Working for Small World Vacations as Independent Agent?

[lizandjason]

Does anyone know what it's like to be an independent agent for Small World Vacations?

I'm wondering what the commission structure might look like, whether it's all quoting online or if there is live phone contact with clients, and if there are incentives/discounts for WDW/Disneyland/Disney Cruise travel.

I'm seriously considering leaving my (very boring) job to pursue this. I'm really excited about the possibility of working for this amazing company...thanks for your help!

 

[Feralpeg]

I sent you a PM.

 

[sweet angel]

Sending you a PM as well.

 

[DaParkers]

I have the same questions.

 

[jenny105]

I met a couple of the Small World vacation agents on an AEP. I didn't get to talk to them much about their agency but I did with a few of the other independent agents. From what I know, those places work strictly on commission so if you don't have a strong following, you won't be making a whole lot. A lot of them have other jobs to support themselves.

You will take the Disney College of Knowledge course. They offer TA discounts on room rates & tickets and sometimes have specials TAs can take advantage of. Plus you get cute graduation Mickey ears for your trouble!

 

[sweet angel]

I met a couple of the Small World vacation agents on an AEP. I didn't get to talk to them much about their agency but I did with a few of the other independent agents. From what I know, those places work strictly on commission so if you don't have a strong following, you won't be making a whole lot. A lot of them have other jobs to support themselves.

You will take the Disney College of Knowledge course. They offer TA discounts on room rates & tickets and sometimes have specials TAs can take advantage of. Plus you get cute graduation Mickey ears for your trouble!

Were you on the AEP on the Wonder in September?

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

I am also in the process of trying to decide which way to go and who to go with if anyone has any info or advice they want to pm me.

 

[heimlichfan]

I've toyed with this idea as well... spend a lot time planning vacations to WDW for others already!

If anyone is willing to share info with me, please send me a pm.

 

[TinkPirateMom]

I cannot comment on this particular agency but just on being an independent agent in general. Don't quit your current job if your family relies on that income. You will not make the same money (even if you are only making minimum wage now) as an independent contractor in your first year. You have to build up a client base and there are some costs involved.

 

[Feralpeg]

I just want to clarify one misconception that I think some may have. When you go to work as an independent agent for an established host company, that does not mean that you get to book vacations for clients other agents have established. The agency many have a large number of clients, but the clients belong to the independent agents. As a new agent, you will need to establish your own clients.

Thus, the problem for many. Finding clients isn't as easy as you might think. It was probably much easier years ago, but the Internet has made it so easy for people to research and book their own vacations. It is difficult to make people see the advantage of going through an agent. I've seen any number of threads on the DIS discussing this very subject. There will always be those who don't want to mess with it themselves, but more and more people are so comfortable with the Internet that they will never be interested in using an agent.

Finding clients is incredibly time consuming. Unless you live in just the right market, it will take every social media skill you have to put your name out there and pull folks in. I agree with the prior poster about not quiting a job to do this unless you don't really need the income.

Do be aware that there are some start-up costs. Most host agencies require their agents to pay for their own insurance. Some agencies have an initial fee to cover admin costs. You will also need to purchase business cards and office products.

That being said, it is an interesting and challenging job. I had to stop for personal reasons just as I was really getting a handle on all the procedures. Someday, I may go back to it, but only for the interaction. I would not count on it to support myself.

 

[mdsoccermom]

These travel agent questions come up so often, that there needs to be a sticky "So you want to be a Travel Agent?"

I have no idea how it is with Small World Vacations, so I'm speaking from the point of view as someone who has been hosted by 2 different non-Disney agencies. As an independent contractor, you are not an employee. You are your own business. Added costs can also include incorporating yourself. Another cost I have to budget for is the $300 personal property fee I pay to the state of Maryland each year I am a pass through entity, and am required to pay that fee without fail.

You need to be able to put in a lot of time marketing and educating yourself. I love it, but I spend a fair amount of time each day blogging, facebook, twitter, updating my website.

