Success as a Part-time Agent

Not everyone starts out as a full-time travel agent.

For some, living the dream of being a travel agent starts out on a part-time basis while they are working other jobs, being a stay-at-home parent or even traveling the world.

What's more, it’s often hard to be successful at something one isn't doing on a full-time basis. Here are some tips on how to change that:

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Invest in Yourself and your Business

“Take as much training as you can and do not market yourself as a part-time agent,” said Cassie Staiger Jeter, of CS Travel Planners in Bismarck, North Dakota. “With proper knowledge and drive, you can make your part-time job your full-time dream.”

Create a Niche

If you want to be a part-time agent, specialization in one destination or area of travel is more efficient.

“You will be an expert in a more specific destination, and that can yield higher commissions and service fees,” said Margie Lenau of Wonderland Family Vacations in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

“Whether it is theme parks, countries or a type of travel like wellness or skiing, you will gain a loyal following for your specialty. This makes you the "go to" travel agent so that you can help travelers with your favorite travel option. Education is more manageable, and add-ons or tours can enhance your booking to create complete itineraries.”

“Choose a niche like river cruises or all-inclusives in the Caribbean, take every training and read every brochure you can find and go at least one FAM trip a year,” said Casey Carr, general manager at Sharon Carr Travel in Dallas, Texas. “Your value to your clients is your first-hand knowledge.”

READ MORE: Make the Most of Your FAM Trips

Promote Yourself

“Get your butt on social media, create a free website on WordPress and start collecting emails with a free service like Mail Chimp,” said Carr. “Send out a monthly newsletter with promotions and respond to inquiries immediately. A phone call is best, and makes your clients feel like they are the only person you are working with.”

Be Honest

“How much time do you really intend to dedicate to your business and be consistent with that time?” asked Stephanie VL Brown, owner of Wanderlust Travels & Adventures in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

“If you say you are going to work 15 hours per week, sit down and make a schedule for yourself so you know where those hours are going to fit and stick to it. It is fine if you have to shift here and there for those times when family or other matters must take priority, but if you take your schedule seriously, so will others.

READ MORE: Travel Agents Expect a Strong 2018

Stay on a Routine

With other jobs and personal responsibilities, working at your part-time travel agent gig can get overwhelming, so organization and routine is key. Samarah Meil is a full-time agent, but she has many independent contractors that work with her on a part-time basis.

“When I end my day, I set myself up for success the next day,” said Meil of Amarillo Travel Network in Amarillo, Texas. “I do this by clearing off my desk, making a task list and keeping it short so I don’t get overwhelmed. Recently I’ve been implementing systems so I can make sure to not miss important things. For example, using my Google calendar which syncs to my phone so I can at any time see appointments, client travel plans and payment reminders.”