I want to become a cruise consultant

[Nliedel]

Yes, it is complicated. If you want to do it tho there are ways to break in and check it out. Approach local travel agencies that have tours about leading one. They will want you to have experience but for short trips a lot of travel counts as experience. Lead a group cruise. It does require a lot of work and I don't know many group leaders who really get any kind of a break, after out of pocket expenses of leading a group but I am sure they are out there.

 

If you really want to do it cheaper it can be done but it's like any other business there are expenses and start up fees. I am not sure that the typical brick and morter agency that is not a specialist is going to survive much longer, they seem to be dinosaurs now. It's all very different than it was 20 years ago.

[jcanino]

I too wished to become a travel consultant...but this seems way too complicated for me.

 

People think that what we do is always so easy. There are many costs involved and a lot of education time and the cost associated with it. Are there people that put out a sign that says "Joe Smith - Travel Agent"? Yes there are. Without experience behind that sign, business won't follow.

[Lauriebugg]

If you are new (like me), you rely on friends and family who have confidence in your ability, reputation for honesty and integrity, and passion to stay on top of the latest information in the business. If I ever do more than break even, it will be because of positive word of mouth regarding my service not just booking friends and family.

 

I would not look into selling travel to make big bucks. Do it because you are drawn to it from within and follow the passion of making others' vacation dreams come true! :)

[gone_cruisin]

On average, how much would you say it costs to get started from scratch? Looking at part-time and being attached to a host agency?

[Lauriebugg]

I spent $2,000 starting out, but that included a business trip to Ft. Lauderdale for a Cruise-a-Thon for 3 nights, attending some supplier seminars, becoming a member of NACTA, and it includes running a website. You could start out under $1,000.

[madelinerose]

Joe...Have you found that the brick and mortar industry has suffered since so many now become their own travel expert by researching and booking online?

 

Curious, because I hear all the time "You should be a travel agent" and have considered the field.

 

Thanks!

 

p.s. I've never thought this was an "easy" thing to do. ;)

 

People think that what we do is always so easy. There are many costs involved and a lot of education time and the cost associated with it. Are there people that put out a sign that says "Joe Smith - Travel Agent"? Yes there are. Without experience behind that sign, business won't follow.

[gone_cruisin]

I just got back from a cruise where there was a TA convention going on. I have never used a TA before, so in my mind I never thought there would be such a need for so many. It had me wondering if it's something I could do part time without breaking the bank.

[Nliedel]

Start up Costs:

 

brick and morter? You need to find a place, secure a manager with experience, get you IATA number, have enough money in the bank ech week to pay for the airline tickets you sell, get CLIA Certification, computer and computer training with an airlines reservation system and a host of other things. You are looking at a minimum of $150,000.00 and that would be cheap.

 

To be a consultant for a large agency? I would say a minimum of $2000.00 but you need to have clients lined up and meet people all the time.

[jcanino]

Joe...Have you found that the brick and mortar industry has suffered since so many now become their own travel expert by researching and booking online?

 

Actually, our business has gone up since 9/11. After the airlines cut commissions completely and people slowed down their travel after September 2001, some agencies did not have a clue on how to survive. Agencies that offer real customer service more than just order takers on telephones are the ones that are still thriving. Our business with one major cruise line increased 500% in 2005 versus 2004. All those people that say travel agents are becoming extinct, have no idea what they are talking about.

[Nliedel]

Joe I would guess you are a rarity, an exception. Most agencies became so used to being advanced order takers they could not make it in the changing climate. I once worked for an agency (for a brief period) that was mad if you could not close a deal and find a fare in X amount of time. They were all about being a part of the computer and frowned on people who wanted too much face time. They are still around but instead of the 10 offices they have they are down to one and 2 employees.

[jcanino]

Joe I would guess you are a rarity, an exception. Most agencies became so used to being advanced order takers they could not make it in the changing climate. I once worked for an agency (for a brief period) that was mad if you could not close a deal and find a fare in X amount of time. They were all about being a part of the computer and frowned on people who wanted too much face time. They are still around but instead of the 10 offices they have they are down to one and 2 employees.

 

There are others like us, but like you said if you couldn't close in X number of minutes you weren't doing your job. When you work, live and play in the same town, you are constantly bumping into clients. One needs to have good customer service relations. We have seen agencies in surrounding towns go out of business because they were not customer oriented. They wouldn't sit down with someone and explain anything to them. My boss knows that if our clients are happy with our service, not only will they come back but they will tell their friends (yes I know if they arn't happy they tell friends as well). I took a call from someone this week who told me at the beginning of the call that his friend "John Jones" said to call us and we would help him out. I did some checking and we did a trip for "John Jones" TWO years ago but he remembered us positively.

[Nliedel]

I have said it before and I will say it a million times in the future. The agents and agencies that make it will offer service so far and above that paying for it will be a joy. the public will need to be re-educated about what a travel professional is and does. Niche markets will become more important. Adventure Travel is another good market and with retiring seniors being more and more active the old sedate "Tour Bus for the Elderly" model will need to be revised and biking tours of wine country, active cruises and other trips of interest will make an agency really stand out.

 

There are probably two ways to do it. Small and intimate market drawing from a larger physical area or large and very diverse with tours offered as well as standard travel services. The days of being an extension a box are over. You will still need those skills but times can and do change. Actually right now, with the right market, would be an exciting time to be in travel. Again tho, you need the right market.

