In episode 173 Steph and Lindsay Taylor answer a bunch of excellent questions submitted by you, our faithful viewers and listeners. If you have a question, by the way, send it our way at https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15!

2. I’ve decided to expand my agency and diversify income. I plan to open my host agency division soon. Do you have any tips for someone starting a host agency from scratch? —Anonymous

3. Hi, I am wondering how to join 'preferred agency program' (e.g. Marriott Luminous, Hyatt Prive etc.). All the program says they are invitation-only but I am wondering what the general criteria is. Does joining a consortium help to become eligible? –Anonymous

RESOURCES:

HAR’s travel jobs board. Subscribe to weekly jobs email of new postings! (https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-jobs)

ASTA’s Roadmap to Becoming a Travel Advisor is a fantastic course for those looking to have a strong foundation before starting in the industry! Steph partnered with ASTA on it and they have a track for employees, independent contractors (ICs), and corporate travel agents. (https://har.news/roadmap)

ARC fraud protection resources (https://www2.arccorp.com/support-training/fraud-prevention)

Veriff identity verification (https://www.veriff.com/)

Older HAR blogs with some resources on credit card fraud and thinking like a frauster. A little dated, but still good content to read through.

PATH: Professional Association of Travel Hosts (need to be 50 ICs or more to join)

All about preferred suppliers in the travel industry. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier)

In episode 172 Steph welcomes Carolyn Orf of KHM Travel as a co-host! They will cover a ton of helpful topics, including the following:

1. My friend and I are interested in launching an agency together. We each bring slightly different skill sets to the table and have already worked together and been students together (and have been close for decades).

When evaluating host agencies we see that only Travel Quest / WorldVia host agency seems to have a membership option geared towards a two person agency.

Do other host agencies have a way to structure things so that two advisors are working together under the same hosted agency, sharing their clients and working together towards revenue goals and tiers of membership? From the outside looking in it appears that if we went with an agency like Fora we'd each have to independently reach revenue goals to unlock certain perks and access. —Shannon A.

2. What merchant account service should you use to take payments for bookings and what is the difference between Travefy, TravelJoy and Tern? Thank you! –Robin B.

3. Hi Stephanie! I've been loving your podcast and all the content you provide. Thank you for all you do! I'm working through the 7 Day Setup Lite and am brainstorming a name for my agency. I came up with one I keep coming back to. I Googled it as you recommend and there is not much competition. Then I searched the trademark database and there are 3 trademarks similar to my name but they are all dead. Should I be concerned about using this name if all similar trademarks are dead? Don't want to give up this name unnecessarily but also don't want to set myself up for trouble down the road. How would you advise? Thanks so much for sharing your expertise! -Anonymous

RESOURCES:

Host Agency List of over 235 hosts with reviews from their travel advisor members.

Travel Agent FAM Trips: What They Are + How to Find Them + Etiquette (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-fam-trip)

Friday 15 with Tern on things to think about before going into a business partnership.

Over 200+ travel agent rates and info on how to access them

More on Travefy (https://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software/travefy)

More on Tern (https://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software/tern)

More on TravelJoy (https://www.hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software/traveljoy)

How Seller of Travel...

In episode 171 Steph co-hosts with Chad Burt of Outside Agents. Here’s the questions that they’ll cover:

1. Which host agency has the most organized training and accessible people if there are questions? –Joanne A.

2. Hi! I decided I can practice doing property inspection locally. I printed out your questionnaire and intended to go through it. I asked for a manager’s name and said I want a tour. Is it a good idea for me to do it at the point where I am at right now? Maybe I should just chill? Should I be paying attention to anything specific since I am a total amateur at this point, except everything listed in your questionnaire? How should I be introducing myself. I mean - I already did… but how do the professionals do it? —Anonymous

3. Which title should I use travel advisor or travel consultant and why? –Thanks, Jenn

00:00 Welcome to the Friday 15 with Steph and Chad

02:01 Most organized host agency?

10:30 Property Inspections!

17:01 Advisor or Consultant?

