With new travel enthusiasts entering the industry, a growing number of host agencies are emerging as well, each providing unique advantages, such as commissions, support, and training. With so many options, how do you know which agency to choose?
For an in-depth and cumulative look into successfully finding, choosing and growing the best partnerships for your business, register today for the PEP Talk, The Power of Partnership – The Right Fit for YOU and YOUR Business, presented February 27, at 2:00 pm (ET), by one of our Professional Educators Program (PEP) members, Andy Ogg, CTIE, co-owner of TravelProfessionalNEWS.com, FindaHostTravelAgency.com, and HomeBasedTravelAgent.com.
If you choose to go the route of affiliating with a host agency, then a key business decision is selecting the host agency partner that is a good fit for your business plan and goals.
When evaluating a host agency or independent contractor network, consider the following questions:
- Specialization. Is the host agency compatible with your business and marketing plan? Does it specialize in the products and services that your business focuses on? If so, does it have preferred vendor programs? Is there a list of preferred supplier partners?
- Training. What training programs does this agency provide? Does it offer a mentoring program or new agent training? Does it offer annual meetings? Does it work with industry associations and educational organizations to enhance learning and certification?
- Support. What level of support does it provide? How many people work the support desk? Does it assist with tools and software? Does it connect agents with business development managers (BDMs)?
- Affiliations and Accreditations. Is this agency accredited with IATA or CLIA? Does the agency belong to a consortium? Does it carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance? Is it affiliated with ASTA? Does the agency hold seller of travel numbers in the required states? Does the agency work with The Travel Institute in education and certification?
- Experience. How many years has the agency been in business? Does it have experience working with independent entrepreneurs? How many ICs does the agency work with now? How successful are they?
- References. Is there a list of references you can contact? Have you checked with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are unresolved complaints filed against the agency? Have you checked industry references?
- Benefits. What travel benefits will the agency extend to you? Will you be eligible for FAM (familiarization) trips?
- Finances. What are the total costs monthly or yearly? What is the commission split? Do ICs receive overrides?
- Tools. Does the agency offer any tools, such as CRMs, itinerary building tools, invoicing platforms, website templates?
Do your research:
Remember that a host agency is a business partner. Be sure to have a business idea and concept before you seek the right partner!
The Power of Partnership – The Right Fit for YOU and YOUR Business
February 27 @ 2:00 pm ET
Presented by: Andy Ogg, CTIE of TravelProfessionalNEWS.com, FindaHostTravelAgency.com and HomeBasedTravelAgent.com
Join Andy Ogg, CTIE of TravelProfessionalNEWS.com, FindaHostTravelAgency.com and HomeBasedTravelAgent.com for an in-depth and cumulative look into successfully finding, choosing, and growing the right partnerships for your Travel Business.
Much like in life, finding the right partner can be challenging. With so many options, it can be difficult to navigate or even get started! As a Travel Professional in today’s climate, a Host Agency partnership can make you, or break you. Let’s dive in and discuss how to find, learn, interview, and connect with the right partner that fits the needs of YOU and YOUR business!
CTA, CTC, and CTIE grads will earn two CEUs.
