I had originally scheduled a post on the new struggles of Royal Caribbean today, but one of the lesser known critics commented that I should write about them again. I decided that not only would it be a good idea, but a lot of fun to point out how they’ve completely botched another attempt to point the finger at YTB, but ended up pointing three back at themselves.

It never ceases to amaze me how low some people will stoop in an attempt to slander our fine company and our people. We’ve written at length about the lies, the misinformation, the false speculation, and how they love to distort and deceive in an attempt to tell the general public what’s wrong with YTB. Why they are so afraid of our company, I’ll never know. But even with all the evidence that proves them wrong, they continue to come back for more punishment.

As someone who has been calling a spade a spade for two years now, I make no apologies, nor do I feel the need to excuse how the lies, myths and false information goes against every fiber of my being. What I find most interesting is that instead of answering direct questions or accusations, I’m called names, they poke at my physical appearance, or try to tell me that I’m overreacting and being defensive. Reality is; that type of behavior is designed to get me off the subject at hand and put the focus on me instead of the real issue.

If you don’t like the heat, you should stay out of the kitchen. The hotter it gets, the more I know how much I irritate and frustrate our critics. That’s worth every slanderous comment, false accusation, and punch below the belt, which in turn reflects more on them than it ever will me. While they would love to have me join in the fun, they appear to be doing just fine without my participation. Besides, I would never want to distract them with actual documentation and facts that would highlight how clueless they are on their own turf. 

You may remember today’s subject from a battle won here just last year. While it frustrates our critics that Candi May has remained deaf and mute to any of the critics claims and false accusations, ignoring the jealous crowd of critics has enabled her to continue to build her business and remain quite happy with YTB. Like me, her self respect and self worth isn’t tied to a bunch of overzealous critics who can’t seem to get a life. Those who were at this years Convention probably remember Candi May and her “Travel Like a Rock Star” presentation. She has that same speech on her new blog and when the critics found it, they needed to mix things up, and I got to tell you…they botched it up.

If you either listened to her speak or take the time to read her post, Candi is abundantly clear about her experience in the traditional arena. She’s been travel agent for 24 years and gave examples of her experience as a traditional agent. For the traditionalist who want to keep these perks private however, they took issue with her stance and decided to attack her ethics, intelligence, and character to make it sound like she was deceiving everyone. (Much like they attempt to do with anyone else associated with YTB.

In her post, she states,

“I’ve been in the travel business for over 24 years now and for the 21 years before I was in YTB I was a traditional travel agent and eventually owned three travel agencies in Downtown Louisville. But, 24 years ago I was young, broke and inexperienced in the travel business. We took our first “agent rate” trip to a place called the Don Cesar in beautiful St. Petersburg Beach Florida.”

Sounds pretty clear to me…how ’bout you? Sorry to say, not everyone got that message. According to No Travel MLM’s Candi is called out for deceiving the general public. John writes:

This does sound wonderful, but there appears to be some serious sleight of hand going on here. Is anyone surprised? Well, John Travolta turned 50 in February 2004. And according to another post on Candy May’s blog:

I joined forces with YTB in June of 2006 and that is how this journey began.

John believes he has one of his infamous “gotchas” here with proof that one of our leaders is lying. He’s extracted one line from another post that is totally unrelated to her traditional agent journey and used it in an attempt to throw it back in the face of YTB. But take a look and read her first post in it’s entirety. You’ll find the following statement which can be found smack in the middle of her first blog post when she states:

“I started in the travel business a little over 24 years ago as a traditional travel agent.”

A statement that our critics hope you don’t find in the first post so they can pound their chest and slander someone so they can feel better about themselves and the traditionalist who got away. The only slight of hand here is by John. Either that or he has some sort of disorder that causes memory loss. (More evidence of THAT below.)

Candi also talks about a booking contest with a company that specialized in Mexico. She won that trip by booking lots of travel. She went completely free including round trip air to a beautiful resort called the Royal Hideaway in the beautiful Mayan Rivera.

