Anyone every heard of Travelonly?

[local8]

I always thought it would be kind of cool to be a travel agent having done a couple of long trips in Europe (3 months and 6 months), but, at this point, I think there is way too much instability in the travel industry to really make a go of it. Instability isn't really the right word, but, what I am referring too is the fact that there is so much information available now (compared to even just 10 years ago) on the www and I think there is a growing segment of the population who travels with a DIY mentality. My own personal opinion is that the traditional travel agency is going to end up kind of like most traditional record stores (out of business). I guess specialized travel agencies will survive, but, I think you'll need a really good concept to get yourself noticed.

[Rissask]

I tend to agree, mostly. We, and most of our friends now book all their vacations on online sites. Which is, to be fair, still a travel agency, you should never see them face to face.

Unless of course you are like Shammy and have a loyal client base and wealth of knowledge and a great reputation, I think it would be really hard to start out new. Darn it!

[BeachBunny70]

I got a call last week saying I won a cruise, I felt so generous that I told the guy that I was giving it to him and I hope he has fun.

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by BeachBunny70

I got a call last week saying I won a cruise, I felt so generous that I told the guy that I was giving it to him and I hope he has fun.

good one I am gonna try that one!

[Shammy]

Originally Posted by Rissask

I tend to agree, mostly. We, and most of our friends now book all their vacations on online sites. Which is, to be fair, still a travel agency, you should never see them face to face.

Unless of course you are like Shammy and have a loyal client base and wealth of knowledge and a great reputation, I think it would be really hard to start out new. Darn it!

I know it's said that the www is putting some agencies out of business, or cutting into their business - and that is of course true. I will admit I have lost trips that I've worked very hard on to someone taking my info and booking it online themselves. THAT is a really crummy thing to do, soak someone for info then take it elsewhere.

But I digress.........

Yes, the ability to DIY on the internet cuts into some business, but in my case, not enough to make any noticeable difference.

It takes quite some time to build up a decent reputation, it isn't easy by any means. Even harder when you're home based and have no clients walking through your door. You have to be VERY good at what you do, to stand out over someone else doing the same thing. Specialized travel is one way to do that. I worked very hard for two years before I made any "real" money, but I have a great hubby who made enough to cover us and even before I did this, we were never dependant on my income (we are now cause I like nicer stuff - now ). But I make more than him these days. Granted, I work double the hours, never have a full day off (that's 7 days a week people ) and have no one to back me up here when I get into work overload (like, every day!), but that's all part of the job. If you don't like that, or dealing with the public (who can sometimes be downright rude and nasty), or working your butt off only to lose a trip to someone/somewhere else - then this business isn't for you. But if you do, it can be very lucrative.

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by Shammy

I know it's said that the www is putting some agencies out of business, or cutting into their business - and that is of course true. I will admit I have lost trips that I've worked very hard on to someone taking my info and booking it online themselves. THAT is a really crummy thing to do, soak someone for info then take it elsewhere.

But I digress.........

Yes, the ability to DIY on the internet cuts into some business, but in my case, not enough to make any noticeable difference.

It takes quite some time to build up a decent reputation, it isn't easy by any means. Even harder when you're home based and have no clients walking through your door. You have to be VERY good at what you do, to stand out over someone else doing the same thing. Specialized travel is one way to do that. I worked very hard for two years before I made any "real" money, but I have a great hubby who made enough to cover us and even before I did this, we were never dependant on my income (we are now cause I like nicer stuff - now ). But I make more than him these days. Granted, I work double the hours, never have a full day off (that's 7 days a week people ) and have no one to back me up here when I get into work overload (like, every day!), but that's all part of the job. If you don't like that, or dealing with the public (who can sometimes be downright rude and nasty), or working your butt off only to lose a trip to someone/somewhere else - then this business isn't for you. But if you do, it can be very lucrative.

I think there will always be people who want a real live person as a TA. While we book on an online site, we still call the same woman every time we book, for the past 5 trips now- she is great. It's nice to have that human touch. And then if there are any problems or questions, we are more likely to get help, having built a relationship with her.

I actually don't think I would be good at it .....I am not great at dealing with rude people in a calm and polite manner...it's why I only lasted 4 months as a waitress.

[Shammy]

Originally Posted by Rissask

I actually don't think I would be good at it .....I am not great at dealing with rude people in a calm and polite manner...it's why I only lasted 4 months as a waitress.

