Hi
I have recently set up a travel website which went live a few weeks back! www.time4takeoff.com
Since it went live i haven’t had a sale. I am currently using an affiliate company for selling the tickets as i don’t have the ATOL or IATA license.
As this is something i would love to do selling holidays to clients as i love traveling and sharing my experiences with others. Although i have done some traveling i don’t have any experience in sales so what is the best way to setting up a business as an independent travel agent and studying for the IATA and ATOL license? Do i really need these licenses to do this?
And if so what benefits will these licenses give me compared to just using an affiliate company ? I understand that airline companies give there seat prices to the travel agencies but how do you make money being a travel agent?
Many Thanks
Categorized | Featured Articles
Became A Travel Agent?
Posted on March 7, 2013.
You have to stand out!
There are hundreds (thousands?) of travel agents, why should anyone use you?
If you are selling “run of the mill” vacations – the same as everyone else – you are on a hiding to nothing!
Specialists offering “value added” products wil thrive as the “knowledge/itinerary” rather then the price is the deciding factor.
For example trips to Iceland, High Arctic or Antarctica are not well know or promoted – so there is little competition for specialist trips – so they are expensive – with a better margin for you!
If you don’t have specialist knowledge of high value specialist “products” you are going to find it hard to exist/make a profit!
P.S.
Had quick look at your website.
Didn’t realise you are in UK as question appeared to have been included from USA.
You have entered the most competitive market of all – flights!
I have probably 20 sites of Netflights, Opodo, Trailfinders, Bridge the world etc. to compare!
This market is 99% price driven, no loyalty!
Whichever “Supermarket” I buy from, the can of Branston baked beans is the same item!
Recently bought Business Class seats to NZ. Chose Air new Zealand to go out via HK and return via LAX so we had 4 x best flat bed night flights! Searched everyone to get best price, can’t even remember who I bought from!
Not what you want to know but hopefully a help!
You don’t need those licenses to sell travel.
You do want to align yourself with a host agency. Most hosts will train you.
You can find a host to work with by visiting http://www.hostagencyreviews.com, http://www.nacta.com and http://www.ossn.com
Affiliate companies do not pay much in commission, working with a travel agency ensures you make more money.