According to John, Royal Hideaway will not accept a YTB agent on a FAM because YTB has lost their IATAN accreditation. The IATAN requirement for Royal Hideaway might be true…might not. I have to ask however why IATAN is relevant when you win a trip that’s provided by a company the specializes in Mexico? Small detail that again either escaped him or he was holding his breath in the hope that you’d miss that this was a contest provided by the supplier, not something she asked for as travel professional courtesy. But it just might work for the casual reader who is only interested in finding something negative, or a reason hate a company or poeple that are still sticking around after two years of pitching the same tired old line.

Remember the memory loss I eluded to earlier? I find it hilarious that John is trying this line again:

She claimed to have been flown to Minneapolis and wooed by Carlson who wanted her agency to join the conglomerate, yet no one at Carlson has any records of her name or her agency.

Are we to assume the this goof simply forgot that we’ve covered Candi’s affiliation with Carlson with two letters, one signed by Roger Block himself, and the other from Linda Fox that came with a Formal Agreement that was deemed by John as being authentic just last year? These two documents did convince him at one point, but he doesn’t remember that embarrassment now? I think it’s more accurate to speculate that we’re back to the denial phase now that it’s a year later and again crossing our fingers that nobody remembers how badly beaten and bruised he got the first time he pulled the same stunt.

If you say the same lie over and over, maybe it might come true? Maybe you can get someone to believe you this time. Or maybe you simply get caught for the same tired old story because you’re too thick headed to admit you’ve ever been wrong even once.

Not this group. They go on the attack and attempt to deflect in order to save face. We’re overreacting. I’m coming to Candi’s aid as her knight in shining armour to defend her. I’m wearing a man bra!

One of the other chums, who’s can deflect with the best of them attempted to turn the tables and put the burden of proof back on me. The pitch here is hat you actually need an IATAN in order to get an agent rate and since YTB does not have IATA accreditation, we’re not eligible for FAM’s.

Ainsworth tries this little line to intimidate and demand an answer:

Doug, you’re the once coming across as stupid. You’re right in stating that the first paragraph is speaking of Candy’s years being a TRADITIONAL travel agent. The whole blog post is about her years as a TRADITIONAL travel agent, and all the things she got to experience. None of the things she mentions here happened since she joined ytb! What has she gotten to experience like these things in the 3 years that she has been with ytb, hmmmmm? Answer that, Mr. Know It All.

Okay chump, since you asked, I do know of an offer Candi received from YTB THIS year:

Hey my special friends…I have an incredible opportunity for my distinct travel professionals: Check this out…

I am looking for a few of our Travel/Group specialist to join me on a FAM in Cancun late next week. The only cost is for the flight…THAT”S RIGHT!…ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE IS FREE!

Oasis Hotels and Resorts is one of my finalists for our Riviera Maya/Cancun and Dominican Republic destinations. They have a scheduled FAM to view 5-6 of their resorts…

If you know of others that focus on Groups, I could extend this to them…

And just how do I know that Candi got this special invite for being a Travel Pro with YTB? Because I got it too.

That’s right! Those of us who produce and book lots and lots of travel like the moral of Candi’s story still get offers.  And note, no magic IATAN is required, no calling the resort, no worries about if we could get in…YTB was invited and for those of us who work hard and book travel, the invitation was passed along to us.

That’s something that Traditional Travel Agents don’t want you to know. Suppliers actually invite YTB just like they do any other agency regardless of accreditation. What suppliers look for is productivity. Suppliers actually consider YTB a valuable source of revenue because we produce. While IATAN certainly provides proof of that with a minimum of $5K in commissions earned, it isn’t really required for the VAST majority of the trips that are offered.

And what would a post from these critics be without the personal insults that Candi couldn’t make it as a “real agent”. I suspect that before long the insult will be that Travel MLM has come up with a far superior product offer for those that are serious about staying in the travel business. (Which is what Candi saw years ago because she’s smart, not some dead beat.)

