Will People Pay Me to Plan their WDW Trips?

[Mimi1965]

Will, people pay for a service like this? Yes. Will they pay that amount? No.

I started my own Disney Vacation Planning service a few months ago. I was constantly planning trips for friends and family and they had been telling me for years, that I needed to start my own business, so I finally did. I have a Facebook page with a few hundered followers and I've been planning 2 or 3 trips per week. I charge $49.00 to book resort and dining reservations and I also do a custom itineraries for each day they are in the parks. I've had all good feedback so far. I'm a stay-at-home PTO mom, who loves Disney and planning trips to Disney and it's just a nice little side thing.

But how do people find you?
If I want a travel agent-I look in the yellow pages of the phone book-how would I find YOU?

 

[Metsfan520]

I am queen of the rule, ya know. LOL

 

[Kteacher]

I see you edited your original post, but let me tell you something to dispel any misconceptions you have about what a good travel agent does.

Yes, travel agents are concerned about commissions. Those are our paychecks. But, we also want to build a loyal customer base - people who will return to us for our services. So, a travel agent will go above and beyond to make sure clients have an outstanding trip. We will do personalized itineraries, dining reservations, recommendations, add-ons, gift baskets, and so much more. We are available to our clients from the time of booking until after they get home, 24/7. A great travel agent does far more than what you are remotely qualified to do.

Let me ask you this, when you came up with this idea, were you willing to put that much energy into people that paid you $250 to plan your trip? When the flight you selected for people was delayed or cancelled, were you prepared to drop everything to find an alternative flight? When their ME docs didn't arrive in time, were you willing to get on the phone with ME (who wouldn't recognize you as a legit travel agent anyway) and sort it out? When something went wrong with their room (and it happens) that you recommended, were you willing to get on the phone and fix it? Or were you just going to get online and book a room through the main Disney website (since you wouldn't have access to the travel agent site) and then leave the rest up to your so called clients?

I had a TA who did all of this, and she was the ONLY reason I stuck with an agency instead of booking everything myself. This past spring her agency downsized, and she was let goI've booked all my trips for 2011 myself because it was apparent that the TA who took over her accounts was not willing to go the extra mile.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

But how do people find you?
If I want a travel agent-I look in the yellow pages of the phone book-how would I find YOU?

I don't need you to find me. It's all pretty much word of mouth or people that refer other people to my Facebook Fan Page. It's been working out pretty good so far. I'm not trying to create some huge business, I'm just doing it part time because I'm a stay-at-home mom, I like doing it and the extra cash is nice.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

I don't need you to find me. It's all pretty much word of mouth or people that refer other people to my Facebook Fan Page. It's been working out pretty good so far. I'm not trying to create some huge business, I'm just doing it part time because I'm a stay-at-home mom, I like doing it and the extra cash is nice.

Also, wanted to add that I specifically state on my FB Fan Page that I am not a travel agent and that my services are to be viewed as a consulting service.

 

[sbell111]

Is this something you will claim as business income on your taxes? If so then you need to be registered as a business.

This is not necessarily true. Heck, as far as the IRS is concerned, this statement is not at all true.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

no, I would not even pay for ANY trip!! As most people on here, I think most of use consider ourselves to be experts!! And after 31 trips....I know I do!

You're right, most people here on the DIS wouldn't pay, because most of us on here are knowledgeable about Disney because we are here daily on the DIS.

But since most of the average population isn't here on the DIS with us, obsessing about their ADRs and EMH and crowd levels, they don't know all the ins and outs of Disney. Most of the people I've helped plan Disney vacations, have never been, or haven't been since they were children. They see all the info on the website - all the resorts, ticket options, dining options, etc. and they become overwhelmed.

 

[lizandjason]

Will, people pay for a service like this? Yes. Will they pay that amount? No.

I started my own Disney Vacation Planning service a few months ago. I was constantly planning trips for friends and family and they had been telling me for years, that I needed to start my own business, so I finally did. I have a Facebook Fan Page for my Disney Planning, with a few hundered followers, and I've been planning 2 or 3 trips per week. I charge $49.00 to book resort and dining reservations, hard ticket events and I also do custom itineraries for each day they are in the parks. I've had all good feedback so far. I'm a stay-at-home PTO mom, who loves Disney and planning trips to Disney and it's just a nice little side thing.

