Advertising budget questions for current disney TAs

[fam4jc]

Hi. I have just signed up to sell Disney and other family related (didn't know there was other!) travel. My question to all you TA's out there is since I must generate my own leads (not a web based co) how much should I budget for print advertising? How frequently should I advertise? I don't pay for anything except my personal advertising. The co pays for all printing, postage, brochures, etc. I know that it will take a while to begin getting bookings. Is print advertising worth the expense? Do you get leads via your local paper ads?

Thanks for your help.

ps - this is a part time job to fullful my 100% full time dream to go to disney every few months!!

 

[HM]

I am not a TA, but I thought I'd poke in and give an opinion.

If your local paper has a Sunday travel section (our's usually has a page of TA and hotel advertising), I'd put a small ad in each week.

I'd also look around and see if your area has a local free Parenting paper that you could advertise in as well (usually a monthly magazine/paper that is placed in areas parents frequent).

Good luck to you! I hope your dreams come true.

-HM

 

[emsamom]

Just curious as to how you got started doing this. I have been helping friends for a couple of years now and why not get paid for doing something that is really enjoyable!!! (my fulltime job is not!!!!)

 

[Alicia Gist]

I'm curious too. I work at a large industrial plant. Everybody here knows that I love Disney. I'm always helping people find deals, book their stay, etc. I've thought about being a TA also.

 

[fam4jc]

HM - Thanks that's a great idea. We do have a free local parent magizine. The rates for the 'big' paper are pretty high so I am hoping the other avenues will work as well or better but cost less...

As for getting started there are a couple of options. If you have enough experience with Disney travel, have a dedicated office space in your home you can try to get on with one of the big internet companies that are talked about alot on these boards. Or you can find a local travel agent who is willing to let you work the Disney bookings using her TA number. Both of these require you to be an independant contractor and taking the College of Disney Knowledge (a tutorial program).

I hope this helps.