To prove my point, I have a challenge for the smarter than average critics out there that like spout off that a traditional host is a better alternative.

Provide me documentation of just one Host, one Agency, one single Brick and Mortar that:

• offers 80%-100% commission contracts.
  
• pays cash bonuses of up to $10K when you hit performance levels for travel commissions earned.
• AND completely covers the cost of your Medical Insurance and provides a $150,000 Life Insurance policy.
• Oh, and you need to give me that “hat trick” for less than $500 start up and $49.95 per monthly overhead.

Fact of the matter is that they can’t and that my friends scares the livin’ daylights out of some of the traditionalist who live in La La Land that these traditional host are a better deal. That’s why we have deceptive posts like John’s and the loyal band of thieves to keep up with the charade about YTB being a flawed business model and that Candi couldn’t make it in the traditional arena.

In this current economic climate, coupled with how badly beaten the traditionalist have been from suppliers the internet, and the change to self service, YTB has a safer, more profitable alternative for those who are serious about selling travel bar none.

Spout off all you want about me, Candi, Coach, Scott, Kim or anyone else associated with YTB folks. We already saw this model for what it is. We’re already in and enjoying the best compensation the industry has ever seen. If you want to come along, feel free.

But if you want to spout off, lie and slander based on jealousy…can it. Like so many times before, it’s only going to show that nose of yours is getting bigger by the day.

Oh and John, since you’re big on being the spelling ace…it’s Cand”i”, not Cand”y”. ;-P

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Can you believe this past weekend? One of the most memorable weekends I’ve experienced in a long, long time. It’s hard to think of another time I’ve been more pumped.

The anticipation started weeks ago, as it usually does this time of year. Even with the uncertainty of what lay ahead. As each day passed, I knew the long wait was almost over. By the time Friday rolled around I was making calls and surfing the internet trying to find any information I could, reading both the pros and the cons. Sure there are critics (aren’t there always?) making all kinds of predictions, but what do they know? By this time you should know that I’m a believer, have been for years. There’s very little (if anything) anyone could do to sway me away from what I love and what know to be true.

When Saturday arrived I was thought I was ready, but the incredible bombshells that came that day had me thinking about both the possibilities and how it could help us advance. While I knew we would be prepared, I didn’t know exactly what plays were going to be called. By this time, I had very little concern for what the oppositions was going to do. While my mind wondered what was ahead of us coming from California, I still felt confident and honestly didn’t have any doubt.

What transpired was nothing short of spectacular. It had me on my feet, giving out high fives, and bringing the passion back to the surface, pumped and ready to take on anyone who opposed us. (That includes any trash talkers from Baltimore!)

Things really didn’t settle down for me until Sunday night and I had a chance to let it all sink in.

Pittsburgh’s one step closer to it’s 6th Super Bowl ring, hosting yet another AFC Championship game at home!

What did you think I was talking about, YTB’s World’s Largest Tailgate Party?

That was good too, and honestly can’t get past the irony of the two events. How this weekend upset a lot of people both in the field of sports, and in the travel industry. While there were some that have been speculating who would come out victorious, and who would be a cake walk, (Arizona anyone?) it looks as if nobody really knows what’s going to transpire, or could posibly predict what’s going to happen.

That’s why they play the game.

I honestly have not had much of a chance to surf around and see what “critics” are talking about, (been enjoying my weekend watching football instead of wallowing in mud) but from what I’m gathering right now, some may be missing a couple of key points. (Like that’s anything new.)

One, our Convergentware upgrade back in December plays a big role now with the Trip of A Lifetime Sweepstakes that’s been launched. As entries are populated and clients fill in their information, we’ll be able to see likes, dislikes and market far more effectively. I realize there are those that want YTB to get out of the Travel Industry, but with the $30 Million YTB has invested in infrastructure to be a dominant player in industry…well, one can always, hope, pray, or more like plead.

