Making Money
By · CommentsIt takes money to make money. Most of the time this is very true, but there are always exceptions. In the travel business, you do not start making much income for 1-3 years. If you currently have a decent paying job, it can be a very good idea to stick with it and work part time with your travel business until your client base has built up enough that you are actually making a living from the commissions.
Even with the reduced expenses of working from your home, you will not become profitable
overnight. One very important fact to remember is you do not earn your commission until your client travels on most travel bookings. If your client cancels their vacation, it is likely you will lose any commission that you might have expected on the booking.
Have a Computer and learning to use it!
By · CommentsLearn how to properly operate a PC. E-Mail and Internet are an absolute necccessity in this day and age of instant gratification. Knowing how to store client information on a database program is pretty much mandatory. Knowing your client’s last vacation destination and their style of travel is at your fingertips. As you gain clients, it becomes all but impossible to remember all of their special needs and desires. Your database program can keep all of this information if you will just take a few minutes to update and add the needed information
Whether it is creating mailing list labels, creating a flyer, writing a letter or simply answering a client’s e-mail request for a price quote, your computer can be your best friend. Sorry Rover!
Get Legal
By · CommentsIf your State has Seller of Travel laws, please register. Failing to do so can result in fines or worse. States such as California require all printed agency material such as letterhead and business card to list your Seller of Travel Number. This is also the case for all online and newspaper advertisements. Many potential clients will not do business with an agent that is not properly registered.
Please purchase a Business License for the City or town where you are located, if required by law. Many home businesses do not think they need one, then the City finds out you have been doing business in their City for “X” amount of years and decides to fine you. It makes good business sense to get the proper licensing and stay out of trouble. We have found other travel agencies have turned in a competitor to the City for not being licensed.
Early in your Home Based Travel business is the time to get your accounting in order too. Waiting until later can end up costing you a lot of money if you are not properly using deductions for your home office and for your own travel to destinations you are selling.
Your Telephone
By · CommentsHave a dedicated phone and answer it professionally. Most first-time clients will know in the first ten seconds if they like you. First impressions are everything! Be sure to purchase a phone with a hold button. Some models even come with an option for music or message on hold. Having Rover barking in the background or Junior crying can make or break a potential booking with a client.