Becoming an Independent Disney Travel Agent

[disneycruising]

I sent you a pm.

[*Seanaci*]

Great topic. I've been wondering the same thing.

And now, after reading everyones posts, it's not for me. I would not be willing to be at the beck and call of the clients...I have my own little family and we are always running around. And have family days every weekend.

[poohfriend]

I'm a travel agent, work from home...and LOVE this job. It has real flexibility and even though I am on call for my clients, most respect normal family boundries.

I know that attention to detail ahead of the trip reduces the number of calls I receive as well.

I know this thread was started a month ago, but if anyone has interest, I'd be willing to answer your questions.

I've been doing this for 7 years (started with someone else and now work for myself.) So I have some experience I'd be willing to share.

One of the things I like best is that other Disney Travel agents are a helpful bunch. There seems to be a philosophy that there are plenty of clients for everyone...most love Disney so much, they're willing to help other agents out. I love my other Disney TA friends! One such Travel Agent when talking with me said, "Follow Your Dreams and see where they lead." Wow am I thankful I took her advice.

Some of the responses are "downer" responses. And that's okay. This job isn't for everyone. However, I've been able to make REAL money for my family in a sales position -- I never thought I'd like a sales position. But really, it's more like a guide/teacher. I get to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for Disney with each client. In the end, I know more about resorts than I do touring the parks because THAT is what my clients NEED -- help choosing which of the resorts to stay at and a general schedule for a trip.

Our extra money pays for ballet and music lessons, basketball seasons, Disney trips, and so many dinners out that we wouldn't have enjoyed without it. AND I LOVE IT!

PM me if you'd like information.

[NHKristy76]

Originally Posted by mdsoccermom

I love being an agent and make decent money (I don't do just Disney because I make more money booking other destinations as well), but these questions that pop up weekly drive me crazy. It's not an easy job, no matter how easy planning your BFFs Disney trip was.


It's just not that easy.

Yikes! That's a pretty big chip on your shoulder...

[BubMunkeyBles]

I've been looking into it lately also. I'm still doing a lot of research. Some companies seem better than others of course.

[mdsoccermom]

Originally Posted by NHKristy76

Yikes! That's a pretty big chip on your shoulder...

A chip on my shoulder? Hardly. It's reality. I love what I do. But the thing that gives real travel agents a bad name are those who are in it for the supposed perks and who don't realize the real work that goes into it. It's far more than getting online, booking the trip and that's it.

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Originally Posted by NHKristy76

Yikes! That's a pretty big chip on your shoulder...

What? Perhaps you misread the original post, which simply pointed out the realities of the job. The poster hardly has a "chip" on her shoulders.

[katrina1122]

I recently joined an at home/online disney travel agency. The agency gets 10% commission from the booking from WDW. They then take 20% I get 80%. 60% seems really low.

Also, you should not have to pay to join or do training, it's all free if you find the right agency.

[princesspwrhr]

I did this for 7 years. I absolutely LOVED it. However, the company I worked for was horrible at communication, even worse at paying it's agents and eventually I started referring my repeat clients to other agents I knew at different companies. I would have loved to help them plan their trips, but I was so _done_ dealing with my agency. I haven't booked for them for years and my info is still active and I've never received any phone call or email asking where I was, whether I was still working or anything.

When I first started I would get paid about a month after a trip. Then I started getting paid 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks after a trip. Every time I would call at 12 weeks and say "hey, could you check and see if my commission was mailed for X,Y & Z who traveled 3 months ago?" I would get the answer of "you'll get paid when Disney pays us." One time this went on for 6 months after I had several high commission trips. Usually after I called and got the standard answer, I would receive a check within a week. No phone call, no note, just a check.

The company would repeatedly change their internal policies and fail to send out emails to their home agents. The agents would do something by the old policy (thinking it still current) and then get a scathing phone call about the new protocol. I'm assuming the agents who worked in the agency at least knew about the policy changes. Several of us who went to onsite agent training together still talk, so I know it wasn't just me who was having difficulty getting paid or missing emails on policy changes. Many of us have moved to new agencies or quit altogether - and all without a word from the agency.

Be very careful about the agency you choose to work for. You don't want them to ruin what can be a wonderful experience for you.

[needpixiedust]

Originally Posted by mdsoccermom

But the thing that gives real travel agents a bad name are those who are in it for the supposed perks and who don't realize the real work that goes into it. It's far more than getting online, booking the trip and that's it.

Something I haven't seen mentioned here is how few real perks there are left for experienced, professional, credentialed TAs due to the influx of so many in it just for the perks. As an example, anyone with access to the wdtc page should read the 9/12 changes reportedly implemented as a direct result of long-term room discount abuses at certain wdw resorts by a known select few who brought attention upon themselves after becoming online TAs solely for the wdw discounts.

WDTC had one of the last TAAPs left that didn't require a booking/training/certification quota. Other travel providers & wholesalers increasingly eliminated/reduced fams & discounts in previous years. If the thought of getting a good rate on your vacations is what's motivating you, you'd do better saving your time & money. Search for a decent code to use instead. That's what any TA staying more than 7 days at wdw or traveling more than once in 12 month period has to do now anyway.

[mdsoccermom]

Originally Posted by needpixiedust

Something I haven't seen mentioned here is how few real perks there are left for experienced, professional, credentialed TAs due to the influx of so many in it just for the perks. As an example, anyone with access to the wdtc page should read the 9/12 changes reportedly implemented as a direct result of long-term room discount abuses at certain wdw resorts by a known select few who brought attention upon themselves after becoming online TAs solely for the wdw discounts.

