If you are considering turning your love of travel into a vibrant and exciting venture as a travel agent, one of your very first questions is likely this: How much does it cost to become a travel agent? Fortunately, Boardwalk Travel makes it so easy to start that you can join the team today.
Here’s everything to know to get yourself up and running, including costs and other key information.
How Much Does it Cost to Become a Travel Agent?
Costs vary widely depending on which host agency you decide to join. Right now, Boardwalk Travel Agency is running a special for new agents–you can get started today for just $99! This is a one-time fee, no recurring or hidden charges. Your Boardwalk signup gets you access to support and training to start booking trips as soon as possible.
Comparing Boardwalk Travel With Other Travel Agencies
One of the primary costs of becoming a travel agent is signing up for a travel agency membership. Because agencies work with travel partners to offer exclusive packages, you can’t avoid these memberships if you want to succeed. However, there are some tangible benefits of working with Boardwalk Travel instead of the competition, such as:
No Monthly or Recurring FEEs
Typically, a travel agency charges a monthly or yearly fee so you can access their database and support team. These membership costs vary from one agency to the next, but you’ll wind up spending a lot more than $99 for the year. Plus, if you want to be a travel agent as a long-term career, you have to pay these fees all the time.
To make matters worse, if you have a slow month, you still need to pay for your membership. So, there’s a lot of pressure to sell at all times to ensure you’re profitable and successful.
Certifications
Some high-end travel agencies require certifications or formal education in the travel and hospitality industry. While certifications are not a legal requirement, they can help boost your profile and make you more desirable to your clients. However, obtaining a certification can cost hundreds of dollars, which may not be feasible if you’re just starting your career.
Instead, we recommend signing up for a one-time fee with Boardwalk Travel and then adding certifications as you build your client base and experience level.
Backend Support
The two primary reasons for paying a travel agency a monthly membership fee are to access their partnership programs and support team. Boardwalk Travel offers these perks for free with your initial payment. So, whether you need support today or six years from now, you don’t have to pay any extra to access it.
Perks of Being a Travel Agent With Boardwalk Travel
Since you’ve been wondering how much does it cost to become a travel agent, as you can see, starting an independent travel agency is easy, but your expenses may add up, especially as your client list grows. However, investing in these elements makes a lot of sense when you see the benefits and perks of signing up with Boardwalk Travel. In addition to paying only a one-time fee, you can expect these advantages:
Independence and Flexibility
One of the most significant challenges of working as a travel agent for a “traditional” agency is that you have to follow their protocols and work structure. While you may want to make this job a career, you are not pressured to close deals or work a set number of hours.
This flexibility is beneficial for a couple of reasons. First, you can start your new chapter as a side hustle, taking on clients when it’s the most convenient for you. This way, you can book a few packages and see how the process works before jumping in with both feet. You can take that time to learn and develop your skills until you start working as a travel agent full-time.
Even better, you can start your journey by booking packages for your friends and family. You can practice your sales pitches and work on the logistics with people who can help you understand what works and what doesn’t. From there, you can work on referrals from your friends and family, and then start building an agency outward.
Overall, working independently gives you total control over your workload and abilities. Plus, this makes it easier to go on vacations or pause work for any other reason. If you work at a traditional agency, you have to apply for time off, and you could risk getting penalized. With Boardwalk Travel, you can work as much or as little as you like.
If you’d like to learn more about how to become a travel agent, Boardwalk’s site provides lots of info about the benefits and requirements.
High Commission Rates
Another downside of working at a regular agency is that your commission rates are relatively low. Typically, you can expect to make no commissions at first and then work up to 10 to 15 percent, depending on the company. These low rates are because the company provides all the infrastructure (i.e., equipment and software), and you’re just working within their confines.
As an independent agent with Boardwalk Travel, you can make as much as 70 percent on each package you sell. Plus, you don’t have to work through a “probationary period” until you reach that amount. Your first sale can net you substantial earnings, even if you have little experience in the field.
Boardwalk offers such high commission rates because it helps you maintain your business and become more successful. As you sell more packages, you earn more, motivating you to keep going and work harder.
