You finally made the decision to become a home-based agent. Your first thought, of course, is to send a letter to all of your friends and family. You know that they all travel and now they have a “friend in the travel business.” This will be a piece of cake, you think.

Not always. All too often these friends and loved ones become our biggest abusers and constantly try to take advantage of our knowledge and time. These folks sometimes flood us with questions and requests for discounted travel thinking we must be able to get special deals just for them. Here’s an excerpted email I received from an agent regarding an interaction with a relative.

I have an aunt who has asked me to look up vacations for her, yet never books. Lately she’s asked me to do tons of research for a group cruise for her family. Of course I was happy to help, and even suggested other ships and dates that might be better priced. I just got a response back from her indicating that she decided to go with another travel agent who had a better price. To add insult to injury, I found out it was actually on the ship that I had previously suggested! I am at a loss for words on how to respond to her email tactfully, and how to avoid this situation in the future.

This is what I suggested as a response:

Politely tell her how hurt you were that after the work you had put in you weren’t at least given another opportunity to match the price. I would also let her know how much you were looking forward to finally showing her your services and how you planned to make sure that her cruise was a wonderful experience for everyone. I would also add that you were totally surprised to find out that she was working with another travel agent all along. And then wish her a Bon Voyage.

MORE FROM ANITA PAGLIASSO: Don't Be a One-Man Band 

If you’re looking to make money by pitching travel to your family and friends, you also run the risk of damaging those relationships. Starting any business is never easy, but you don’t need to rely on the giving nature of your friends to succeed. It may be a much harder road but it’s a sustainable road – and one that your friends and family will be happy to see you succeed on.

• Often, friends and family are sure we get secret discounts that are offered only to us.
• They sometimes take advantage of our time and knowledge.
• You run the risk of damaging those relationships.