Thank you so much for sharing that! I wish you continued success!

 

[lizandjason]

I see you edited your original post, but let me tell you something to dispel any misconceptions you have about what a good travel agent does.

Yes, travel agents are concerned about commissions. Those are our paychecks. But, we also want to build a loyal customer base - people who will return to us for our services. So, a travel agent will go above and beyond to make sure clients have an outstanding trip. We will do personalized itineraries, dining reservations, recommendations, add-ons, gift baskets, and so much more. We are available to our clients from the time of booking until after they get home, 24/7. A great travel agent does far more than what you are remotely qualified to do.

Let me ask you this, when you came up with this idea, were you willing to put that much energy into people that paid you $250 to plan your trip? When the flight you selected for people was delayed or cancelled, were you prepared to drop everything to find an alternative flight? When their ME docs didn't arrive in time, were you willing to get on the phone with ME (who wouldn't recognize you as a legit travel agent anyway) and sort it out? When something went wrong with their room (and it happens) that you recommended, were you willing to get on the phone and fix it? Or were you just going to get online and book a room through the main Disney website (since you wouldn't have access to the travel agent site) and then leave the rest up to your so called clients?

It would be different. There would be no 'errors and omissions' insurance, no accountability. I like the way PrincessTiffany does it...she makes it clear that she offers her services as a consultant.

I can completely understand your defensiveness, considering that you're a travel agent and you're naturally opposed to options that might steer business away from you and your industry.

However...in response to your claim 'a great travel agent does far more than what you are remotely qualified to do'...really? Not so sure about that. Don't act like you have a PhD or something. Unless you can honestly tell me that you can do something as a TA that I can't do as a lowly 'civilian', especially concerning giving discounts to your clients for Disney, then I'm PRETTY sure I'm completely capable of handling this.

 

[crashbb]

It would be different. There would be no 'errors and omissions' insurance, no accountability. I like the way PrincessTiffany does it...she makes it clear that she offers her services as a consultant.

I can completely understand your defensiveness, considering that you're a travel agent and you're naturally opposed to options that might steer business away from you and your industry.

However...in response to your claim 'a great travel agent does far more than what you are remotely qualified to do'...really? Not so sure about that. Don't act like you have a PhD or something. Unless you can honestly tell me that you can do something as a TA that I can't do as a lowly 'civilian', especially concerning giving discounts to your clients for Disney, then I'm PRETTY sure I'm completely capable of handling this.

You provided that yourself - a real travel agent provides accountability and insurance something that you cannot do as a "lowly civilian". In addition to the things the PP stated such as help for issues during the trip, a network of support and (if they are any good) 24 hour a day availability.

 

[Jennasis]

It would be different. There would be no 'errors and omissions' insurance, no accountability. I like the way PrincessTiffany does it...she makes it clear that she offers her services as a consultant.

I can completely understand your defensiveness, considering that you're a travel agent and you're naturally opposed to options that might steer business away from you and your industry.

However...in response to your claim 'a great travel agent does far more than what you are remotely qualified to do'...really? Not so sure about that. Don't act like you have a PhD or something. Unless you can honestly tell me that you can do something as a TA that I can't do as a lowly 'civilian', especially concerning giving discounts to your clients for Disney, then I'm PRETTY sure I'm completely capable of handling this.

Ooh, and you were doing so well. Your snarky is showing again.

It's apparent that you didn't/don't want to hear anything other than "Great Idea!! Go for it." People are offering you genuine industry insight and your getting all defensive about your GREAT idea.

People would honestly have to be a bit off their rocker to fork over ANY money to an uninsured, untrained, unlicensed stranger to do the same job a good travel agent (like the one I use religiously at AAA) does for free. But hey...stranger things have happened, so GO FOR IT!

 

[lizandjason]

Ooh, and you were doing so well. Your snarky is showing again.

It's apparent that you didn't/don't want to hear anything other than "Great Idea!! Go for it." People are offering you genuine industry insight and your getting all defensive about your GREAT idea.

