thinking of becoming a travel agent, anyone with suggestions?

[disneyfan2]

Looking at applying for retail store TA part time... Would love to turn my hobby into a new job... I have an opportunity to go through the in house training, then i assume do a test etc... Does anyone else know what is involved.... Because it is a major retailer-do they base on commission? I really hate to live off of commission... but i know this would be something i enjoy... the employer said they are flexible with the part time hours to work around my other job. Any idea what they pay for something like this? I have not gone for a formal information session as of yet

any suggestions or help?

 

[jenbear123]

Depending on the agency, but most are commission only plans (COP). I have been a part time TA for the last year. It's an okay job money wise if you have another part time job. I wouldn't recommend it for your only form of income. Your first year is definitely he hardest with building up a client base. Don't get discouraged. Be patient and the business will come. It also helps if you are in an office with 2-3 other agents. Keeps the in-house competition down a bit. I've had to struggle tremendously with 4 other people in my office with 20+ years experience on me. Be sure you understand how you will be paid before you sign anything! Hope his helps

 

[eryn the pooh]

One thing to think about, how are you as a client? I didnt realize how annoying I was as a client until I bacame an agent, for the same reason-loved planning my Disney trips and wanted to help others plan theirs.
But when you get call after call for someone wanting you to find the cheapest hotel, and you spend 2-3 hours finding it for them and then they change their mind-GRRRR. Or they keep changing their dates, so you keep looking at prices for the dates, it takes time, maybe hours on the phone. And then they dont book-BIG GRRR.
Just a few things to think about. If you can handle the obsessively needy clients, then Im sure youll do great!

 

[minnie56]

Ditto...

I was never that client though lol...

I always did 99% of the researching and knew exactly what I wanted before I had a TA actually book it for me. I now realize exactly what is involved in the pricing process and it is lengthy at best. Some folks I realize are what I call 'tire kickers' and getting prices from me as well as who knows how many others. Gets frustrating when you put a lot into it and they just disappear or go with the one that is a few bucks cheaper. You get what you pay for I always think.

One thing to think about, how are you as a client? I didnt realize how annoying I was as a client until I bacame an agent, for the same reason-loved planning my Disney trips and wanted to help others plan theirs.
But when you get call after call for someone wanting you to find the cheapest hotel, and you spend 2-3 hours finding it for them and then they change their mind-GRRRR. Or they keep changing their dates, so you keep looking at prices for the dates, it takes time, maybe hours on the phone. And then they dont book-BIG GRRR.
Just a few things to think about. If you can handle the obsessively needy clients, then Im sure youll do great!