FAQs
Take a look at our list of FAQs, or please reach out to our team if you need any more assistance.
Can I choose my own hours?
Yes. Being self-employed means it is your business, so you are the boss, and you have complete flexibility. So, if you have a phone, a laptop, and an internet connection, you will be able to make holiday bookings wherever you are in the world. It is important to devote enough time to developing your business and nurturing your customer base. The more you put it, the more you gain, not only financially but with personal and customer satisfaction
What are the qualifications or skills you need to become a travel agent?
We offer two packages to become part of the Travel Specialist Franchise.
How long will it take to be up and running?
With a standard notice period of about 4 weeks, your Travel Specialist Induction training, welcome pack and laptop will be ready within 2 weeks of signing up.
What kind of training will I receive?
You will spend four days at Head Office in Tunbridge Wells following a training programme that will give you an introduction to our back-office system and an engaging way to learn all about the Travel Specialist approach to travel. You will have access to our online training library, supplier training events, educational invites etc.
What kind of support will I receive & What is included?
This is what is included as standard for all Travel Specialist Franchisees
- ABTA protection
- Back Office system
- Email Account
- Business cards
- Access to leading suppliers & commissions terms
- Branding & Marketing assistance
- Induction Training
- Ongoing training
- Supplier webinars
- Dedicated Business Development Mentor
- Business plan meeting
- Head Office admin & account team support services
- Low overheads
- You choose your hours & work schedule
- Full financial protection
Is there any out of hours support?
We only work with reputable travel partners who offer out of hours support for your customers in resort and the Duty Office being contactable 24/7 should an issue arise either pre-departure or in resort.
Our team at Head Office will monitor worldwide events, so should an issue arise, that may affect your clients then this will be communicate accordingly to you. They will also run a report to identify the bookings that may be in resort or travelling imminently and they will notify you of any bookings affected to ensure all customers are looked after.
Are there monthly management fees?
Yes. Our monthly service fee starts from £99 +VAT per month
What are realistic earning potentials?
There’s no limit on how much you can earn. Ultimately you get out what you put in. Earning a commission every time someone books a holiday means your earning potential is unlimited. Time spent on attracting customers, advertising, social media activity and finding the best holiday for your customer and providing outstanding customer service to retain their future business and for your customers to recommend
Is there a minimum sales value?
No, ideally, we ask that Travel Specialists maintain a minimum £10,000 in commissions for any 12-month period. The more time and effort you invest in your business, the better your financial earnings will be.
What is the average commission you can earn?
Average commission paid by our travel partners is approx. 12.5%
Your commission earnings will be up to 80% based on a 12-month period. Earnings based on net commission
60% up to £650,000
70% up to £750,000
80% anything over £750,000
What happens when I go on holiday?
We can operate a buddy system, so a named Travel Specialist will look after your customers in your absence. We just ask that you return the favour. Alternatively, you can source someone to look after your business whilst you take a well-earned break.
When do I get paid?
You’ll be paid monthly by bank transfer. Once your customer balance has been paid, you will receive the commission payment at the end of the month in one lump sum. The cut of date is the 15th of each month. The payment will go straight into your bank account. If you have any queries, you can always call our Accounts team for friendly expertise.
Can I employ my own staff?
Because of the unique nature of your franchise agreement with The Travel Specialist, there are no limits on your hiring of staff if you feel you need to.
Is there anything that I can offer my customers as a Travel Specialist which sets me apart?
Yes, Travel Specialists set themselves apart from the rest by building personal relationships with their customers and delivering the highest level of personal service and care that can be found in the travel industry. You will be able to offer your customers an authentic, tailor-made travel service, creating bespoke, “one-off” itineraries that cannot be found anywhere else.
Will you help me promote and market my business?
You will have access to our professional and effective marketing materials supplied and created by our marketing team and our travel partners. Your Business Development Mentor will also be on hand with plenty of tips on how to market yourself in your local area. If you’d like to discuss upcoming marketing campaigns, our Marketing team will be happy to chat through ideas.
What does a day in the life of a travel agent look like?
No one day is ever the same in the life of a travel agent, so it is hard to put into words what a typical day looks like.
Here are a few things you can come to expect in a travel agent’s day…
- Responding on email to new enquiries or making changes to existing enquires
- Assisting your clients who have already booked with questions & queries
- Putting together a quote for a new holiday enquiry
- Researching new holiday offers
- Posting on social media new offers, blog updates or an inspirational story
- Training, online or in-person supplier training
- Attending a Teams call with your Business Development Mentor
- Arranging marketing activity or consumer events to drive sales & awareness of your business