WDTC had one of the last TAAPs left that didn't require a booking/training/certification quota. Other travel providers & wholesalers increasingly eliminated/reduced fams & discounts in previous years. If the thought of getting a good rate on your vacations is what's motivating you, you'd do better saving your time & money. Search for a decent code to use instead. That's what any TA staying more than 7 days at wdw or traveling more than once in 12 month period has to do now anyway.

I am glad they cracked down. I also once saw some on these boards ask if anyone has ever become a TA so they can write off their family vacations. Yeah, you go ahead and try that.

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Originally Posted by DisneyDanielle85

Contact your local AAA. They have a program where you could sell Disney Vacations through them with no experience and they train you and certify you with the expectation that you will maintain a minimum of $25,000 in yearly sales.

And this is why I don't use AAA You could get the agent with "no experience"

Seriously I no longer use ANY of the "Disney speciality" agencies due to the overall lack of professionalism and knowledge. Most of the agents view it as a hobby and the service reflects that.

There's a LOT of competition and having used a couple of agencies not many good choices.

Remember that there are a LOT of people like me. I have several "friends" who "claim" to be Disney specialist agencies. None of them will ever get a penny from me and I am not fond of being hit on by them to plan my vacation LOL!

I won't use an agency without 24/7 coverage. I won't use an agency where my agent books trips in between her normal job or the kids' activities or "whenever she has time" LOL!

[Nayan]

Originally Posted by OrangeCountyCommuter

And this is why I don't use AAA You could get the agent with "no experience"

Seriously I no longer use ANY of the "Disney speciality" agencies due to the overall lack of professionalism and knowledge. Most of the agents view it as a hobby and the service reflects that.

There's a LOT of competition and having used a couple of agencies not many good choices.

Remember that there are a LOT of people like me. I have several "friends" who "claim" to be Disney specialist agencies. None of them will ever get a penny from me and I am not fond of being hit on by them to plan my vacation LOL!

I won't use an agency without 24/7 coverage. I won't use an agency where my agent books trips in between her normal job or the kids' activities or "whenever she has time" LOL!

I 100% agree with this. Like I mentioned before people get all starry-eyed because it's Disney. Being a TA takes a lot of time, energy, money and just because you think it would be something to do part-time, it's not. Would you hire a part-time real estate agent to sell your house? I wouldn't. I'd want a professional whose only job is that. Same with a TA. If I have an issue and call you I don't want to hear your boss doesn't allow personal calls or that you'll take care of it after soccer practice. Making an selling things on Etsy is good for part-time. Being a TA is not.

[JoiseyMom]

Originally Posted by princesspwrhr

I did this for 7 years. I absolutely LOVED it. However, the company I worked for was horrible at communication, even worse at paying it's agents and eventually I started referring my repeat clients to other agents I knew at different companies. I would have loved to help them plan their trips, but I was so _done_ dealing with my agency. I haven't booked for them for years and my info is still active and I've never received any phone call or email asking where I was, whether I was still working or anything.

When I first started I would get paid about a month after a trip. Then I started getting paid 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks after a trip. Every time I would call at 12 weeks and say "hey, could you check and see if my commission was mailed for X,Y & Z who traveled 3 months ago?" I would get the answer of "you'll get paid when Disney pays us." One time this went on for 6 months after I had several high commission trips. Usually after I called and got the standard answer, I would receive a check within a week. No phone call, no note, just a check.

The company would repeatedly change their internal policies and fail to send out emails to their home agents. The agents would do something by the old policy (thinking it still current) and then get a scathing phone call about the new protocol. I'm assuming the agents who worked in the agency at least knew about the policy changes. Several of us who went to onsite agent training together still talk, so I know it wasn't just me who was having difficulty getting paid or missing emails on policy changes. Many of us have moved to new agencies or quit altogether - and all without a word from the agency.

Be very careful about the agency you choose to work for. You don't want them to ruin what can be a wonderful experience for you.

You are so right about the right agency. I did this for a short time, but the company was horrible! They never followed through with anything, communication support, it was a nightmare. I have been nervous about finding another agency.

[cseca]

Originally Posted by OrangeCountyCommuter

And this is why I don't use AAA You could get the agent with "no experience"

Seriously I no longer use ANY of the "Disney speciality" agencies due to the overall lack of professionalism and knowledge. Most of the agents view it as a hobby and the service reflects that.

There's a LOT of competition and having used a couple of agencies not many good choices.

Remember that there are a LOT of people like me. I have several "friends" who "claim" to be Disney specialist agencies. None of them will ever get a penny from me and I am not fond of being hit on by them to plan my vacation LOL!

I won't use an agency without 24/7 coverage. I won't use an agency where my agent books trips in between her normal job or the kids' activities or "whenever she has time" LOL!

I guess I'm trying to understand what you mean by this?
What's a 24/7 coverage? Something like orbitz, travelocity, and such?
I have yet to find a brick and mortar agency who offers 24/7 coverage. I'm curious about this statement.

I'm a part time TA as well and all my clients are referral only. I choose to be picky because I am too invested in my clients vacations everytime I plan them. I offer to plan EVERYTHING for my clients. They can pick and choose what they want me to do for them... and I charge $0....

All my clients know that they can reach me by phone or email and how to reach me when they are traveling. And I always make sure they understand the importance of having insurance coverage whenever they book with me.

I understand that not everyone will be comfortable booking with a part time agent. But if you find a good/reliable one I think they are worth their weight in gold.

Just MHO.