Not everyone who becomes a travel agent wants to go it solo.
Instead, they may want to work with a host agency, which is a bonded, accredited ARC/IATAN agency through which the agent can book travel.
Choosing the right host agency can be tricky. Like any good relationship or partnership, you want to make sure the host agency you choose is a perfect fit for your needs.
When Stefany Di Manno Ceccato made the decision to focus on luxury travel, she researched travel agencies that were members of Virtuoso, a global luxury network.
Wanting to make sure the host agency she chose would be credible, she contacted Virtuoso and asked them to advise her of some of their top agencies that would be a good fit for her needs.
"Once I narrowed down my search, I chose Largay Travel," said Ceccato, Dream Travel Designer with DMC Travel Tailor in Charleston, South Carolina. "They allowed me to start while still having a full-time job, and I loved Paul Largay, owner of Largay Travel, when I spoke to him on the phone. He had a great spirit and made me laugh. His passion for life and travel came through, and I knew that was someone I would like to work with and be around."
According to Kathryn Finkelstein, a travel agent with MickeyTravels, LLC, you must be sure your goals, values, work ethic and expectations align with those of a host agency: "You should feel that it is a good fit and working environment for you. Take a look at the training that is available, as well as support that is offered. Be sure to ask questions and feel comfortable with the owners, managers and other agents."
Finkelstein tells agents who are looking at various agencies not to settle: "If one doesn't feel right for you, keep looking. It will be better for everyone involved and you will just know when you find the right one."
Alex Dalton, an affiliate of Travel Experts, advises agents to also ask what percentage split they want from you or if they are a fee-based agency: "Some of the fee-based agencies are not as hands-on as the larger split-taking agencies. So, if you need a lot of support, this is something to consider. Conversely, if you are pretty self-sufficient, do you want to give more money to an agency for services you don't need?"
Dalton also advises checking out the host agency's reputation: "Do you want to be associated with the agency even if they have great deals and good splits, but a terrible reputation? Some things are more important than others. There are enough agencies in this world to find the right one for your needs."
If you are currently shopping around for a new host agency, Dalton reminds you be respectful of your current host: "Be discrete when shopping and, in the end, know that the grass isn't always greener, but sometimes a new hill offers a new perspective."
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