No Minimums or Ongoing Fees
Most travel agencies have minimum sales quotas you have to hit each month. So, there’s a lot of pressure to sell each package, particularly if you’re behind the quota. By eliminating minimums, you can feel more relaxed and confident with each client. You can nurture a lead for as long as necessary until they decide to book. This lack of pressure is huge when starting your career, as it helps you become the travel agent you want to be, not just a standard “salesperson.”
Other Costs Associated With Being a Travel Agent
When you’re determining how much does it cost to become a travel agent, Boardwalk Travel makes it easy to get started. In order to grow, you will want to find, attract, and sell to clients.
Here’s a rundown of some things that can help you be successful.
Reliable Internet Connection
You may already have high-speed internet at home, but you may need to upgrade to a better plan once you become a travel agent. Typically, it’s best to field calls via wi-fi so they don’t get dropped, and you need to work on multiple websites simultaneously. So, having a stronger internet connection means fewer delays and happier clients.
Laptop Computer
One of the biggest advantages of becoming an independent travel agent is the flexibility to work wherever you want. You can even work while you’re on vacation, making it much easier to travel and explore the world while making money.
For that reason, a reliable and rugged laptop is essential. This way, you can work from home, a remote office, a library, or anywhere else you can get a secure internet connection.
Even if you only work from home, a laptop allows you to move to any room to feel comfortable and relaxed while working. You may also need a lap table, which provides a flat surface so that you can work in a chair, on the couch, or even in bed.
Vacation Packages
The best way to understand how much does it cost to become a travel agent may be to take a trip for yourself! Using your new agent discounts, you’ll be able to save on your own travel and give your customers a better idea of what their travel might cost.So, you can book your own world-class vacation packages with Disney, Universal, and many more partnership programs.
While going on vacation isn’t a prerequisite for being a great travel agent, it can give you a competitive edge. You can share insider details and tips that your clients won’t get from anywhere else.
Business Costs
Since you’ll be making money as an independent travel agent, you need to set up a business entity. There are a few costs associated with this, such as:
- Entity Formation – You may decide to form your business as a sole proprietorship or LLC. Each state has its own costs to create these entities, so it’s best to look that up before you get started. Fortunately, the process is super easy, and many sites can help you navigate the paperwork involved. Also, keep in mind that you may have to renew your business entity annually.
- Reseller License – Most states require travel agents to be licensed as a reseller. Because you’re selling packages from a third party and earning a commission, you’re in the same category as a retailer or foodservice company. Again, the costs for these licenses vary from state to state, and usually, you have to pay to renew them annually.
- Employer ID Number (EIN) – You can obtain an EIN from the IRS for free. This officially registers your business and can be helpful when you’re preparing your taxes.
Marketing and Promotional Costs
Although word of mouth is often the best way to find and retain new clients, you’ll also have to have an online presence. Marketing costs can encompass a wide variety of elements, including:
- Logo – You can generate logos for pretty cheap by using free AI generators or hiring a freelancer on sites like Fiverr.com. It’s best to craft a unique logo to help you stand out.
- Website – It’s never been easier to get a customized, ready-to-use website. You can either have your site on a shared hosting service or build your own. If you build your own, you’ll need to pay for the domain name, which is an annual cost.
- Copywriting Services – You can either hire a human copywriter or use AI-powered copywriting. As a rule, AI writing isn’t as sharp, but it can help you generate landing pages or service pages quickly to get your business off the ground. Then, you can refine your copy to make it more appealing later on.
- SEO – Managed SEO services will help you rank higher in searches for travel agents. The best option is to invest in paid ads, but you may have to start with free organic traffic and build from there. The best option is to get an SEO professional to ensure your site and landing pages are as optimized as possible.
- Business Cards and Print Materials – While online traffic will help boost your client list immediately, you may also get referrals from friends and family members. So, having physical business cards or travel brochures can help bridge the gap and make your business stand out from other travel agents.
Get Started With Your Travel Career Today
As you can see, becoming an independent travel agent with Boardwalk Travel comes with many perks and advantages. Also, because the process is much smoother and more affordable, you can start your next chapter today. Sign up now and start booking!
