair commission split and that there are no "hidden" costs. There is a lot of information on the internet, and there is also a good book called "Home Based Travel Agent," although it is a little dated in terms of the internet.
I do this part time from home, mostly on the internet since I already have a Disney Cruise Line website and have taken 38 Disney cruises. The agency I teamed up with also gets group rates for certain cruise dates, which allows me to offer good deals on those dates. That and cheaper e/o insurance is a good reason to link up with a good agency.
I advise making the investment in setting up a website.
Good luck!
Barb