Two, it looks as if YTB has reached a point that we can in fact strike our own deals for FAM’s and discounted travel. To have a company roll out their own FAM’s with suppliers and vendors should tell you something. Volume creates deals, not some card you hold up on a pedestal. There are very few Agencies in this industry that can strike this type of agreement with any supplier let alone several, because most don’t have the sales to back it up. The Great Escapes should be a very clear message to you that suppliers do understand the power of numbers, and they do “get YTB”.

Working with YTB makes much better business sense, now more than ever with the economy the way it is. Suppliers and vendors only pay for what YTB is able to produce. This notion that YTB costs suppliers money in reality is the complete opposite. (Thus why you’ve only seen three out of literally hundreds drop any Travel MLM.) While Royal Caribbean is spending money with Agencies to help advertise (Co-op dollars) attempting to bring in much needed revenue, Carnival brings in the local Business Development Manager, and one sidekick from Miami who brings up some banners and conducts a Sail-A-Thon via streaming video to market cruises in one night to tens of thousands of potential customers. Far better bang for your buck, and Gerry Cahill being a “finance guy” (critics call him a “bean counter”) most certainly knows this.

Three, some can’t grasp what diversification and multiple streams of income in business is all about. Because YTB has a Network Marketing division, I’m sure you realize that most view the model from a completely different perspective than “traditional business”. You’ll notice that everyone considers American Express and Carlson Wagonlit as “traditional travel agencies”, as they should, they are number one and number two. Please note that no one has a problem with American Express also being a bank, and Carlson Wagonlit also owning restaurants. That type of diversification is completly acceptable, but if YTB decides they want to diversify, creating an opportunity to capture another income stream, just like AMX and CW, it’s blasphemy.

To be fair, it is a bit different. You need to go back to “The Long Tail” example I posted about last week. In traditional business, when CW wants to open up a TGI Friday’s for example, there is a cost or investment in opening up that restaurant. Just when CW will recover that investment is unknown and irrelevant at this point. YTB on the other hand just partnered with a company called Aisle 19 this past weekend. Aisle 19 is free to join as an Representative, free to join as a customer, and provides the ability to shop at stores you already do for the exact same products, at the exact same price you would without the program. Difference is, Representatives get a commission and customers get cash back through the program.

Because YTB and Aisle 19 involves Network Marketing, a model with a severe phobia for some, it’s going to be labeled as a “scam” or an “illegal pyramid” even though nobody invested a single dime in the program. (Just like YTB’s MLM, or Rep Opportunity by the way.)

While I’m sure there will be more written about this in the coming days, I think we’ve already his the nail on the head as to why there’s a problem for some. While critics make it appear that they have “you’re best interest” at heart, the truth of the matter is, it’s nothing more than “wealth envey” which can best be expressed by this one post from a this one critic.

I just thought of something……If YTB is now using Aisle 19 (instead of it’s own product or business or company or it’s own mall stores etc.,) then YTB itself (The Old Fart) has just become a great big distributor for Aisle 19 and all of the YTB members and all the people that the YTB members bring into Aisle 19 will be HIS/YTB’s own downline and YTB will be making money off of all of that multi-level of downline- YTB members and whoever they bring on to Aisle 19 (their customers) and whatever YTB members buy and whatever the member’s customers buy. Yikes. Is this right? This is jacked up. Have I missed something?

For the record, no, this sharp tool didn’t miss anything. He’s pretty much figured it out, although it looks like it created some smoke as the wheels began to turn. We just tapped into NFLshop.com (along with some 600 other retailers) to capture a piece of the pie, and it didn’t cost any of us a dime to do so. But because this critics believes the rich get richer instead of actually doing what the rich do to become rich, it creates fear, anger and resentment.

Oh well…

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Finally!

