Anyone every heard of Travelonly?

[farmgirl]

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.

Shammy, may I ask you how you got into the travel business? There seems to be alot of this type of setup out there, appears to be way cheaper in the states then here. This particular outfit wants between $12-20,000 depending on which package you take. Then it is $450 a year after that for licences etc. Sounds like alot but I would think to get educated and connected to all the different suppliers would be pricey too! I guess we will find out when I go to the seminar. Also got some info from another on out of Manitoba called TPI. Haven't had a chance to look at it yet though.

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by farmgirl

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!!

No, my friends name was not Becky Young- but I know her, she was the first one in Alberta and she is a top producer and making big money. She lives in Sask now, her husband is the brother of our best man, Blade Young, he is a pro circuit bull rider.

So yeah, I am sure the rodeo thing means there is a connection- they will know of her, I am sure!

My GF was small potatoes, she bought into it and so did about ten other women- in a town of 5000 people, you aren't going to make much money with that many women selling the same makeup line.

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by farmgirl

Shammy, may I ask you how you got into the travel business? There seems to be alot of this type of setup out there, appears to be way cheaper in the states then here. This particular outfit wants between $12-20,000 depending on which package you take. Then it is $450 a year after that for licences etc. Sounds like alot but I would think to get educated and connected to all the different suppliers would be pricey too! I guess we will find out when I go to the seminar. Also got some info from another on out of Manitoba called TPI. Haven't had a chance to look at it yet though.

$12,000 -20,000 - for what, exactly? That sounds very fishy.

If I were you I would call a community college that teaches a travel agent course, and get the name of a professional (or call an angency and talk to a manager)- see what they say about it.

[farmgirl]

Originally Posted by Rissask

$12,000 -20,000 - for what, exactly? That sounds very fishy.

If I were you I would call a community college that teaches a travel agent course, and get the name of a professional (or call an angency and talk to a manager)- see what they say about it.

From what I can gather it buys you into the company, like a franchise. I have not been to the seminar yet, want all the info I can get before I go. It covers all your licencing, ticket processing, agency membership privileges of all the different suppliers,etc. It appears that when you buy into it, you are part of the company and then can access the travel deals that they get by being a bigger company. (i'm assuming, not 100% sure)
I checked out another company but they didn't send me the costs yet, just all the hype.
I checked out an on-line course and it is around $1200 to do it correspondence. But I'm not sure what it cost for licencing etc, have not had time to check into all that yet, but will before I go. Am also planning on taking my husband who is very sceptical about alot of things and not so easily fooled and my mother who would be listening as an outsider so might hear things differently then I do being I am interested in it if that makes any sense!

[Rissask]

I can see spending 20 grand for a franchise when you are getting something tangible, like a Subway storefront or something.

But to me this sounds awfully risky and still fishy. Your hubby and I are both skeptics I guess. But hey, like I said- it's worth a listen, I guess.

[farmgirl]

Originally Posted by Rissask

I can see spending 20 grand for a franchise when you are getting something tangible, like a Subway storefront or something.

But to me this sounds awfully risky and still fishy. Your hubby and I are both skeptics I guess. But hey, like I said- it's worth a listen, I guess.

I was talking to a fellow last night that had checked out Tim Hortons, something like $400g's to buy into it. Not sure what you get for that either!!
I will forsure let you know when I find out!! The TPI is quite a bit cheaper but I don't see the training with them, so thinking it is not a good idea.
This other one you get an online course in all the aspects of the industry and a mentor for a year. So far no one has called me or pushed at all, thank god, I hate that!! I actually decided to take my father along as well, he is the right guy to ask the right questions and has been around the block often enough to know what the answers really mean. SO, hopefully between the four of us we will smell a rat if there is one!!

[Rissask]

Well, good luck.

I thought Tim Hortons franchises were around 1 million!

[bluepalaski]

i have heard of travelonly. did you end up attending the seminar? i would be very interested to hear how it went.

[farmgirl]

Originally Posted by bluepalaski

i have heard of travelonly. did you end up attending the seminar? i would be very interested to hear how it went.

Not yet, I had a bit of farm accident and never got to go. Would still like to go see what it is all about though. Do you know anything about them? I know the girl I contacted has not said another word to me, not pushy that is forsure.

[Rissask]

looks like there is a seminar in Calgary June 3.

[farmgirl]

Originally Posted by Rissask

looks like there is a seminar in Calgary June 3.

Hmm, I'm actually in Calgary that day for track. Would just have to get rid of my daughter for the evening. Will let you know if it works out. I see they have one in July that might work out too. They've made some changes to the website. Not sure what the corporate membership is, that is new since I checked!!

[bluepalaski]

i called in today to register for the seminar and ask if they were MLM..they are not. i would really like to start a travel business but definately not a store front. i am going to attend the presentation tonight in toronto. i like to get opinions but always like to hear it for myself. i will let you know how it goes. thx

[Susie Q Roo]

Originally Posted by bluepalaski

i called in today to register for the seminar and ask if they were MLM..they are not. i would really like to start a travel business but definately not a store front. i am going to attend the presentation tonight in toronto. i like to get opinions but always like to hear it for myself. i will let you know how it goes. thx

Ummm... would any company actually admit to being involved in multi-level-marketing?

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by Susie Q Roo

Ummm... would any company actually admit to being involved in multi-level-marketing?

very good point.

[Shammy]

Wow, that's a lot of money! Honestly, IMHO, not necessary. If you have basic knowledge and are willing to learn as you go, you can hook up with a host agency and set yourself up as a home based agent. How you get clients to come to you is a whole 'nother ball game, but that would be an issue no matter who you worked for. It's a slow process, that I can tell you.