The travel industry has been changing for decades, and many travel advisors are re-evaluating their businesses as a result. How they work and who they collaborate with, including suppliers and their consortia and host agencies.
Susan Ferrell says, “Companies run by independent travel advisors are said to make a huge difference in the travel industry's ability to survive and thrive, especially now as a result of the ever-changing environment in which the travel industry is… We are facing challenges,” he said. President and owner of Travel Experts, a leading host agency with over 500 independent advisors.
“Selecting the best host institution is an important decision that should not be taken lightly,” notes Ferrell. Joining a host agency provides opportunities for independent travel advisors to maximize their earning potential, provide effective marketing, provide technology solutions, and most importantly, support staff.
The right host agency can take independent advisors to higher levels of business, expand their client base, and free them from in-house problems.
“One of the keys to finding the right host institution is to remember that not all host institutions are created equal, so understanding the differences between your competitors is essential. ,” Ferrell said, adding: Any costs or procedures that may erode potential benefits. ”
Travel Experts provides member advisors with 100% of all commissions, including airline, tour, cruise, car, and hotel bookings, and the agency earns some of the highest commissions in the industry. Additionally, there is no initial fee for joining, and advisors only need to pay a flat monthly fee to become a member, with no long-term contract required.
Independent travel advisors often join host agencies to reduce overhead and save money. “However, we caution that advisors should also consider contract flexibility as another way to minimize costs,” Ferrell says. Some host agencies offer long-term contracts and may require you to pay high fees, while others may have hidden costs, all of which take a toll on an advisor's bottom line. It may be damaged.
Many advisors are looking to join consortia or host agencies to increase their fee income. Expanding commission opportunities means more income for independent contractors. But Ferrell says, “To maximize your earning potential, it's important to compare fee levels. Not all plans are similar, so advisors should compare.”
The marketing support provided by the host agency is another important factor as independent advisors can help your business grow stronger.
Leveraging the opportunities and connections provided by a host agency can make a huge difference in an independent advisor's income potential. The supplier relationships a host agency has can help advisors and give them a competitive edge when working with clients.
Through our partnership with Travel Experts, advisors also have access to Virtuoso, which includes personalized marketing materials.
One of the most important services a host agency provides is a support network. The support staff provided by a host agency can make a huge difference in the way independent contractors do business. The right host agency can enhance an advisor's reputation and image, streamline operations, and help build a client base.
Ferrell recommends advisors look for host agencies that offer the following services:
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A dedicated support staff makes advisors feel like individuals while also addressing issues, especially during difficult times.
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Our professional development staff will guide advisors on important issues such as how to promote their business, how to effectively utilize social media, billing, and other important matters.
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Give your staff access to a comprehensive collection of resources, ideally covering the full scope of your business, including accounting, administration, IT infrastructure, operations, and sales.
Technology also has great benefits for independent contractors. Travel Experts suggests finding a host agency that understands the value of a strong technology component and the positive impact it can have on an advisor's ability to do business. Technology may include an individual's web site or web page connected to a host agency that facilitates marketing opportunities.
Technology provided by the host agency may include front-office and back-office software, separate electronic billing and management reporting. We may also send you daily email updates about the Advisor's intranet website, industry events, supplier news, and FAM travel.
Technology support allows advisors to focus more time on client development and service.
For more information, contact Travel Experts at 212 Sawmill Road, Raleigh NC 27615 or 800-274-2544. Email: info@travelxperts.com; Website http://www.travel-xperts.com.
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