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| *Ostroff, Fair and Company>>>Financial Services |
Does anyone work for Global Travel International or Global Trends Travel? |
Both of these are online travel agencies that promise you a home based business. I am a working mom looking to make some extra cash and I came across both of these ads for a home based business. Both companies require an initial investment, hence my research to ensure they are legit and not just trying to scam me out of my money. I am a home-based agent and I have heard of GTI - not much of it positive. This is what we call a mega-host. They are big and don't offer a lot of support to their ICs (independent contractors). A lot of these types of host agencies promise a lot and don't deliver. Be very wary of any host agency charging huge fees for new agents. Often, they are just "card mills" and will rip you off coming and going. Take a look at www.nacta.com. There is a lot of information on host agencies there. Also take a look at OSSN (Outside Agent Sales Network). Yes, I do believe that new home-based agents need to be affiliated with a host agency. Also, you may want to try America's Vacation Center/America Express. As a new agent, you will only be able to sign onto their Gold Program (the Platinum is for experienced agents). This is a big host, but not a mega-host. They have a very good rep. Also, try you might want to look at host agencies affiliated with Carlson Wagonlit. I have also heard that Duggan's Travel is great for new agents. Stay away from Joystar. No fees, but they are in financial trouble and don't pay commisions in a timely manner. (See if you can get yourself registered on MailPound.com. There are some great resources and an agent forum there.) Always look for a host agency that is affilated with a large consortium like Jurni or Vacation.com. This not only gives you higher commissions, but considerable clout with suppliers. It also attests to the host agency's legitimacy. There is a book I would recommend very highly to you. It is "How I Made a Small Fortune as a Home-Based Travel Agent" by Anita Pagliasso-Balamane. It is available though NACTA on their site, and I believe through OSSN and even Amazon. Be aware that no matter what you do, you are going to have to generate your own clientele, and this will take time. To be a successful home-based agent, I you will have to take advantage of training opportunites and FAM (familiarization) trips. The days when a travel agent could just make money being an order-taker are over. You have to be an expert in vacation planning. Hope this helps. Source(s): I am an experienced home-based travel agent. |
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