"Keys" to Starting a Home-based Travel Agency

"Keys" to Starting a Home-based Travel Agency

By Paul Davis, President of AARC Host Agency

People often ask me “what are the keys to becoming a successful home-based travel agent”. There is no “exact formula.” I know a love of travel, desire to earn more money, sacrifice of time to work on your business are absolute requirements, but even these elements don’t constitute a guarantee.

 

When I began my career as a travel agent over 40 years ago, I was working full-time as a driving instructor. I put in long hours in training and marketing on top of the 40-plus weekly hours of my “day job,” building a customer data base. There were many months when my phone bill was larger than my commission check. I stuck with it, though, sacrificing valuable “free time” because I saw the potential of learning how to become a travel agent and starting my own travel business. But at the same time, I understood that travel was really just an opportunity−what I got out of it depended on the dedication and “sweat equity” I put into it.

 

That’s very important to remember, if you are considering learning how to become a travel agent. While the possibility of earning supplemental income exists, what you get out of your travel business depends entirely upon marketing, networking and sales efforts. It also takes discipline to be your own boss, complete your training and build a customer data base.

 

Creating a successful travel agency business takes from 1 to 3 years. You will not be able to retire in 4-6 months. You must work the business for AT LEAST 1 year to even reach the point where you can consider yourself an Entrepreneur.

I honestly believe that if you follow the AARC system and consistently dedicate 7-10 hours per week for a year, you will be at a place where you won’t want to stop. But you must be willing to dedicate yourself, and sacrifice your own “comfort time” and other activities in exchange for the opportunity to earn additional income and travel benefits.

 

In my opinion, no company should ever make get-rich-quick claims. Unfortunately, some companies in the travel industry imply that potential agents can make a full-time income, or in some cases a lot more, with very little work. This is one of the reasons why so many people new to the travel industry become disenchanted and quit.

The reality is that only 5% of home-based travel agents receive “substantial income,” of over $50,000. The majority of home-based travel agents receive an income of $20,000 to $40,000.

Most seniors become travel agents just to travel at discount rates and make a small side income. We tell you this because, unlike some companies, we want you to be fully informed and consider AARC to be a refreshingly honest voice within the travel industry.

Paul Davis, President, AARC Host Agency
800-619-8646
info@aarchostagency.com
http://www.HomeBasedTravelAgents.ORG