I waitressed for 20+ years and have done this for 6. I should be sainted.

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by Shammy

I waitressed for 20+ years and have done this for 6. I should be sainted.

totally!
I will just stick to telling people about my trips.
hey farmgirl- did you go to the seminar...Shams, was I too harsh, is it a scam, d'ya think?

[travmagic]

Originally Posted by Rissask

I think there will always be people who want a real live person as a TA. While we book on an online site, we still call the same woman every time we book, for the past 5 trips now- she is great. It's nice to have that human touch. And then if there are any problems or questions, we are more likely to get help, having built a relationship with her.

I actually don't think I would be good at it .....I am not great at dealing with rude people in a calm and polite manner...it's why I only lasted 4 months as a waitress.

I'm a TA so I wanted to jump in. I am in a retail travel agency in a busy strip mall.
Fortunately, we still have those people that want to sit down at our desks and most are very loyal. BUT, because of our location lots of people walk in just to pick our brains and then book it themselves online after we've spent lots of time with them.
I am NOT in it for the money. I haven't had a raise since 9/11. Luckily, I love my job. And the perks are good.

[Mamacita]

Originally Posted by Shammy

I worked very hard for two years before I made any "real" money, but I have a great hubby who made enough to cover us and even before I did this, we were never dependant on my income (we are now cause I like nicer stuff - now ). But I make more than him these days. Granted, I work double the hours, never have a full day off (that's 7 days a week people ) and have no one to back me up here when I get into work overload (like, every day!), but that's all part of the job. If you don't like that, or dealing with the public (who can sometimes be downright rude and nasty), or working your butt off only to lose a trip to someone/somewhere else - then this business isn't for you. But if you do, it can be very lucrative.

Hmmm, sounds like me: Realtor.

[farmgirl]

No, haven't been to the seminar yet, but seriously thinking of checking this out. She sent me some info on costs to get into it etc, so have lots to think about. It apprears they totally train you and mentor you for the first year. You have access to their offices in Ontario at all times if you have any questions. If you were to book a trip online, you pick your agent depending on the province you live on and then they would get the commission for that deal. Their website for booking is very similar to selloffs as far as I can tell, prices similar. I think I will check it out, heck a trip to Red Deer means I can visit my daugther,so would not be a total waste. I really need a change in my life and don't really need to make money right away, so will see what happens!!

[Rissask]

Well, good luck to you whatever you decide ....I am just pretty leery of those things since a good GF lost about 5 grand trying to make her million with Arbonne ....but this might be nothing like that. It's worth checking out, anyway.
Even if it is an MLM, getting in it ASAP is the smart way to do it too I guess.

[farmgirl]

Originally Posted by Rissask

Well, good luck to you whatever you decide ....I am just pretty leery of those things since a good GF lost about 5 grand trying to make her million with Arbonne ....but this might be nothing like that. It's worth checking out, anyway.
Even if it is an MLM, getting in it ASAP is the smart way to do it too I guess.

My nieces are big into Arbonne, both have the vehicles, quit their good jobs as lenders in banks. They are 27 years old and supposedly bringing in $10,000 a month without doing a thing. In other words, like you said, got in at the beginning. I worry about them, eventually it's got to crash and then what? Sure hope then didn't sign up your friend, she isn't into rodeo at all is she??
I sure wouldn't be into it to sign others up, would be purely to travel and help others travel if I decide to try it. Might find I get up and run from the meeting depending on what I learn!!

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by farmgirl

My nieces are big into Arbonne, both have the vehicles, quit their good jobs as lenders in banks. They are 27 years old and supposedly bringing in $10,000 a month without doing a thing. In other words, like you said, got in at the beginning. I worry about them, eventually it's got to crash and then what? Sure hope then didn't sign up your friend, she isn't into rodeo at all is she??
I sure wouldn't be into it to sign others up, would be purely to travel and help others travel if I decide to try it. Might find I get up and run from the meeting depending on what I learn!!

ummm....you know Becky Young?

[farmgirl]

Originally Posted by Rissask

ummm....you know Becky Young?

I hope it wasn't them that signed her up! I don't have a clue who they all have under them, but their husbands are both tie down ropers and they are both into barrel racing, actually down in Arizona all winter playing! Joanne and Jeanine are their names, twins!! I wouldn't doubt there is a connection somewhere!!