Independent Contractor or Host?
The difference? As an Independent Contractor for That Place For Travel, you have the ability to work under the LLC of That Place For Travel – our name, brands and 50 year history become YOUR home and support structure. This requires NO financial commitment from you (with the exception of business cards and letterhead, if you choose). All Independent Contractors of our agency are eligible to obtain their IATAN Card to certify your professional status on an international scale.
Working under a host agency,
you will be able to create your own company, brand, and be responsible for the legal requirements that come with having your own company. This option does require more of a financial commitment, which can be prohibitive since you may not make much money during your first year.
This brings up another issue of concern – a Host Agency will charge you a monthly or annual fee (some charge a Set-up fee as well), and then they take a percentage of the commissions you earn. I know some hosts that take from your commissions 20-50%. The other complaint of some host agencies is that they are slow to pay commissions.
So many people get here and spend money to take classes, join a “host” agency, and even pay a monthly fee to a company that is ONLY in the business to make money off your hard work. They DO NOT provide “leads” or customers. Many people who start in this industry leave it frustrated at the money and time wasted with NO INCOME to show for it. Most people don’t see any money for more than 6 months, and to make any significant money, you need to be in business for 2-3 years before you quit your “day job”.
Multi-Level Marketing
A major pitfall that new agents fall into are the host agencies that are really Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) companies. These agencies prey on new agents, making promises of free travel, wealth-building, and easy money just to get you to recruit to expand your “team”. In reality, you are filling their pockets. Check out this article from a well-respected source regarding MLM agencies – https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-mlms With That Place For Travel, there is no “upline”, “sponsors”, or “mentors” – we are a TEAM of travel advisors that work towards a common goal – Creating Insanely GREAT Experiences for our clients. We support each other, we promote each other’s strengths, and we get to keep the money we earn in our own pockets. At That Place For Travel, most ICs earn 90% of their commissions.
Multi-Level Marketing
A major pitfall that new agents fall into are the host agencies that are really Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) companies. These agencies prey on new agents, making promises of free travel, wealth-building, and easy money just to get you to recruit to expand your “team”. In reality, you are filling their pockets. Check out this article from a well-respected source regarding MLM agencies – https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-mlms With That Place For Travel, there is no “upline”, “sponsors”, or “mentors” – we are a TEAM of travel advisors that work towards a common goal – Creating Insanely GREAT Experiences for our clients. We support each other, we promote each other’s strengths, and we get to keep the money we earn in our own pockets. At That Place For Travel, most ICs earn 90% of their commissions.
This brings up another issue of concern – a Host Agency will charge you a monthly or annual fee (some charge a Set-up fee as well), and then they take a percentage of the commissions you earn. I know some hosts that take from your commissions 20-50%. The other complaint of some host agencies is that they are slow to pay commissions.
So many people get here and spend money to take classes, join a “host” agency, and even pay a monthly fee to a company that is ONLY in the business to make money off your hard work. They DO NOT provide “leads” or customers. Many people who start in this industry leave it frustrated at the money and time wasted with NO INCOME to show for it. Most people don’t see any money for more than 6 months, and to make any significant money, you need to be in business for 2-3 years before you quit your “day job”.
How can I get recognized as a Travel Agent and get discounts?
Many of the Travel Agents you may find on Social Media and at Training Conferences have different ways of being recognized. These industry cards do NOT require any “certification” that you may have to pay to obtain. These are the three that are recognized. While the IATAN Card is the “gold standard” and accepted by MANY MORE suppliers of travel like airlines, hotels, cruise lines, car rental, tour operators, and Destination Management Companies (DMC), the others are options available for you as well.
Be Warned – While IATAN Cards are recognized by every supplier that accepts CLIA or TRUE, the opposite is NOT true.
Not all IATAN suppliers will acknowledge or accept CLIA or TRUE Cards.
IATA/IATAN Membership
Agency – IATAN is one of the most trusted professional organizations in the US. Being IATAN accredited shows that your agency has been thoroughly vetted and adheres to IATAN standards and requirements. Many industry suppliers require agency partners to have an IATAN Accreditation. IATAN’s programs are recognized around the world. Accreditation offers global recognition of your business and, at the same time, gives your business global reach to industry suppliers. Initial cost $247
Agent – Search for suppliers and their travel agent offers on IATA AgentExperience. Cardholders can also save up to 30% at over 100,000 hotels worldwide as well as up to 10% off select gift cards and up to 50% savings on merchandise. All ID Card holders, the UATP Insider Club offers member benefits and travel protection coverage when you travel on industry-free, reduced rate or full-fare tickets on a Scheduled Airline, Amtrak passenger, train, or cruise line. Travel the way you’ve always wanted with supplier concessionary rates on hotels, flights, car rentals, theme parks, family trips, and other travel benefits. $48 per year, tied to the agency’s IATAN Number
CLIA Membership
Agency – Any travel seller or department of a travel seller that is actively engaged in the business of selling cruise travel can be a CLIA Travel Agency Member if they attest to the fact they are meeting all federal, state, and local ordinances relative to conducting such sales. Annual Dues $399 Individual Agent – Any travel agent affiliated and in good standing with a CLIA Premier or Travel Agency Member is eligible for Individual Agent Membership. An existing CLIA Individual Agent Member who is no longer affiliated and/or in good standing with a CLIA Premier or Travel Agency Member as stated above will be removed from the active member
roster. Annual Dues $129
TRUE Membership
While once provided as a “industry card” for agents working under a specific host agency, in 2015 became available to anyone willing to pay the membership fee. A TRUE accredited travel agency membership provides your agency with a unique number that is recognized by a limited number of travel suppliers allowing you to book travel and earn commission. Annual Fee $399.
