If you have been thinking about changing host agencies, August is an ideal time to make a move.

Now is a great time to assess your situation and to look at host agency alternatives where you might be better off – both financially and with more support.

Here are three great reasons to make a move NOW …

• Pre-High Season – August is usually a quieter period before the busy winter high season ramps up in late fall and winter, making it a good time to transition without disrupting your client bookings.
• Training & Onboarding – The slower summer month allows time for thorough training and onboarding with the new host agency, ensuring a smooth transition without the rush of high booking volumes.
• Client Communication – With fewer clients actively booking trips during August, you can inform and prepare your clients for any changes in agency affiliation without disrupting their travel plans.

One of the main reasons that home based agents are sometimes reluctant to make the move is because they are concerned about a gap in income and about having to learn a lot of new procedures and systems. But if you can earn more and get more support, doesn’t that make it worth it?

Q&A WITH TTAND NEWCOMER

The Travel Agent Next Door is well aware of these concerns and has taken steps to ensure a smooth and efficient transition with a lot of support throughout.

We asked Helen Cowden of The World is Yours in Midland, ON about her recent move to TTAND from a storefront office position.

What made you decide to make the move to become a home based agent?

Cowden: “After 25 years as a full time agent at an office with a 9-to-5 job I decided that it was time to embark on a new adventure and I reached out to The Travel Agent Next Door. I know several agents that are agents for TTAND and it sounded like it would be the perfect fit for me. My decision to transition was driven by a desire to have more flexibility, better accessibility to clients and the ability to offer my clients a much wider range of products.”

How did you find the transition – was it difficult?

Cowden: “The move to TTAND has been seamless. The support has been outstanding and the support team is always ready to help and answer my questions promptly. The set up offered by TTAND – including website help, supplier lists and training – has made the transition effortless.”

What is the best thing you have discovered since joining TTAND?

Cowden: “One of the most exciting aspects of joining TTAND has been the opportunity to learn and grow. There are so many more suppliers and products that are available to me now and I am excited to offer these new travel options and travel experiences to my clients.”

THE BOTTOM LINE

Getting the right support, product mix, technology and marketing is key to any travel agent’s success.

You owe it to yourself to at least look into what is available.