Be your own travel agent continued

[Stone]

I think this article from the New York Times (1999) is a fair treatment of both sides of the issue:

The Traveler, Redefined as Travel Agent - By EDWIN McDOWELL

It is my opinion that:

When I buy and sell stocks, I am my own Broker
When I track my business expenses and prepare my own taxes, I am my own Accountant,
When I prepare my own will, I am my own Legal Assistant

Therefore:

When I book my own travel, I am my own Travel Agent,
and when I book travel for my friends and family, I am acting as their agent.

As a member of Global Travel International (GTI), I have access to GTI's extensive fare, rate, and reservation system. I can book reservations for myself, and friends and family (for which I reap the benefits because I am doing the work), or I can have GTI make reservations for me (in which case I split the commission with GTI because they are doing the work, but I am bringing them the business)

Am I a professional full-time Travel Agent? No. No more so than I am a professional full-time Broker, Accountant, or Legal Assistant.

I am a Travel Agent when I need to be.

The hotels, resorts, and discount providing businesses that I send referal business to could care less if I'm full-time, part-time, or no-time.

 

[Dee]

I have a friend who has done this and he's saved alot of money in the past year. I'm still thinking about it....

 

[raviepoo]

I haven't used a travel agent in years, but money isn't the most important factor. It's partly because I'm a control freak and partly because researching a trip before I take it is half the fun of travel for me.

I've seen the "be your own travel agent" web sites before and I've been tempted to sign up. The thing is, I don't just want to save money for myself. I would like to be able to build a small, part time business. The only reason I haven't tried it yet is because I'm kind of scared that I will fail. Is there a down side to trying? Is there an up front investment at risk?

 

[Stone]

raviepoo once bubbled...
I would like to be able to build a small, part time business. The only reason I haven't tried it yet is because I'm kind of scared that I will fail. Is there a down side to trying? Is there an up front investment at risk?

I think GTI may be perfect for testing the waters.

My up-front investment was $300 (it has probably gone up).

 

[chuckrt]

I am what is called an outside agent and I work for myself thru a Travel Agency. This agency is affiliated with Carlson Wagonlit one of the largest groups in the world. I took some travel courses thru Adult Ed. and then went to the agency I used and they had around 6-8 outside agents already. What does an outside agent do? WE find all our clients, book their travel, do all their paperwork, and follow up with them after. What we get is new friends, able to use the Fams( familiarization trips ) people here about, and we do get some perks now and then. We also have to split our comm. with the office, ours is 50/50. these comm. help pay for my family and dive trips.

If you want more info e-mail me. And yes ir can be alot of work as well as fun.

Chuckrt/ Carlson Wagonlit Travel Liverpool NY

 

[Arnaud]

ASTA's Consumer Affairs Department cautions consumers to beware of offers from "card mills:" companies which sell questionable travel agent credentials. Consumers may be led to believe that such cards allow them to travel at free or reduced fares. Organizations making these offers are known throughout the travel industry as card mills because they routinely offer credentials by the thousands in the form of an identification card that is sold for a significant fee. In turn, these cards would presumably be accepted by every segment of the travel industry.

Many suppliers of travel, however, do not accept them.

In recent months, ASTA's Consumer Affairs Department has received an increase of calls from consumers being wooed by these card mill operators. Most of those solicited have been promised that they can get all the benefits of being a travel agent. However, ASTA cautions that the industry has become much more vigilant in clamping down on those using card mill credentials.

If you have received an offer to purchase a card that supposedly allows you to receive travel agent benefits or discounts, call ASTA's Consumer Affairs Department at (703) 739-8739 for information and guidance.

 

[Arnaud]

Check link below for the real requirements: www.iatan.org/pdf/126.pdf