For next to nothing, you can start a home
travel agency in most states. A home-based travel agency is financially and
personally rewarding. However, it can be a lot of work. If you can manage time
and schedules, starting a home travel agency maybe right for you. Read the
information below to find out how to get started.
1
Fill out business license applications as
required by local, state and federal agencies. (See warning below.)
2
Select your target market and decide which
travel category to specialize in. For example, baby boomers tend to travel the
most and enjoy taking cruises. Therefore, baby boomers might represent the
target market while cruises represent the specialty category.
3
Learn as much as you can about your
specialty category. Avoid taking expensive courses. Ask suppliers what type of
free training they provide.
4
Set up a website where people can book
their own flights, hotel or cruises directly from providers. Spend time online
researching the best website hosting deals.
5
Visit the QuickBooker website and sign up
for an affiliate account (see Resources below). Set up travel and hotel booking
with their system directly on your website for free.
6
Look for travel and cruise suppliers that
offer the same service as QuickBooker.
7
Join the National Association of
Commissioned Travel Agents (NACTA) if you can afford it. They offer members a
list of suppliers and training resources.
8
Advertise by handing out fliers and
business cards. Submit your website URL to search engines. Buy magnetic signs
for your vehicle or place stick-on vinyl letters with your website URL on your
rear window.
9
Use your website to allow customers to book
their own flights and to get help directly from suppliers. Provide a customer
service number for questions or help with booking.
10
Spend most of your time advertising. Take
your home-based travel agency seriously and start living the American dream.
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