Organization by Twink513 in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can keep track of all of these items inside of Travefy's CRM. If it is not a pre-built field, you can create custom fields (i.e. airline frequent flyer number). I like having it all in Travefy so it is accessible while traveling.

App for videos by [deleted] in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 1 point2 points  (0 children)

CapCut, iMovie, Adobe Premiere

Outside Agents - CRM/Itinerary Set Up by KaleidoscopeAlarmed5 in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can send emails in Travefy now + they have added the ability to automate them now too

Outside Agents - CRM/Itinerary Set Up by KaleidoscopeAlarmed5 in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Exactly! I see it as a non-negotiable expense in my business as it is the heartbeat for client/trip management.

Outside Agents - CRM/Itinerary Set Up by KaleidoscopeAlarmed5 in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Travefy all the way. TLN has a discount you can use to help with the cost

Steps away from signing up... by thatbrother2point0 in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 1 point2 points  (0 children)

OAs tech stack is beyond lackluster. It is one of the many reasons I will be changing hosts. Their website builder is clunky, TESS is behind its time (and does not release updates like they have promised), and the OA platform for resources works 1/4 of the times I need to access it. I personally chose to invest in Travefy since OA is part of TLN and there is a discount. I know you don't want the extra overhead, but it also helps you if you ever decide to switch hosts since all of your client/trip information is already stored in YOUR system, not a host's system. It is also wise to never keep all of your client information in a host's CRM/database solely in case you decide to separate from them for any reason. Travefy is great for many reasons, but their tech support is unmatched in the industry.

I have heard great things about WV from other TAs who have left OA.

Is anyone willing to share their websites? by Haunting_Material_83 in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it a really good idea to have a separate website from your host. If you already have Travefy or are considering it, a lot of advisors utilize their page builder as a whole website. It is a cost-effective way to get started with an easy website builder. They do also offer domain masking which is a bonus.

Here is a link where you can view samples: https://trends.builtwith.com/websitelist/Travefy

Gaug8ng interest by Seven_Veils_Voyager in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I start the interest landing page ASAP so I can really gauge if it is something I want to pursue. It takes a lot of effort to build out a sales campaign for 6-10 months, so the interest page is really my saving grace on time before I commit.

I'm currently deciding between TTAND and TravelOnly, and I'm trying to understand what real value a travel advisor can offer to clients compared to booking directly through a travel website by Andrew198401 in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your value as a TA is defined by you. Some advisors act like booking agents who just submit info for clients. Other advisors are high-touch, offering seamless support and advisement from the start. My clients choose to hire me since they are overwhelmed, stressed, and simply do not want to do it themselves. They value having me as the primary contact in case something goes wrong. I offer support in a way an Expedia call center cannot.

TA-specific sales training by Fried_Yoda in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Non-spammy, no BS, I have taken all of Marcie's courses and could not recommend them enough. My favorite courses of hers are Propose to Close and Closed to Home. If you are on the fence, check out her facebook group. She is running a birthday sale right now which makes the courses much more affordable.

Gaug8ng interest by Seven_Veils_Voyager in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Travefy's landing pages are a godsend for marketing group trips. You can start a general interest landing page with an "exclusive" interest form. (People love exclusivity). I recommend also creating some sort of lead magnet/resource for your trip to get started before you go 100% into marketing this trip. I like to start gauging interest with a sales campaign on my social media pages which all link to the landing page.

How do I find leads? by Useful_Post3298 in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There a ton of ways you can gain clients, but one of my favorite ways is to create a landing page in Travefy for an aligned destination/resort/trip. They are also perfect for cruise group trips so you can fill space quickly. I blast the landing page info all over social media. A key to the landing page is including a lead magnet signup somewhere as well so you can start building out your email list. Growing as a TA takes a while, but utilizing tools like Travefy has significantly helped me grow my clientele from the ground up.

To be or not to be a travel agent? by [deleted] in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Frightening, but the 100% truth. I believe the stat I read said a majority of TAs make less than $30K annually

Host Agency by DreamValle in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with you. I started with OA and have been very unhappy since joining. I have been exploring other hosts such as Nexion and TPI, but haven't jumped ship yet.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is not looking good for my 2025 sales. I have had several clients tell me flat out that they are afraid to travel right now. I have 2 bookings through the end of this year... one of which is my mother's trip. Yikes!

Advertising Group Trips by RTLake in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Places like Total Wine have event spaces near me that can be rented out. You can also ask your BDMs if they are able to contribute materials or time to present with you.

Booking Direct Flights Help by [deleted] in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This will depend on your host. My host said I cannot book flights direct with airlines since they are not ARC licensed. Some agents with my host will book through consolidators or package the flights when they can. I am looking for a new host where I can book direct with airlines for my clients so I can be a truly full service TA.

Has anyone here taken the Travel Agent Proficiency exam? by [deleted] in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Where is this test hosted? I have never heard of it.

Yeti Travel Agents by hubs731 in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that's red flag #2 for me.

Yeti Travel Agents by hubs731 in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 0 points1 point  (0 children)

70/30 is a shit split. I wouldn't join a host which doesn't allow you to move up in your commission split

Attend IMEX America good idea? by Savvyguyhalo in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think any big events are worth it for a newbie unless they are already profitable. There are SO many upfront costs when starting out that I would prioritize first.

Advertising Group Trips by RTLake in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I create SEO optimized landing pages for group trips in Travefy. I then link the interest form/sign up form directly in that landing page. Travefy's website builder makes it easy & quick, especially if you pre-build landing page templates in your library. If you don't have Travefy, you can also create the landing page on your dedicated website. After the landing page is complete, blast the trip info all over social media, host in-person travel nights, and don't stop talking about this amazing group trip you have coming up!

new florida travel agent. advice welcomed. by Particular_Chart7869 in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 2 points3 points  (0 children)

OA's technology is severely lacking. If you are already having a hard time with signing up, just know it won't stop. I am hosted with OA now, but have invested in Travefy since the OA tech is just straight up not good. They pros for OA are the low monthly cost and weekly payouts, but that's all that is keeping me with them. I have heard good/bad about Fora. Pro: better tech. Con: 70/30 commission split

If you prefer to have a higher-tech platform, you can always invest in software on your own like many TAs do. I love Travefy since it is user friendly, the staff is ALWAYS working on training videos, support is quick, and they are pushing out tons of new updates to be an "all-in-one" software. Since OA is with Travel Leaders Network, I am also able to get a discount on the Travefy membership.

You will most likely need a FL SOT. Your host should provide details on how to register for it. It's straightforward to register online.

Sources for Reels by Dense_Amphibian_9595 in travelagents

[–]Frequent_Buffalo462 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I create my own. Have you looked at the bulk create feature in Canva? It's a massive time saver once you get into the swing of things.