I have been waiting for someone to make this move, and it finally happened. It’s not surprising that our star is Carnival Corporation, AGAIN. I feel it’s important to review just a bit, and set this up for all those concerned. If you recall, Royal Caribbean in a “bold move” (?) terminated its relationship with YTB back on November 9th. No notice, no warning, not even a phone call. Just a simple letter from then Sr. Vice President of Sales, Lisa Bauer, who effectively played the roll of airline stewardess as she said “Bah-Bye” to 4 Agencies sinking more than $23 Million in revenue for the company in 2007.

I’ve never really understood this move, and for the life of me still can’t grasp why any company would toss any business overboard. However, I also agree that it’s their company and they are free to do business with whomever they choose too. More importantly, for me at least, this move in no way effectively addressed the real issue at hand.

So what was it about Carnival that was so different? How did they respond to the issues and controversy swirling around concerning “card mills” and Travel MLM’s who abuse the FAM privileges that ARE designed for those that actually support the industry?

They now require a minimum of 5 bookings with them in a 12 month period in order to be eligible for a FAM. Imagine that? Everyone involved in this industry needs to support and sell their product BEFORE being able to take advantage of a reduced rate with them.

How do you like them apples?

What this so effectively does is eliminate the abuse yet save the account for future growth and obvious profits. Is it any wonder why they are called “The Most Popular Cruise Line in the World”? Because they’ve so effectively and succinctly addressed the real issue, they are able to keep all business avenues open.

Now comes the real question…

Will other suppliers and vendors see this in the same light as I do? Will they see this as an effective alternative to closing the door on impressive numbers from a bunch of part time Referring Travel Agents? Can they have their cake and eat it too?

My bet is that the Traditional Agents will not see this as an effective move. Like most, it’s either black or white, it’s either /or. And we can’t forget those that are so closed minded and just want Travel MLM’s gone, shut down for good. I do know of some however, who do believe we may be able to co-exist and may agree that this is a step in the right direction.

While I do not believe this closes all the issues, and there is still more work to be done. This IS a good move for all concerned, and most certainly a step in the right direction to as we like to say “legitimize” the industry.

Way to go Carnival!

Are the other suppliers listening?

PS – While looking for a picture to post with this post, I found this, and came very close to using it. I decided not too, but thought is was hysterical and wanted to share it with all of you anyway. Too funny!

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Our industry has been a buzz over the events of this last week. The Association of Retail Travel Agents (ARTA) has successfully put the screws to Royal Caribbean International with a petition to make them choose between their collective group of an estimated 700 (and growing) Brick and Mortar Agencies or the handful of Multi-Level Marketing companies who sell travel via internet web sites. News came out on Wednesday in a Travel Daily News article with quotes from Chairman Barry Richcreek applauding Royal Caribbean’s decision to terminate it’s relationship with “a scheme which denigrates the stature and role of the legitimate travel retailer.

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On Tuesday I posted about some of the YTB upgrades from last weekends Funshine Trade Show in Orlando. In this post I commented that as a result of the tremendous group volume YTB is generating for Royal Caribbean Cruises, our own YTB Travel Network staff will begin processing group reservations for Royal Caribbean. The Home Office staff will be using the same systems as the Royal Caribbean group desk, but will be able to give RTAs more personalized service.

Imagine my surprise today when I found out through Rod Cook’s site MLM Watchdog that The Association of Retail Travel Agents (ARTA) have been pushing major travel vendors like Royal Caribbean and state legislatures to cut off travel agent cards for MLM Companies. Rod is Pro MLM and while I respect what he’s done for Network Marketing industry as a whole, he’s been slightly off mark when it comes to Travel MLM’s. Rod, as always was nice enough to post a link to the finding which I have to admit, I was VERY interested in.

