Disney Vacation Planning as a job?

[HANDYMOM]

Travel agents don't charge people. But they also don't plan the entire vacation.

While I don't, there are travel agents that upcharge.

 

[HANDYMOM]

so you are starting up your own agency - not like OP was talking about which was just becoming an independent vacation specialist working under another agency? So will you then be recruiting agents?

I researched starting an agency myself but opted to join my friends agency which is hosted by a national agency. I'm very happy with my decision. Yes, I have to split my commission, but their resources, bookkeeping and high commissions with their suppliers is well worth it.

 

[Kidgoingon40]

I don't have a seperate landline. I have a distinctive ring. I have 2 phone numbers but they come in on the same phone. So when calls come in to my house # I get ring, pause, ring, pause. When they come into my business I get ring ring pause, ring ring pause.

Thanks for the info! I didn't know that could be done.

I did apply to one Disney travel agency that I knew was legitimate a couple of weeks ago, but I never heard back.

I would still love to hear some more from people who are currently disney travel agents for home and what their experiences are like!

 

[Dreaming~of~Disney]

I joined a host agency. I have been doing it for over 2 years now. I love it. I don't think I am allowed to mention my host agencies name here though.

 

[kritter]

I don't have a seperate landline. I have a distinctive ring. I have 2 phone numbers but they come in on the same phone. So when calls come in to my house # I get ring, pause, ring, pause. When they come into my business I get ring ring pause, ring ring pause.

Nice what phone company do you use??

 

[Dreaming~of~Disney]

Nice what phone company do you use??

Cincinnati Bell

 

[kritter]

Cincinnati Bell

Thanks,,

 

[nkereina]

My best friend's mother has owned her own travel agency for 30+ years. Additionally, I have a B.S. in Travel & Tourism Management and worked for AAA Travel for a few years. I was laid off from AAA because the economy and the internet have truly taken a toll on travel agencies. AAA Travel has seen a slow but steady decline over the years. I can't imagine how a new agent starting out would be at all successful in this day and age. Agents are marketed through word of mouth referrals and their experience/resumes. Without those things, it leaves little reason for someone to go to an agent vs. doing it on their own. Another crucial element is your availability - my friend's mother's agency is a 24 hour on call service. If someone wants to call her at 3am, she answers. Sometimes it's an emergency, sometimes it's not. But it's what her clients have come to expect.

Starting your own agency, in order to book anything and receive commission which is how agents make money, you need to become an IATA member. If you work for an agency, there's usually a waiting period before you can apply for an IATA card. If you're starting your own and want an IATA number, it's quite a process. You may need to present your business plan, funding/investors, etc. It's also costly. I considered starting my own agency at one point in time, but the time/requirements/cost involved in obtaining an IATA membership - which you need to basically do anything - is prohibitive. You even need it to sign onto the Disney Travel Agents web site.

Now, if you want to book the occasional trip for someone through the regular Disney web site and maybe charge them a service fee or something, that's different. It likely wouldn't be profitable unless you're selling to someone born yesterday, because true agents wouldn't charge service fees for bookings. BUT you may find someone who appreciates the knowledge and is willing to pay for that.

Your best bet is to try getting a job through one of the authorized agencies, or even at your local AAA or Liberty Travel. Even people who worked for AAA who did not work in travel were entitled to Disney discounts since Disney and AAA are preferred partners.

 

[chrisw127]

I'm a TA with a large earmarked agency. I would say I do about half my work over email, but it really varies by client. This is a good job for someone who is interested in hearing about other people's stories, because while you're planning their trip, you're also trying to figure out what makes them tick so you can give them the most personalized experience possible. Not every client wants or needs that, but the ones who do appreciate it.

Most of the agents at my agency are part-time, but it's really about how you want to do it. The really incredible perks (like free cruises and Agent Education Programs) are normally only open to an agency's top agents. Not such a big deal for smaller agencies, but if you work for a larger one, you may never go on any of these.

When the money is good, it's actually very good but there is a LOT of down time so you have to mentally prepare yourself for that. I would say it takes 3 or 4 years to establish yourself with a decent client base. You will live by referrals from existing clients, so those are important. Keep in mind that when a client cancels, you make nothing. This can mean HOURS of work down the drain. It can be pretty frustrating.

Many agencies are only hiring experienced agents at this point or they want you to have something you can bring to the table. Having a well-established blog that doesn't "look" like a TA blog can help. I actually started out as a blogger and you won't see anything that identifies me as a TA on my front page. I probably lose business because of it, but the integrity of my blog (and what I want to say) is more important to me than bringing in business. I also do a lot of business on Facebook. If you go that route, you'll want to look into the smart ways to market yourself on Facebook. I don't tend use Twitter.

As everyone has said, just be careful about someone who wants to hire you in exchange for a large fee. Many agencies will charge a small sign on fee, however. The most important thing is that you have to trust the person you're working for. You're giving them a chunk of your commissions (with some agencies, up to 50%, although the norm is around 70%) so you had better trust them and like them.

Good luck!

