becoming a TA...should I do it?

[mickeyluv]

I work a full time job with benefits and I also work part-time doing transcription work for a local doctor's office. I have always wanted to go in the travel agent business because I think I would really enjoy that. I would actually stop my transcription part-time job if I did decide to do this. I would really like some advice and opinions about this. I know a lot of folks book their own travels and vacations but some still use TA's I know. Don't know that I can say which agency but I have been in contact with them and I'm hopeful that if I decide to do this the opportunity will be available for me. I would be an Idependent Contractor affiliated with this company I'm talking about. They provide training sessions and support but there is an upfront fee which I understand about. I help family and friends right now but have no where near the resources available to me that I would have if I were to become an Indepent Contractor/TA. I'm really excited about this but afraid that I shouldn't be. Can anyone give me any advice? If someone who is a TA in the manner I'm talking about (like in affiliation with but not employed by them) please respond and give me your experiences...good or bad! TIA

 

[Micca]

If it makes you happy it's something to consider. I'm not sure how TA's--especially those starting out--make any significant money. With on-line travel so easy to book, I don't see a big growth opprortunity in this career, Maybe you can get special training and the ability to swing great deals for clients?

 

[JessicaR]

The words 'upfront fee' should be a warning to back away from that company slowly. If you have clients or potential clients why not approach a reputable travel agency in your area and ask about outside sales.

My Mom has owned an agency for years and years. Her host is Nexion and they came into the office to teach me their system as well as sent me training materials to study on my own. Sabre used to do the same as well as send us to Dallas for training. It didn't cost me a penny. I don't work there but do help out when my Mom is out. The fringe benefits aren't too shabby.

It seems to me that unless you have an abundance of clients or work with commercial accounts there isn't much $ to be made anymore. With all the online travel consortium's and companies cutting agents out dealing directly with clients now the dollar is squeezed for potential earnings.

 

[DisTeach1]

I think being a TA is a dying career, to be honest. Every travel agency business that I know of has closed shop. I haven't used one since 1998. The internet makes things so easy to do it yourself. There is virtually no money in being a TA, unless you are a TA for a corporation, which is entirely different. Also, most of the perks that TA's used to get have been cut because airlines, hotels and travel companies realize they don't need TA's. If you are young, I would really look at something else. If you love to travel, then maybe you should look at being a flight attendant or something, because I just don't see being a TA as a long term career opportunity anymore.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Being a self employed person has great benefits and rewards. It also means you need to be organized, disciplined not only in work related pressures/time but keeping track of everything....receipts, TAXES (and you will be paying Your SSec and on behalf of your employer when you are exempt, thus, You need to be bringing in a Good Hourly/or salary to cover your tax costs)...there are ways to use part of your home as an office, but rules that govern that as well, so be sure you know WHAT you can/not do/claim. A good tax prep person can help you out with that.
If you think it is your passion, I am one to say, Go for it..I think by your post, it appears you think that you/family can make it if your job does not pan out. If that is not the case, then I would think long and hard about making the change. Despite what some say, the economy is not turning upwards fast and hard times may still be ahead for many...safety/security will be kicking in, fear of travel issues....SO, we may see a decline in travel..... just issues you should at least consider... It is wonderful being your own boss, I can attest to that though not in your field, but one has to be prepared and researched.
As far as any company asking for upfront $$ that is a red flag for me.....training usually does not cost a potential employee...so ask around, research them, BBB them, get very specific with what to expect, ie guaranteed work? Guaranteed clients? Leads?
Wishing you the very best of luck in your new endeavor if you are so inclined to go that route!!!

 

[wdwmom0f3]

I would never do anything with an "up front fee". That should ring a warning bell with you.

 

[mickeyluv]

I hear and appreciate what you all are saying! I am somewhat self-employed now. I do transcription work as an Independent Contractor and I work for a national company and am employed by them but I actually work from my home office (computers can be a wonderful thing)! I do understand about being disciplined....you can take one look at my messy house and figure that out . The company is a reputable company and I have seen them mentioned on this board before and the passporter board. I was leery about that initial start-up fee myself but being the information they sent me said that they had an impeccable record with the BBB and are members of the travel associations IATAN and CLIA and Signature Travel Network. You think this is all good?

 

[kidzmom3]

from msnbc artical top 5 travel scams:
2. Become a travel agent
This is a scam that is running rampant now. Once you pay a fee to a company, it will issue “credentials” allowing you access to travel agent freebies and discounts and commissions on selling travel. First off, the days of freebies and discounts are done — trust me, they are few and far between. Secondly, in order to sell travel and be recognized by a supplier, you need to be affiliated with either a travel agency or be registered as an independent seller of travel with either the Cruise Lines International Association or the Airlines Reporting Corporation. Believe me, this is a perfect example of the old axiom, “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”