People would honestly have to be a bit off their rocker to fork over ANY money to an uninsured, untrained, unlicensed stranger to do the same job a good travel agent (like the one I use religiously at AAA) does for free. But hey...stranger things have happened, so GO FOR IT!

Hey, just trying to keep up. I have a right to defend my position and question her as she mounts her high horse. I made a valiant effort to pull my snarky post, and I admitted that it was snarky. But you board sharks were all over it. Mea culpa...I should have known better. I could say 'I love fluffy puppies' on here and I'd get people all over my case.

I thanked those who gave me good advice. Sorry you think my idea is stupid, but your opinion just really doesn't mean much to me because you've proven that you can't act like an adult. For you to call me 'snarky' is laughable, it's the ultimate case of the pot calling the kettle black. But if tearing me down makes you feel like a 'big girl'...then WAY TO GO, champ!

 

[Magic Mom]

Hey, just trying to keep up. I have a right to defend my position and question her as she mounts her high horse. I made a valiant effort to pull my snarky post, and I admitted that it was snarky. But you board sharks were all over it. Mea culpa...I should have known better. I could say 'I love fluffy puppies' on here and I'd get people all over my case.

I thanked those who gave me good advice. Sorry you think my idea is stupid, but your opinion just really doesn't mean much to me because you've proven that you can't act like an adult. For you to call me 'snarky' is laughable, it's the ultimate case of the pot calling the kettle black. But if tearing me down makes you feel like a 'big girl'...then WAY TO GO, champ!

Why would you defend your position? You ASKED for opinions.

 

[Jennasis]

Hey, just trying to keep up. I have a right to defend my position and question her as she mounts her high horse. I made a valiant effort to pull my snarky post, and I admitted that it was snarky. But you board sharks were all over it. Mea culpa...I should have known better. I could say 'I love fluffy puppies' on here and I'd get people all over my case.

I thanked those who gave me good advice. Sorry you think my idea is stupid, but your opinion just really doesn't mean much to me because you've proven that you can't act like an adult. For you to call me 'snarky' is laughable, it's the ultimate case of the pot calling the kettle black. But if tearing me down makes you feel like a 'big girl'...then WAY TO GO, champ! Thanks! I DO feel better about myself!

Here's your real problem. You shouldn't have posted at all then, no? You simply can't handle people telling you their opinions of your idea. No biggie. I have found myself in the same position here on the DIS. The most annoying part was that if I had just listened to the naysayers who "tore me down" I could have saved myself a lot of heart-ache, money, and time down the road. We may not want to hear the ugly truth, but sometimes we need to. Then again, at least you can always say "I tried". No shame in making an effort.

Good luck!

 

[scrappinDW]

I'm sorry you got so many negative responses!!! I think it is a fun idea. This is something I would like to do too.
I do think $200 is way to much, but what a fun way to get to do something 'Disney' everyday. Like someone said, most people aren't on the boards like we are and would love some help and tips.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

There seems to be an a consensus on this thread that a good TA can do for free anything that the OP is wanting to charge for, and to a certain degree I'm sure that's true, but there doesn't seem to be any mention of bad TAs or people who have had a bad experience with a TA. Some of the people who have contacted me to help them plan trips, have previously worked with a TA and they either got very inflated prices or the TAs didn't know much about Disney. I am in no way putting the TA profession down, and certainly not anyone on this thread, as I'm sure ya'll provide a great service for your customers and there are many reputable agencies out there that plan Disney vacations, but not all TAs are good.

 

[crashbb]

There seems to be an a consensus on this thread that a good TA can do for free anything that the OP is wanting to charge for, and to a certain degree I'm sure that's true, but there doesn't seem to be any mention of bad TAs or people who have had a bad experience with a TA. Some of the people who have contacted me to help them plan trips, have previously worked with a TA and they either got very inflated prices or the TAs didn't know much about Disney. I am in no way putting the TA profession down, and certainly not anyone on this thread, as I'm sure ya'll provide a great service for your customers and there are many reputable agencies out there that plan Disney vacations, but not all TAs are good.

Totally true (I'm not a travel agent). However, with a travel agent I do have some avenues for recourse if things go very wrong.

What got me was the OP's claim that she would provide "no accountability". No chance in the world am I handing over $250 to someone who has a "business" model that includes "no accountability".

