7 Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Travel Agency
Written by: Guest on July 14, 2016
You love travel. You are thrilled by the idea of being a business owner. You can’t wait to get your travel agency set up, immerse yourself in training, and start planning memorable vacations!
In all the excitement that comes with starting a home-based travel agency, many new agents forget or misunderstand their roles as an entrepreneur. In the midst of learning about destinations and promoting your new business, avoid these common rookie mistakes that can prevent new travel agents from being successful.
1.Expecting to Get Rich Quick
As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Neither was Google, or Disney, or any other highly successful company. If the only goal is to make money right away, being a travel agent probably isn’t going to be rewarding. It takes time to get educated, attract clients, and figure out what works for you. Persistence and patience do pay off!
2. Not Prioritizing Training
One of the surest ways to hamper your own growth is to blow off training, especially when you’re just getting off the ground. Many of our most successful agents say that before they even sought out clients, they completely invested themselves in their education. That means completing their startup training, familiarizing themselves with various suppliers, and even doing practice bookings. If you can get yourself on a FAM trip or a live training event, all the better!
3. Not Asking Questions
Whether you are a new agent afraid to ask a “dumb” question, or an experienced agent who thinks they already know it all, not asking questions can lead to errors, which can lead to unhappy clients. When working with a host agency like KHM Travel Group, the support team is there to do just that – support you. Plus, through our Agents-Only Facebook Group, you have a network of thousands of agents at your disposal!
4. Ignoring Client Feedback
Your clients, while they sometimes may be your greatest source of frustration, can also be your most valuable source of learning. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback – sometimes if you don’t ask, they won’t tell. Whether it be about their experience working with you, or about an aspect of their trip, honest feedback allows you to pinpoint your challenges, and work towards improving them!
5. Forgetting to Double (and even Triple) Check
Travel planning is all about the details. Take the time to double, or even triple check dates, times, names, etc., saves both you and your client a ton of time and stress. Confirm arrangements with suppliers, and with your clients. Remember, you are a travel professional, and your success largely depends on your ability to build trust with your clients.
6. Waiting for Clients to Come to You
We know it can be scary to put yourself out there. For many new agents, this is the most intimidating aspect of running a travel business. But guess what? If you don’t let people know you are a travel agent, you won’t have too many clients! Sometimes all it takes is striking up a conversation with your neighbors, friends, or parents from your kid’s school. Other agents rely on social media to build their clientele. However you promote yourself, stay true to yourself, and your brand!
7. Trying to Do it All Alone
New travel business owners face many challenges already, but when you partner with a host agency, you’ll have the resources, tools, and support you need right at your fingertips. KHM Travel Group’s team is ready to answer your questions, help you avoid mistakes, and put you on the path to success as a home-based travel agent.
The demand for travel agents continues to grow as more and more people recognize their value and experience. If you have a passion for travel and would like to become a part of this exciting industry, then starting a travel agency from home might be a perfect fit for you!
Find out more with our free information packet – to request it, just fill out the form on right or call us at 1-888-611-1220.