You need to be able to drop everything to assist a client when something goes wrong, and be available at unconventional hours if needed. You also need to be able to deal with the tire-kickers and time wasters.

Yes, there are incentives and discounts, but that is NOT the reason to go into the business. You need to earn them. And people that are in the business for just the perks makes the rest of us look bad.

It's a fun business, but it is NOT easy.

 

[Geoff_M]

It was probably much easier years ago, but the Internet has made it so easy for people to research and book their own vacations. It is difficult to make people see the advantage of going through an agent.

I think it's safe to say that the "golden age" of being a travel agent started to sunset when Prodigy made Easy Sabre available to its subscriber and later accelerated when Expedia was rolled out by Microsoft. I think you've painted a pretty realistic picture for folks out there!

 

[mdsoccermom]

I think it's safe to say that the "golden age" of being a travel agent started to sunset when Prodigy made Easy Sabre available to its subscriber and later accelerated when Expedia was rolled out by Microsoft. I think you've painted a pretty realistic picture for folks out there!

That's why agents need to be in the mindset that they are selling themselves and the service they provide, rather than the mindset that they are merely selling travel.

 

[heimlichfan]

There is a lot of sound information being posted here... thanks to everyone willing to share their experiences both good/bad and hard/easy.

I have thought about doing the independent thing on the side for about three years now. I am a teacher, and am constantly helping families at my school make WDW and DL plans. I can't say I help with any of the international parks or cruises, but as for WDW and DL I offer help just for fun. But think about it - I have a great target audience right at my finger tips that is always changing. I can legitimately advertise services at school by paying for spots in the directory, yearbook, etc... It could be a great thing to do.

I would never go into this as a career... I love teaching and am at a great school. But if I'm already working with people, I think it would be great to be able to help "officially."

With that said, I know there is a cost to getting started in this. Can someone break that down for me? Also, (warnings heard) how does one actually go about becoming an agent?

 

[Feralpeg]

There is a lot of sound information being posted here... thanks to everyone willing to share their experiences both good/bad and hard/easy.

I have thought about doing the independent thing on the side for about three years now. I am a teacher, and am constantly helping families at my school make WDW and DL plans. I can't say I help with any of the international parks or cruises, but as for WDW and DL I offer help just for fun. But think about it - I have a great target audience right at my finger tips that is always changing. I can legitimately advertise services at school by paying for spots in the directory, yearbook, etc... It could be a great thing to do.

I would never go into this as a career... I love teaching and am at a great school. But if I'm already working with people, I think it would be great to be able to help "officially."

With that said, I know there is a cost to getting started in this. Can someone break that down for me? Also, (warnings heard) how does one actually go about becoming an agent?

For a beginner, I would not suggest you try to do this by yourself. You will want to go with a host agency. They have the ids you will need to log into the various travel systems and get credit for your bookings. To obtain the ids by yourself would be difficult and expensive. Also, you host agency will be able to tell you the procedures. It can be very confusing when you first begin doing bookings.

To find a host agency, just look up websites of travel agencies selling the type of vacations you want to sell. Most of them have a page concerning joining their team. Some will have different requirements than others.

To start, plan on paying for your insurance (about $200 a year). If your host agency requires an admin fee, it can be anywhere from $100 to $300. Beyond that, it will be things like business cards, website (if you decide to have your own), office supplies, fax, printer, etc. The biggest single cost will be your time!

 

[jndmommy]

Has anyone had any experience with Small World Vacations or Academy Travel for Disney vacations. Would love to become a Disney Travel Agent. Trying to get as much info on the companies I've seen online. Thanks

 

[KathyTX]

Since you've started another thread here on this same topic and this one is 4 years old, I'm going to close this one.

I will say here, though, that you may get some helpful general information regarding being a Disney travel agent here. But our site is affiliated with Dreams Unlimited Travel, and we don't permit other agencies to advertise or promote themselves on our site (naturally!) So you're not going to be able to get any specifics about other agencies here- I'd recommend going to their sites to ask questions about their agency policies.