I travel a fair bit, so I'm the go to person for a lot of my friends when they have travel issues. If they are using a company that I have status with (airline, hotel), I'll sometimes call for them (since I can call a special number) or I'll suggest ways to get better rates. They don't hold me responsibility if things go wrong (though I have gotten frantic phone calls over missed or canceled flights), but no money changes hands.

 

[Jennasis]

There seems to be an a consensus on this thread that a good TA can do for free anything that the OP is wanting to charge for, and to a certain degree I'm sure that's true, but there doesn't seem to be any mention of bad TAs or people who have had a bad experience with a TA. Some of the people who have contacted me to help them plan trips, have previously worked with a TA and they either got very inflated prices or the TAs didn't know much about Disney. I am in no way putting the TA profession down, and certainly not anyone on this thread, as I'm sure ya'll provide a great service for your customers and there are many reputable agencies out there that plan Disney vacations, but not all TAs are good.

Absolutely!

But there are a whole boatload of travel agencies who specialize in Disney (Dreams Unlimited, Magical Travel, Mousefan Travel etc). They know how to look for discounts, book things at just the right time to get that elusive ADR, All the ins-and-outs etc. I still think the OP could parlay her vast Disney knowledge into a lucrative career (even part-time) as a Disney-specialized travel agent. Once she's built a bit of a track record with a licensed agency, she could hang a shingle or start a consulting website offering her services (at a price well below the unrealistic one she originally posted) touting her years of industry training/experience and all her accreditations.

In the same vain, How would they lay-person know to even trust the OP over a TA? She's got no credentials, no training, no insurance, no access to things TA's have access to. Sure we all know she's a seasoned Disney veteran, but Joe-public wouldn't and would probably turn to a TA (even a very poor one) before going to a stranger "consultant" with their money.

 

[phorsenuf]

There seems to be an a consensus on this thread that a good TA can do for free anything that the OP is wanting to charge for, and to a certain degree I'm sure that's true, but there doesn't seem to be any mention of bad TAs or people who have had a bad experience with a TA. Some of the people who have contacted me to help them plan trips, have previously worked with a TA and they either got very inflated prices or the TAs didn't know much about Disney. I am in no way putting the TA profession down, and certainly not anyone on this thread, as I'm sure ya'll provide a great service for your customers and there are many reputable agencies out there that plan Disney vacations, but not all TAs are good.

Very true, except for maybe the inflated prices as TS's can't pad a quote.

To the OP *************

I do know as a travel agent myself that there are many many classes we can take through the industry providers to become very knowledgeable about the products out there.
I took the classes through Disney so I could learn everything about all the products they offer, like Disneyland, cruises, Adventures by Disney.

When a client books a trip and then a promotion comes out that saves them money, are you going to go back and rebook to get them the savings? Are you going to be on top of everyone's reservations to be able to do that?
And how would you make changes on the reservations if you are not listed on it?

When a client decides 5 different times where to eat are you going to go in and make all the changes?

I myself know that I would not give an unlicensed, uninsured person any of my financial info to book a trip for me.

While I admire your entrepreneur spirit, there is much more to the travel industry then just picking up the phone and making a reservation.

 

[mdsoccermom]

It would be different. There would be no 'errors and omissions' insurance, no accountability. I like the way PrincessTiffany does it...she makes it clear that she offers her services as a consultant.

I can completely understand your defensiveness, considering that you're a travel agent and you're naturally opposed to options that might steer business away from you and your industry.

However...in response to your claim 'a great travel agent does far more than what you are remotely qualified to do'...really? Not so sure about that. Don't act like you have a PhD or something. Unless you can honestly tell me that you can do something as a TA that I can't do as a lowly 'civilian', especially concerning giving discounts to your clients for Disney, then I'm PRETTY sure I'm completely capable of handling this.

No, of course I don't have a Ph.D. What I do have is accountability and accessibility, training, resources if something goes wrong. There is far more to know about to booking a Disney trip (or any trip for that matter) than you seem to think. I am committed to being there for my clients 24/7 (see accountability). My job does not stop once I hit the submit button for their reservation. But, you didn't answer any of my questions. How will you handle things if something does go wrong?