independent Disney travel agent

[ashlinicoleee]

Hi guys, I'm in the process of trying to become an independent Disney travel agent. I have done my research and have looked at many. I have an interview with one coming up. My question is why do some charge to become an agent and some do not charge at all? For example, one I found, you just pay 600 dollars and that's training and everything included. There's no interview or anything. Sounds weird to me that anybody could join. Others have a stringent interview process and have annual dues that cover things like E&O insurance. Has anyone been through this journey before and can offer tips?

 

[nkereina]

Because you're an independent contractor and your host travel agency (the one you are signing up with) needs to make money by having you work under them. You have to work for a host travel agency in order to have an IATA number to do bookings. You can't get one on your own.

Virtually anyone can join one of these agencies with no training. The people who apply for these things are typically Disney fanatics, and the Disney College of Knowledge that you'll have to complete before you do bookings will show you pretty much everything you need to know to book trips. So there isn't much additional training needed beyond that. I worked for one of these agencies for a while and while there was no initial start up cost, they did retain 50% of my commission. From my share of the commission, the remaining 50%, they would also deduct document shipping costs and $20 towards insurance coverage.

The host agency is allowing you to use their name, marketing, and agency credentials to earn a commission, so think of any start up costs or commission they are keeping as their compensation for this.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

don't forget you need to have a strong customer base in order to make any money. In order to make money you need to be making WDW reservations. So you will need a fair number of WDW customers if you want to make any money.

 

[ToddyLu]

I know you are most likely aware that the DIS was started by or is part of Dreams Unlimited Travel. There are some good shows on Dreams Unlimited YouTube, one which explained what is involved and what they look for in their interviewing process and what you can expect. They also discuss different types of bookings. Some Disney and some not. That might answer a few questions. I have a good friend that loves being a Disney TA and has been very successful. She spends a lot of time in FB groups and her agency is very supportive and has given her clients to start. She works very hard and has to be available most of the time. I also have a good friend that owns a Disney TA company and she works very hard too. (They do not work togther). I just know it takes a good bit of time to be successful.

 

[china mom]

I work as an independent Disney TA for a very large travel agency. While my agency handles all travel needs, I am only allowed to do Disney travel.

I applied and was interviewed.
I was hired and didn't have to pay anything upfront
Upon being hired, I attended to online College of Disney Knowledge and attended in person training with my agency.
I have to find all of my own clients.
I am required to book $25K a year to stay on
I split my commissions (10% of trip before taxes) with the agency 50/50 so basically, I get 5% of bookings.
I pay nothing for any mailings etc. The packets that Disney sends out go to my agency and they send them to my clients at the agency's expense.
My agency carries Errors and Omissions coverage on me at their expense.

I did OK my first two years but have lost the online community where I used to find most of my clients (the forum shut down) so I am going to be real close on my $25K this year. I think I did about $50K my first year. I brought home around $2,500

According to my W-2 form, I earned $2,000 last year.