According to the Travel Daily News Article The Association of Retail Travel Agents (ARTA)applauded the announcement by Royal Caribbean International (RCI) that it will terminate relationships with multi-level marketers (MLMs) which provide travel agency credentials and identity cards to consumers for the purpose of becoming would-be “travel agents.” Barry Richcreek, ARTA Chairman was also quoted as saying in the report “”This announcement by the RCI family of cruise lines is welcome news from a respected supplier to curtail the growth of the MLM/Card Mill business, a scheme which denigrates the stature and role of the legitimate travel retailer.”

Two words come to mind: “Good Grief”

I wonder if Barry would welcome the news that YTB International, Inc. who markets booking engines and Travel Agency opportunities through MLM just strengthened their relationship with Royal Caribbean the weekend before in Orlando Florida? (Hint: Probably not) What the ARTA, led by Mr. Richcreek has failed to let go of are the days when a “legitimate travel retailer” was actually needed to book a airline ticket, hotel room, car rental, or Royal Caribbean cruise. Based on Travel Weekly’s published numbers in their 2007 Power Listover $40 Billion dollars were spent via the internet with on-line travel agencies. Out of the Top 10 Travel Agencies on this list, 4 were not a brick and mortar travel agency, but instead, conducted business on-line. (You may have heard of them, Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, and Priceline?)

Now that technology has made it possible to give you, me, or anyone the opportunity to sell these same services, the ARTA is up in arm’s with claims that the only reason any of us would want to join such a company would be “to procure questionable travel agency credentials and attempt to portray themselves as legitimate travel sellers” simply to get the discount they have been enjoying for decades.

In the years I have been involved with YTB, I can appreciate to a certain extent what the ARTA is trying to accomplish in regards to what are known in this industry as “Card Mills”. Knowing some of the Travel MLM companies that have come and gone over the years, and even a few that are currently starting to take shape in our industry, there are certain Travel MLM’s in our industry who promote the “Agent Discounts” and “FAM” trips without producing the retail sales back to vendors like Royal Caribbean. A “FAM” in our industry is short for “Familiarization” in which vendors invite Travel Agents to their property at a reduced rate in order to “familiarize” ourselves with their property. (You can’t sell what you don’t know.) In return for this discounted rate, we as travel agents are better equipped both in knowledge and excitement to promote their property to full paying customers.

What’s been happening to vendors like Royal Caribbean is they offer these discounted rates to certain MLM companies, but are not seeing any return on this investment by these same companies in regards to full paying customers. Furthermore, many of these MLM’s promote their Agency Cards as a “right of passage” to receive these discounts simply by flashing their card. It’s not a right, it’s a privilege and perk given to those of us who are professional and courteous. Even then, there is no guarantee.

Last year when Freedom of the Seas was launched, I had to get on this ship. The problem was, the ship was booked solid through the rest of this year. Royal Caribbean was not about to throw a family overboard just to put our family in at half price. As a professional, I also needed
to get on this new ship so I could speak intelligently to my clients about what to expect and what they could do. (And there was a lot to do on this mega ship believe me!) So I booked this trip just like any other customer and had a blast! (See for yourself!)

With all this being said, you might be wondering why Royal Caribbean would not only give YTB a pass, but actually strengthen their relationship with YTB while at the same time supporting the ARTA?

Good question, and I’m glad you asked!

Not all Travel MLM’s are created equal. There are very viable, profitable, and respectable Travel Agencies who simply use the Network Marketing model to promote and build their business. How can YTB claim that they are a Travel Agency first and foremost? Anyone looking at any Travel Agency should first verify both IATAN/ARC numbers and also check to see what the gross yearly travel sales are. (Unfortunately, no other Travel MLM can produce gross sales numbers.)

What’s even more revealing concerning Royal Caribbean specifically as why they would not terminate a partnership with YTB is the actual business we do with them. Fully 30% of YTB’s leisure business are cruises and large part of that business are done in groups. I just checked our groups cruise page and out of the several hundred groups with 30 or more cabins being booked at this time I went down half the list and found the first 50 with Royal Caribbean.

Please note: These are clickable links, but some may expire due to groups being closed and taken beyond November of 2007.

