Franchisee Paul explains why starting something new doesn’t have to mean risking it all
Opening a business is often a massive commitment. You usually need lots of start-up capital and plenty of time to see returns from the investment.
But that’s not the case with a travel business from The Travel Franchise.
You can start selling holidays part-time. And you can do it alongside a full-time job or family commitments. Plus, you can get into profit fast.
Travel Consultant Paul, 31, is one of those people. We caught up with him to learn more about why he joined and how things have been going.
He says it was a “no-brainer” to get started
It took Paul a mere 5 days to decide to launch his business with the help of The Travel Franchise in April. The decision came after realising his career path wasn’t going to be right for him long-term.
“In lockdown I satisfied my urge for travel by planning a few trips to Costa Rica and America. It was only when I returned from another trip to Sri Lanka that I realised I didn’t want to go back to a normal job.”
Paul’s a business graduate and serial trip-planner. So he says it was a ‘no brainer’ to launch his own travel company under our franchise umbrella.
He plans to grow at his own pace
Having taken the time to watch our video tour, Paul chose the Lite package (with startup costs of £2995 +VAT). It’s a perfect way to get going without huge upfront financial commitments.
Not only that, it’s an easy way to get paid for doing something he already enjoys.
“My target is to go full time and upgrade from Lite to Elite. But right now I plan to grow organically and not put too much financial pressure on the business. I want to enjoy it! I’m still working in digital marketing – it couples up quite nicely.”
The early training and support has been invaluable
Joining as a Lite doesn’t mean you get less induction training or help to get started.
Paul’s been super happy with how the early days have gone.
“The induction training was really good, as is the ongoing support. I also attended the conference in June, the sense of community was impressive. I was able to meet people much further along in the journey. They were only too happy to impart words of wisdom. And they were living proof that you can definitely succeed. You need to work hard, be consistent & patient, and have confidence.”
He’s off to a great start
Based in Essex, Paul will specialise in adventure travel and more complicated itineraries. He’s begun by organising trips for friends and family to Sri Lanka and other far-flung countries.
Post-training, Paul’s already made 8 bookings. That’s the number of average bookings for commission that covers the Lite startup costs.
So it’s fair to say that Paul’s already well on the way to success.
And his advice to others thinking of taking the leap?
“Do your research. But don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone… because you might find the rainbow.”