 

I know I get a lot of my "Travel Advice Jones" out by posting here and leading some group cruises in the near future. It keeps my hand in.

[lovetovak]

Thanks for all the info. Though I must say that I do feel a little flamed! I never said I wanted to be "home based" nor that after 2 cruises I felt I had a lot to offer to potential clients. I really love to travel, have lots of experience in the customer service industry and thought I might be able to get some discounts by becoming a cruise consultant. I have helped many friends and co-workers make vacation plans and all have said I should look into working in the "business". I thought this would be a good place to gather information and like Lauriebugg, I enjoy the research.

[jcanino]

I really love to travel, have lots of experience in the customer service industry and thought I might be able to get some discounts by becoming a cruise consultant. I have helped many friends and co-workers make vacation plans and all have said I should look into working in the "business".

 

Don't expect there to be many discounts if you are a cruise consultant. The biggest discount is your commission IF the agency you work for allows you to keep it on your own booking.

[madelinerose]

Thanks, Joe....very interesting.

 

Actually, our business has gone up since 9/11. After the airlines cut commissions completely and people slowed down their travel after September 2001, some agencies did not have a clue on how to survive. Agencies that offer real customer service more than just order takers on telephones are the ones that are still thriving. Our business with one major cruise line increased 500% in 2005 versus 2004. All those people that say travel agents are becoming extinct, have no idea what they are talking about.

[Nliedel]

I don't think anyone was flaming you at all. I know I wasn't. I just want people to have their eyes wide open. If you read it and research it and still want to do it then you are probably cut out for it. No one meant to hurt your feelings or belittle you in any way that I read. I know I never meant to and most people are really kind at heart.

[breenw]

I agree with Nleidel - those of us who work in the travel industry constantly hear the same thing from people. "I wish I got the discounts that you do being a travel agent", or "I want to be a travel agent because I can then get the same discounts you do". And, that is so far from what the industry really is. A few years ago when the airlines completely cut out the commissions to travel agencies, many agencies had to start charging "fees" to try to make up that difference. These fees were for their "expertise and service" to their customers. If you are a good agent, your clients don't mind paying this fee to know they will be taken care of. But..... you must know what you are talking about and keep up on everything going on in the industry in order to earn that fee.

 

There are so many people out there that want to pay a small fee to "belong" to a consortium or piggyback another travel company just so they can get the discounts for themselves and their friends. Unfortunately, a good majority of those people are what make a bad name for travel agents. Don't get me wrong, there are some great home-based agents and outside agents, but when someone posts here the question "I want to become a cruise consultant or travel agent so I can get the discounts", that tends to scream "I just want the discounts for travel for myself".

 

No one is trying to flame anybody here, it's just a business that alot of people don't understand how much knowledge you should have to be a great travel agent.

[McDebbie]

Thanks for all the info. Though I must say that I do feel a little flamed! I never said I wanted to be "home based" nor that after 2 cruises I felt I had a lot to offer to potential clients. I really love to travel, have lots of experience in the customer service industry and thought I might be able to get some discounts by becoming a cruise consultant. I have helped many friends and co-workers make vacation plans and all have said I should look into working in the "business". I thought this would be a good place to gather information and like Lauriebugg, I enjoy the research.

 

Maybe you should look into promoting group cruises, if you could get a group together you could get your fare free depending on the number of cabins and the cruise line.

[Nliedel]

Maybe you should look into promoting group cruises, if you could get a group together you could get your fare free depending on the number of cabins and the cruise line.

 

HA and HA again I say! While yes, you do get a free berth for every 8 cabins sold (if you do it through CC one of the tradeoffs for the LARGE barrage of free advertising is a limit of two free beds) you are still responsible for travel to the port (well that's a given) port charges and taxes. It's still pretty cheap. You will have to promote your cruise and spend HOURS of your life arranging stuff to bond your group (one of the things that appeals to me). So a "free" cruise is not really free BUT putting one together will show you more about your temperment and how you handle yourself AND (This is a biggie) give you VALUABLE experience and people to work with in the future. I love leading groups (not lead a cruise yet but land based groups a lot) and it's a real passion of mine. I love all the reasearch, hand holding, suggestions, fun planning and even people who grump at eachother and me. It's not for everyone but it's a hoot if you are good at details and follow through and letting the small stuff go when the poo is slung your way and it will be.

 

Free? HA again :D

[smrtypnts]

SmartyPants, I sent you an email. :)

 

Lauriebugg, I don't know if the email went automatically to my junk mail or if I deleted it without realizing it was you. Thanks for the email, but I didn't get to read it and reply and discuss this with you. :( If you can email me again, I'll try to be more diligent this time.

 

Thanks!!!

[Lauriebugg]

I emailed you again. :)

[VentureMan_2000]

I would think being a travel agent could be very difficult.

 

For instance... I booked my own air for my cruise. Then I had to change the cruise date. I called the airline, and they changed the date. Got the invoice back, and they had re-booked the wrong return date. Called them back to get it straightened out. They charged another change fee, and upped the price.

 

The short version is... that I spent almost two hours of my time to get this straightened out. How is an Travel Agent going to make any money if they have to mess around with senerios like this...?

 

Sounds like a difficult job.