1. HBCU Alumni & Friends Fantastic Voyage
2. Superbowl Party Cruise
3. Friends and Family
4. Re-Union of Friends
5. 25th Garrison Anniversary Cruise
6. 2nd Annual Contours Express Getaway
7. 40 – Anniversary Cruise
8. A Family and Friends Getaway
9. A Siesta Cruise with Tara
10. ACTC Cruise
11. Adams/Karlavage
12. Adorando en Alta Mar con, Hnas Meléndez
13. Amie Jo & Esperanza’s Fiesta
14. B and B’s First Cruise
15. Bermuda Family Travel
16. BJ’s 2008 Fun Fest Cruise
17. Briscoe, Manly, Atcherson, Gross Family Reunion
18. Candy’s Fun Group
19. Chambers Family and Friends Cruise
20. Chanel & Drew Wedding Cruise
21. Cindy’s Group
22. Circle of Friends
23. Claude and Yvonne Anniversary Cruise
24. Clayton Valley 78
25. Cool and Fun
26. Crawford Wedding Cruise
27. Cupid’s Cruise
28. Dayton’s Finest Travel Club Hawaii Cruise
29. Derby 50th Anniversary Celebration (Celebrity)
30. Desert Hills Presbyterian Church (Celebrity)
31. Dockery Family & Friends
32. Donald & Sheryl Stanley’s Super Bowl Cruise
33. Doris Carter 08 Bahamas Cruise
34. Dumas Family Reunion
35. Family and Friends
36. Family Unity
37. Family Unity II
38. Fauntleroy Travel & Friends
39. Friends & Family of Mercedes
40. Fun In The Sun
41. George & Roslyn Group
42. Go Mexican With the Sanders
43. Harrison/Greenhill to Suns Sail
44. Haworth Birthday Group (Celebrity)
45. Hemet Alaska Cruise
46. Hope On The Move!
47. House of Prayer 2nd Annual Men & Womens Conference
48. Hubbard Anniversary
49. ICC New Year’s Kickoff Party
50. It’s My Party

With a list like this, do you really think Royal Caribbean would want to terminate our relationship? I can promise you that Royal Caribbean is looking at the bottom line and they know very well what all these groups of 30 or more cabins will do for their business.

In closing, based on what we have just learned about Royal Caribbean’s relationship with YTB and the group bookings department and all the groups we currently have, I would have to agree with the ARTA Chairman, although he doesn’t realize he’s talking about YTB when he was quoted “RCI has taken a major step today to add teeth to its support for the legitimate travel retailer”

They most certainly have.

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Do You ZamZuu?

Of all the home-based business possibilities, it’s hard to imagine one that’s more fun or potentially profitable than operating a home-based travel agency.

Not only do you get the enjoyment of sending people off on their dream vacation, but you earn a good commission for selling services that you do not have to actually provide yourself. What could be better than that?

If you’d like to become a home-based travel agent, and enjoy discounted or even free trips for yourself as well, then the following “Top Tips For Becoming A Home Based Travel Agent” will get you started in the right direction.

1. Affiliate with a legitimate host agency that has all of the required certifications.

The most successful home-based travel agents are independent contractors who work with a host agency. You use the host agency’s resources and established relationships to tap into their network of travel vendors and suppliers. It’s important that your host agency has the proper industry credentials and that they have a program in place that allows you to use those credentials in order to establish yourself as a legitimate travel agency.

As a home based travel agent you need certain credentials like the CLIA card. CLIA stands for the International Airlines Travel Agent Network endorses travel agents and provides the IATAN ID card, which identifies you as a U.S.- based travel sales professional.

If you are considering working with a host agency that doesn’t provide you with their IATAN/ARC number, and other required credentials, move on and select one that does.

2. Choose a host travel agency that provides comprehensive training

Even though you are an independent home-based travel agent, you still need professional quality training so you know how to operate in the travel industry as well as what you are and are not allowed to do.

