What to Look for When Searching for a Host Agency?
Are you starting a home-based travel business? Good for you! While it might seem daunting to make such big decisions, it is important that you understand the time you take making your decision is an investment in your future. Of course, there are a lot of good host agencies out there, but what you need is to find the best option for you. It is about finding a host agency that understands the industry, understands travel, understands the client and understands you. But finding a host agency that fits the bill might be easier said than done. That is why we have compiled a list of the top things you should look for in a host agency before making them your top pick.
1. Check Online Reviews Of Host Agencies
Narrowing down your list of host travel agencies to consider requires a diligent hand. Not only should you scour different agency websites, but you should also read advisor reviews. Online reviews can offer great insights into the types of business an agency conducts and a glimpse at the ways they can help you get yours started. However, just as any online review goes, you should take some with a grain or pound of salt.
Some reviewers are only there with one objective in mind—bashing. These anonymous reviews might have some truth in them, and they might not. For precaution, be wary of any review posted anonymously or that doesn’t include some positives accompanying all the negative.
All in all, it’s safe to assume that peer reviews hold wonderful insights into what you can expect from certain travel agencies. Use these to configure a list of the top agencies you could use.
2. What Exclusive Tools They Offer Their Travel Advisors
Since there are so many agencies to sift through, another key component you should consider when choosing the host agency for you is the exclusive memberships and tools; they provide their travel advisors. If you want to build a successful business, you need an agency that offers you the right tools to get it started.
For example, Andavo Travel provides travel advisors with exclusive memberships, ongoing educational opportunities, and more thanks to partnerships built over 30 years.
This network gives you access to higher commissions, added amenities and upgrades, hosted cruise travel, air travel benefits, and a private network of the world’s best local experts from more than 100 countries. Along with a partnership with Virtuoso, advisors also have exclusive networking opportunities at the annual Virtuoso Travel Week.
3. Consider The Host Agencies Marketing Strategies
In the days of social media and the internet craze, marketing can make or break your business before it even begins. Find a host agency that offers one-on-one training and resources that maximize a variety of marketing tools and ultimately increase your sales.
Andavo’s dedicated marketing team works with you to set up advisor profile pages that enhance your web exposure and overall business. We also have access to the Virtuoso suite of marketing tools, which includes award-winning magazines, email marketing, and direct mail.
Along with Virtuoso, you will stay up-to-date on all of your social media platforms thanks to our marketing specialists.
4. Ask How The Host Can Help Build Your Business
Working from home presents some challenges, luckily when armed with the right tools, you can build a thriving travel business that connects customers with world-class travel opportunities. To make this possible, you must have a host agency backing you.
It is also especially helpful to work with a business that is known for its ability to help their advisors thrive. Experience is the best indicator of the likelihood of your success. That is why it is crucial you ask every host agent you are considering the ways they have help businesses in the past and what they plan on offering you.
Communicate your needs, express your concerns, and together you can figure out if they are the right fit.
5.Think About Your Bottom Line
At the end of the day for your business to succeed you need to generate a profit. However, the commission rate isn’t the only aspect you should consider when choosing a host agency. It’s highly safe to assume that some of the worst host agencies offer the highest commission levels. That’s why it’s important you add it as a factor but not the only one.
Consider again the peer reviews you read at the beginning of your search. Did any of the reviews talk about the high commission levels or negatively comment about not ever being paid the correct amount?
Find a company that offers you greater success with competitive commission rates that don’t drown your pipeline but give you the best price for your hard work.
Finding the right host travel agency for your new business is a big decision, but it shouldn’t keep you up at night. If you are doing your due diligence, you will find the best host agency and the success you desire in no time.
Contact Andavo Travel to learn more about how we can help your new travel business get started.