Choosing the right host agency is crucial for both new and experienced travel agents. A host agency acts as the backbone of your business, providing essential resources like comprehensive training, great commission rates, booking platforms, marketing tools, and professional support. Whether you’re just starting or looking to transition to a new agency, finding the best host agency can have a significant impact on your success. Here’s how you can navigate this decision-making process to find the best travel agent host agency for your needs.
1. Understand What a Host Agency Does
Before diving into the selection process, it’s essential to know what a host agency offers. Essentially, a host agency provides:
- Booking Platforms: Access to major suppliers and preferred vendors through advanced booking systems.
- Commissions: By pooling multiple agents together, they negotiate higher commissions than independent agents can secure alone.
- Training & Mentorship: Host agencies should offer valuable training programs and mentorship opportunities, especially for newer agents.
- Access to Industry Tools: CRMs (Customer Relationship Management systems), marketing materials, and support for growing your client base.
2. Evaluate Your Business Needs
Different agents will have different requirements. Before you choose a host agency, consider the following:
- Experience Level: Are you a new or seasoned agent? If you’re new, you may need more support, like training and mentorship. Seasoned agents may prioritize higher commissions and autonomy. Yeti Travel is proud to offer some of the most comprehensive and personalized training programs in the industry.
- Niche or Specialty: If you specialize in specific travel niches (like luxury, cruises, or adventure travel), ensure the host agency has strong supplier relationships in those areas. We, at Yeti Travel, have great relationships with countless suppliers – so that you as a travel agent can find more ease booking your clients’ dream vacations.
4. Ask Questions
Once you’ve found an agency that seems right for you, get all your questions answered. Host agencies should have a FAQ section on their website. You can find answers to many important questions there. If you have additional questions, reach out to them. A phone call or in-depth email conversation can help you gauge their responsiveness and professionalism. Some key questions to find on their website or reach out and ask:
- What booking tools do you offer, and are there any additional costs?
- How does your commission structure work?
- What kind of marketing support and resources are available?
- Can I work with suppliers outside your network if needed?
5. Consider the Costs
While the potential to earn higher commissions is appealing, it’s important to evaluate the financial side of things. Different host agencies have various fee structures:
- Start-up Fees: Some agencies charge a one-time fee when you sign up.
- Monthly or Annual Fees: Others may charge ongoing fees for access to booking platforms, training, or marketing resources.
- Transaction Fees: Some agencies charge per booking.
- Commission Splits: This is the most common way host agencies make money. They take a percentage of your commission in exchange for the resources and support they provide.
Understanding these costs and how they will affect your bottom line is critical. Make sure you’re clear on any hidden fees and what value you’re getting in return.
At Yeti Travel we offer a FREE New Agent Membership, with the option to upgrade to our Membership Plus package for a one-time lifetime fee of $100. We are proud to run our agency with no monthly fees, no transaction fees, and a great commission split!
6. Look for Additional Perks
Some host agencies go beyond the basics and offer perks like:
- FAM (Familiarization) Trips: Travel at discounted rates so you can better sell destinations to your clients.
- Recognition Programs: Host agencies that recognize top performers with things like Agent Spotlights are great agencies to work with.
- Networking Opportunities: Agencies that offer private facebook groups, group discussion/chat options, etc… are invaluable to you as a travel agent getting your thriving business off the ground.
7. Trust Your Instincts
After reviewing the facts and numbers, don’t discount your instincts. You’ll likely be working with your host agency for years, so it’s important to feel comfortable and confident in your choice. If an agency doesn’t seem responsive or doesn’t align with your values, it might not be the right fit.
8. Consider a Trial Period
Some host agencies offer a trial period, allowing you to test their services before fully committing. This can be a great way to ensure the agency meets your needs without long-term obligation. Yeti Travel’s free New Agent membership is a great way to try things out if you aren’t yet committed to becoming a full-time travel agent.
Conclusion: Choose Yeti Travel Company as your Travel Host Agency!
With Yeti Travel’s comprehensive training, strong relationships with top suppliers, live agent support, no minimum bookings and no booking fees, and so much more, partnering with Yeti Travel as your host agency is the smartest choice you’ll make on your path to becoming a successful travel agent! Reach out to us today and get your journey started!
