We have done our homework over 45+ years in the travel industry. In that time we have seen host agencies come and go and have found many differences in what host agencies offer. Here are some key questions you will want to ask when talking to us and to any other host agency.

Marketing:

  • Is marketing included in your fees or is it an extra fee?
  • Do they do the marketing for you and from you or do they create the material and you have to do it?
  • Is there a combination of marketing channels?
  • Direct Mail (Canada Post), Targeted E-Marketing, E-Newsletters
  • Is there additional value in their client offers?
  • Is there something in it for you?

Lead Generation:

  • Do they guarantee the quality of leads?
  • Do they pay TOP commission on these leads or lower commission levels?
  • How are the leads generated?
  • Do they help with local events?
  • Do they have a referral program?

Contract: Buyer beware!

  • Is the contract easy to understand and reasonable?
  • What is the length of the contract? Many contracts are for 5 year terms?
  • Does the contract state you are not able to work in the travel industry for 1 a year or more?
  • Do they force you into Automatic renewal?
  • Are there many additional fees for marketing, websites, booking fees, commission processing fees, that you should know before making your decision?

Personal Website:

  • Do they offer customizable bookable website in their fees?
  • Does their website have booking engines that include Air, Hotel, Car, Cruise, Packages, Insurance & Excursions?
  • Are you responsible for updating the content on your site or is it done for you?
  • Are you able to add your own specials and niche pages?

Training:

  • How is the training delivered? Is it live (via webinar), prerecorded or classroom?
  • What materials will you receive? Will you receive actual textbooks and workbooks from an accredited training institute or is it a binder compiled by the host agency?
  • Does the host agency require you to make your bookings in Sabre or Apollo? While these tools may financially benefit the host agency, it’s not so easy for a new agent. These tools are difficult to learn and consume a significant portion of your scheduled training program.
And the final question, one of the most important questions for you personally:
  • After you start with your host agency, are you supported by a team dedicated exclusively to new agents or by an accessible, experienced agent of that host agency?