RESOURCES:

Hosted travel advisor report will go live soon! Pre-order here: https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/travel-advisor-research-reports

TPI Webinar: Holiday Travel: Do’s & Don’ts as a Selling Travel Advisor Wed. Sept. 4th, 1pm ET / 12pm CT / 11am MT / 10am PT

Fora Webinar: Scaling Success: Fora's Roadmap for Aspiring Travel Advisors Wed. Sept. 11th, 4pm ET / 3pm CT / 2pm MT / 1pm PT

Check out both events and others here! https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-conferences-events

Advice on how to find the best host agency. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency)

Training and education options for travel agents. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-training-travel-agent-education)

The Definitive Site Inspection Checklist (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/definitive-site-inspection-checklist)

How Travel Advisors Can Make the Most of a Cruise Ship Inspection (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/how-travel-agents-can-make-the-most-of-a-cruise-ship-inspection)

Travel Agent FAM Trips: What They Are + How to Find Them + Etiquette (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-fam-trip)

What do travel agents do? And how do they do it? (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-do-travel-agents-do)

HAR’s travel industry conferences and events calendar with over 100+ events! https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-conferences-events

Submit your very own Friday 15 questions here! https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15

In episode 170 Steph cohosts with April Swales of Uniglobe Travel! They will tackle these questions, all provided by one curious listener this week!

Thank you so much for all the wonderful resources on your website! If you don’t mind me asking you for advice..

So I figured that I would be better off signing up with the Host Agency… I applied with 2 different ones and I'm gonna look into more. I can already see some obvious differences. Was wondering…

1. Should I be worried if the company says, “they don’t do air bookings- they are booking the ground, for the most part..

2. I realise that every Host agency has a different network. Even though I understand that I'm not supposed to go out of network if working in their system, if I am able to keep my own name and advertise as my own company, am I allowed to book with different networks of suppliers? As well as, “Is it at all possible to be affiliated with more than one HA, or is it completely unrealistic?”

3. In between 2 different agencies that I looked into - the difference in signing up price is $400 a year. I'm not sure how to evaluate all that they offer as to education and tools.

What should I be particularly looking at? Also, do you think I could try them out for a month or two, then change the affiliation if I decide to? Are there any consequences to that? I guess I am a bit scared to get in with someone who I might not be able to work with…What is your advice on that?

---Oksana N.

RESOURCES:



Hosted travel advisor report will go live soon! Pre-order here.

The Hive Webinar: 10 things to ask a "new to you" DMC Thurs. Aug 29th, 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT

TPI Webinar: Holiday Travel: Do’s & Don’ts as a Selling Travel Advisor Wed. Sept. 4th, 1pm ET / 12pm CT / 11am MT / 10am PT

All about preferred suppliers in the travel industry. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier)

Options for booking air without the GDS system. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-gds)

Belonging to more than one host agency: The pros and cons. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/belonging-to-more-than-one-host-agency)

What to think about when switching host agencies. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/switching-host-agencies-5-things-to-consider)

In episode 169 Steph cohosts with Jenn Lee in her brand-new role at Vacation Planners! They will tackle some great questions, so please join us!

1. Hello, I would like to know about the host agency called MAGICAL VACATION PLANNER https://www.magicalvacationplanner.com/. I cannot find the reviews about this host agency on your list. Please help.Thank you ---Rajan M.

2. I understand some suppliers don't pay the host until after the travel date, but I've found some suppliers like FareBuzz, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Allianz pay the month after the sale or after the final payment it's made.

I also know some host agencies pay out to their agents weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly. I'm curious to know the industry standard for how soon after receipt of commission from the supplier would a host agency pay the independent agent. ---Jen C.

RESOURCES:

Virtuoso Travel Week – Check out events cal and article on how to make the most of your travel conference.

5 Ways to Make Your Travel Conference Count (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/make-your-travel-conference-count)

The Hive Webinar: How to curate a personalized selection of cruise itineraries for client proposals Wed. Aug 21st, 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT

The Hive Webinar: 10 things to ask a "new to you" DMC Thurs. Aug 29th, 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT

TPI Webinar: Holiday Travel: Do’s & Don’ts as a Selling Travel Advisor Wed. Sept. 4th, 1pm ET / 12pm CT / 11am MT / 10am PT

Vacation Planner’s Webinar: Securing Your Legacy: The Crucial Role of Succession Planning for Travel Advisors Wed. Aug 21st, 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT

Find host agencies on HAR’s host agency list. It’s free to be listed! (https://www.hostagencyreviews.com/hosts)

Tips on how to find the best host agency for you. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-on-how-to-find-the-best-travel-host-agency)

In episode 168 Steph cohosts with Kendra from Travel Edge. They’ve got some excellent questions to cover this week, everything from CRMs to autism to non-profits. Tune in!