Getting up-to-date on the best places to travel, tourism trends, and how to fulfill the needs of your customer is vital to your travel business. You want to choose a host travel agency that offers comprehensive training and courses on various travel services, products, marketing, etc.

For some host agencies, taking a course or training is necessary in order to be eligible for certain travel credentials. And, although it is not required to book travel, your job will go much easier and you’ll develop more repeat business, if you are well-trained and well-informed.

3. Choose a host travel agency that will help you promote your business.

Don’t choose a travel company that does not offer some assistance with marketing your travel business. The best ones will offer a turn-key website or online booking engine for your clients to use when booking their travel.

Even better are the travel companies that also provide you with automated marketing tools such as auto responders to handle email campaigns and promotions.

You’ll save money, and gain more customers, if you partner up with a host travel agency that provides ready-made templates to print business cards, postcards, flyers, etc. These are all the tools in your marketing arsenal that will help you get the word out about your home-based travel business.

4. Choose a host travel agency that handles ALL of the travel details for you.

Most host agencies handle all the booking and routine travel details for your clients, but what happens if a name is misspelled on a plane ticket or your customer wants a refund? Find out what type of customer support is available and read their policies carefully before you sign on as a home-based travel agent.

At a minimum, look for:

· How long your host agency has been in business and if they are reputable.
· 24/7 telephone support, not just e-mail or web-based.
· Clear and easy-to-understand refund and cancellation policies.
· A track record of speedy resolution to customer service issues.

5. Choose a host travel agency with a fair commission policy.

Notice that money is not mentioned as the #1 thing to look for when you’re choosing a host travel agency. Sure, the commission is important; it’s how you get paid. But the best commission policy in the world does you no good if the host travel company that you choose to partner with is not aboveboard and honest.

Once you have found a travel company that meet the requirements of items 1-4, it’s time to check their commission policy. Here’s what to look for:

· Make sure that you know exactly how much commission you earn on every travel product you offer through your host agency. Be sure to find out if you earn commissions for add-on sales like trip cancellation insurance or lost luggage insurance. The best host travel agency partners pay you a piece of everything you sell.

· Be sure you know what their commission chargeback policy is when a client cancels a trip or seeks a refund.

· Find out at which point your commission actually gets locked in. Is it when the sale is made; when the client debarks on their trip, or when they return?

· Find out how long it takes to get paid. Some agencies pay Net 30, some pay longer. Whatever the payment period is, make sure you can live with it.

6. Choose a host travel agency with the best perks for you

The opportunity to go on a FAM trip is the most appealin
g benefit to travel agents. FAM trips are short for ‘familiarization trips’. These are special trips specifically for the travel agent. These trips are offered by hotels, cruise lines, convention and visitor bureaus, and tour companies.

The intent of the trip is to familiarize the agent with the product or service so that they can then sell the service or product to their clients. By experiencing the product, agents can sell it more effectively.

These trips are either totally free or have a small cost involved to cover the expense of the trip. These FAM trips are offered at a huge discount compared to what it would cost to the average consumer. If your host agency doesn’t offer FAM trips, you should think about finding one that does.

Also, since you will be working out of home and on your own, medical insurance plans or group coverage plans are sometimes offered. Check to see if the agency you are considering has a group plan that you can buy into. Group plans are usually less expensive than buying
medical insurance on your own.

Some final thoughts

Owning your own travel business means you can take advantage of many tax breaks. Deductions are allowed for you initial investment, home office expenses, cell phone and land lines, automobile, computer, fax machine, insurance, and other equipment. In addition, when you travel anywhere in the world, it’s a business expense!

Overall, becoming a home-based travel agent has some major perks and benefits. The important thing is to find a good host agency and become familiar with your product so that you can offer the best travel experience for your customers. Doing this will keeps a consistent flow of repeat and new business coming your way.

Good luck and Bon Voyage!

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