 

[3_disprincesses]

Another part-time agent here. I work for an earmarked agency part-time anytime I'm not at my full-time job. I have a tollfree number that goes to my cell phone. $8 a month plus so much a minute. My bill is usually $10-$12 a month. But my clients (or potential clients) can reach me at anytime! I've had calls at restaurants, while grocery shopping, driving to my other job in the mornings. I have all the phone numbers I need in my phone and can make calls from wherever I happen to be. I also drive around town with a van full of WDW, DCL, etc marketing materials. I may only sit at a desk/computer 20 or so hours a week but I am on call 24/7!

 

[Dreaming~of~Disney]

Another part-time agent here. I work for an earmarked agency part-time anytime I'm not at my full-time job. I have a tollfree number that goes to my cell phone. $8 a month plus so much a minute. My bill is usually $10-$12 a month. But my clients (or potential clients) can reach me at anytime! I've had calls at restaurants, while grocery shopping, driving to my other job in the mornings. I have all the phone numbers I need in my phone and can make calls from wherever I happen to be. I also drive around town with a van full of WDW, DCL, etc marketing materials. I may only sit at a desk/computer 20 or so hours a week but I am on call 24/7!

I love that you have a toll free number and it only costs $8! What company do you use? My number is not toll free. Were you able to choose your number? The last 4 digits of my number spell part of my business name. LOL!

 

[anonymousegirl]

Now, if you want to book the occasional trip for someone through the regular Disney web site and maybe charge them a service fee or something, that's different. It likely wouldn't be profitable unless you're selling to someone born yesterday, because true agents wouldn't charge service fees for bookings. BUT you may find someone who appreciates the knowledge and is willing to pay for that.

I'm sorry but I do not understand this remark. Why wouldn't an agent charge a fee? It isn't just making the booking, it is managing the booking as well.
I understand not charging to make a phone call to make a basic reservation for WDW, but what about making all the ADRs, arranging grand gatherings, Fireworks Cruises, Wishes Dessert Parties, specialty tours, etc. What about compiling all those tips that would benefit this one family? And what about managing any glitches/problems that arise?

My job does not end with making the booking. My time and expertise are valuable. The agency where I work charges a small fee for every booking because, to coin a phrase from an old commercial, I am worth it.

 

[TJDisneymama]

i've never heard of an agent charging a fee.
Granted, I've only ever booked my own trips so not much experience using a TA. But still, never heard of it.

 

[ksloane]

i've never heard of an agent charging a fee.
Granted, I've only ever booked my own trips so not much experience using a TA. But still, never heard of it.

I've used 3 different travel agencies for disney vacations and I have not ever been charged a fee either so it may happen, but I don't think it's common, and I have to admit that I would probably not go with an agency that did charge me.

 

[mdsoccermom]

i've never heard of an agent charging a fee.
Granted, I've only ever booked my own trips so not much experience using a TA. But still, never heard of it.

I've used 3 different travel agencies for disney vacations and I have not ever been charged a fee either so it may happen, but I don't think it's common, and I have to admit that I would probably not go with an agency that did charge me.

As a TA, I know many agents in the industry. Some of the most successful ones I met do charge "plan to go" fees. Those are fees that will be collected upfront and applied to the client's final payment. If the client fails to book after a period of time when the agent already did a substantial amount of work, the agent keeps that fee for services rendered. It works for many agents because it gets them quality, repeat clients who value their service.

Some agents choose not to charge a fee as it's not a business model that works for them. I have asked for such a fee when I suspected someone is a tire kicker, though it's not something I do regularly as I am not comfortable with it (though I do charge cancellation fees and have what I privately call a "stupidity" fee).

 

[mdsoccermom]

Anyone have any information on how to create your own agency if your already an agent?

It depends on what you are looking for. If you sign on with a host, it's very easy to start your own. After I took all my travel classes, I contacted the IRS and got a tax ID number - incredibly easy to do - and set up my bank accounts. I also signed with a host. If you use a host, you can use their IATA # and SOT #s. I am covered under their E&O insurance, but got my own as well. Make sure you develop a business plan. That is so important for anyone starting a business.

You also must be prepared for the time and expense of marketing yourself, as well as constant training. It will take time for the business to take off, but if you put in the time and effort, it can be profitable. After 5 years, it's working for me. I know an agent (doesn't do Disney at all) who started in 2003 with his wife and so far in 2012, has had sales that exceeded $3 million. He is at the point where he has several independent contractors working under him. Which leads me to my next point - make sure you get a good accountant.

 

[katrina1122]

my dh has been pushing me to look into this for a year, you guys inspired me and i just filled out about 10 apps as feelers to find out more about being a consultant for a company.

Gathering info never hurt anyone

 

[Wanna be Ariel]

 

[Shmily1]

Just out of curiousity, for those of you who have done this before (being a Disney planner from home, over email/phone), how many hours a week does it typically involve?

It takes as many as you want it to take. You can do it alot and advertise yourself or you can just book for family and friends. It's all up to you how much time you want to put into it.

 

[mdsoccermom]

It takes as many as you want it to take. You can do it alot and advertise yourself or you can just book for family and friends. It's all up to you how much time you want to put into it.

Exactly. I will also add that if you want people to see you as a legitimate business worthy of booking their trips, you have to treat yourself as a legitimate business. Don't act like it's a hobby.