1. Can you provide any insight about ClientBase? My agency uses it as the CRM and the record for commission, and I hate it. IMO, it is antiquated and clunky and is the worst part of my job. Dramatic, I know. But the web-based version I have wastes my time and it's very unhelpful to me. It's all about getting paid by the host agency. Do all host agencies work off of this ClientBase system? I like my agency, but I would consider a change if there are agencies out there that connect directly to the vendors so I'm not doing so much data entry. Or, even if they don't connect directly, maybe their CRM systems are more useful. Thank you, Thank you for all you do! –-K

2. Do you have any resources for adults with autism who want to travel? The biggest issue I have is low stamina when things are too overwhelming.

My concern is, what if I run into a place that feels too busy, stay too long for some reason, and then the subway or some form of public transit is in-between me and my hotel.

Sorry, it's so hard to find travel tips and resources for adults with disabilities sometimes! –Anonymous

3. I volunteer for a non-profit that sends missionaries overseas and they want me to book airline tickets. Are there special fares for missionaries? Will joining a host agency mean I can book airline tickets? –Anonymous

RESOURCES:

COMING (very) SOON at HAR! Travel Agency Software profiles

What is a travel agency debit memo?

Yates Travel Design: Travel Edge agency specializing in autism travel

Austism Checked: Site with autism friendly travel companies + training for travel agents.

Travel is for Everyone: Why I specialize in travel with autism: Hear tips on traveling with autism from Dina Farmer, an advisor specializing in it.

International Board of Creditionally and Continuing Education: Autism certification for travel advisors.

In-depth information on what the global distribution system (GDS) is and which travel advisors use it.

In-depth information on what the global distribution system (GDS) is and which travel advisors use it.

Submit your very own Friday 15 questions here! F15?

In episode 167 Steph hosts an episode on Disney and Seller of Travel laws! Also Chad Burt of Outside Agents pops in for some greetings and feedback!

Questions

1. I am a new agent as of early spring 2024, so I am just getting my business known out into my community. I do live on a relatively small island in the PNW so I am excited to help facilitate tropical winter trips for the people who live here year round.

I just signed on with the Chamber of Commerce so I am looking forward to getting more exposure in my community.

Though I am excited to book tropical vacations, I am extra enthusiastic about booking Disney trips and specifically Disney World vacations since booking a trip can be complex with all of the various components. I love the parks and resorts and think I could be very helpful to potential clients but I am worried there aren't enough Disney goers in my local community.

Do you all have any tips or suggestions for gathering Disney clients specifically? I do have a group set up on Facebook called "Tropical Getaways and Disney Days" but so far all members are family and friends. Thank you! —Shandra A.

2. Should I seek out a host agency if I live in WA state that adheres to WA seller of travel laws? ---Anonymous

RESOURCES:

• Press release templates and guide to writing!
• Best Disney Travel Agents Share their Booking Secrets
• TAC episode with Amy Garner who focuses on accessibility and Disney when she started
• TAC episode with Laurie Burg on how she systematized booking Disney
• Host Week 2023 session on The Marketing Playbook with Erica Carr)
• Host Week 2023 session on 5 Steps to Building a Marketing Plan with Christine Hardenberger
• $100 Marketing Plan
• Host Week 2024 session on Reels Blueprint: Create 30 reels in 20 minutes
• Host Week 2024 session Storytelling to Sell with Aubrey Jackson
• The new HARO!
• Details on Seller of Travel registration for Washington
• Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!

In episode 166 Steph is co-hosting with Chad Burt of Outside Agents. Here are the questions they’ll tackle together this week!

QUESTIONS

1. I'm currently doing The Travel Institute’s TripKit course. Should I complete the CTA course before I start contacting host agencies? Also, what CTA course do you recommend (The Travel Institute, ASTA, etc…) ---Anonymous

2. I'm interested in learning more about utilizing press releases for attendance of industry events and/or FAMS. How would you recommend doing that? ---Anonymous

RESOURCES:

• What travel agent certification is and isn’t. Plus, what are the certifications out there for agents?

• Press release and guide from HAR
• Travel Agent FAM Trips: What They Are + How to Find Them + Etiquette
• (How Travel Advisors Can Make the Most of a Cruise Ship Inspection)
• (The Definitive Site Inspection Checklist)
• (Become a HAR subject matter expert! Fill out the form and get quoted or appear in future HAR resources.)
• (Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!)