The travel industry is consistently one of the most lucrative in the economy. Generating upwards of a trillion dollars annually is a great industry to join. Starting a travel service can be a way to gain a foothold in the ever-expanding industry.
Starting a travel service can be done in several different ways. Initially, it is important to decide where to operate the service and what type of service will be offered. Home offices can be efficient but being an independent contractor in an established office could also suit well. Then there are various types of travel services that can be offered from corporate to niche travel. All these factors must be addressed in order to identify clients and focus your efforts. Being too narrowly focused though could take away from potential earnings.
Clients are the key to any travel service. There are many types of clients from newlyweds going on a honeymoon to college students headed to spring break, the importance of knowing your clients will prove valuable as each will expect something different. Marketing, networking, and cold calling will all be extremely important in reaching various clients and getting the business off the ground.
A travel services agent wears many hats and is knowledgeable in all aspects of travel. Generally, they handle booking flights, cruises, trains, accommodations, cars, shuttles, tours, creating itineraries, coordinating weddings or other special events, advising visa and passport requirements, and all other aspects of travel. This requires a high level of attention to detail and in-depth research. Working with a niche market would require additional services.
Travel services are usually billed on a commission basis. Salaries range immensely with established travel service specialists earning six figures. Early in thought while building a client base part-time work is advised as salaries are closer to twenty thousand dollars annually.
Start-up costs can vary depending on the type of travel services business. It is important to factor in many elements when considering the costs that it will take to get the business up and running. Catering to leisure travel for instance is quite a contrast to catering to business travel.
No matter which type of travel service you start, a travel merchant account could make a travel services business run more fluidly. A travel merchant account would give the business the ability to accept credit and debit card payments which could be especially helpful for agents who work from a home office or online.
Contact EMB today for a Travel Agency Merchant Account!