Tired of earning commissions for someone else? The travel industry is evolving, and a growing number of experienced travel agents are making the shift from high street travel agencies to business owners through travel franchising.
Offering a proven business model to help you turn your industry expertise and competitive edge in travel into a profitable, flexible business, this guide shows you everything you need to know about making the transition, from starting your franchise to scaling your business by leveraging industry relationships.
Why Travel Franchising Is the Ideal Business for Experienced Travel Agents Who Want to Launch Their Own Business From Home Professionals
Fed up with your 9-5 job working for someone else? Are you always browsing travel business franchise opportunities? Starting a travel business on your own is relatively easy if you choose the right partner and if you’ve already got travel experience and clients you can start earning commission almost immediately.
Leverage your industry knowledge to fast-track success
Whether you’re a corporate travel, hospitality or sales professional, you bring a lot of industry knowledge and experience to the table as a travel franchisee. This includes not only customer service experience and supplier relationships but also market insights and an existing client base that each give you a huge advantage over new agents, making the transition absolutely seamless.
Higher earning potential and scalable growth
Many companies offer travel franchises for professionals as it is highly lucrative financially. Operating on a commission-based model, the higher your ticket sales, the bigger your earning potential. Furthermore, travel franchising gives you exceptional scaling opportunities. For example, you can grow by hiring a team or by focusing on a specialised niche (e.g. luxury, corporate, cruise, adventure travel, etc.).
Flexibility and business ownership without the hassle
Travel business ownership through franchising affords you exceptional flexibility without the hassle of paying for ABTA membership and employing someone to look after your admin. You can set your own schedule and grow at your own pace. Furthermore, you have the freedom to run your business from anywhere, be it your home, a co-working space or even while travelling yourself. With a travel franchise, the biggest struggles of starting a travel business from scratch are eliminated. You don’t need to build supplier relationships, develop technology or create marketing materials as all of these and more are built into the franchise model.
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How to Transition From an Industry Professional to a Travel Franchise Owner
If you’re ready to start a travel business from home, the step-by-step guide to getting started below is a great way to organise yourself and pursue this opportunity.
A step-by-step guide to getting started
The steps involved in becoming a self-employed travel agent can be broken up as follows:
- Assess your readiness: Consider questions such as whether you have the time, motivation and financial resources required to succeed and whether you are willing to shift from working as an employee to a business owner? The latter requires a strong business mindset, which you should focus on cultivating.
- Research travel franchise opportunities: The next step entails research and gaining a deeper understanding of the different business models available. Travel franchising offers a proven business model that you can enjoy more security with. However, you should choose a franchise opportunity that fits and aligns with your experience. Our franchise selection checklist includes:
- The commission structure: What percentage of every sale or commission will you earn?
- Support and training: Does the franchise provide marketing & CRM tools? What else is included?
- Investment costs: What are the startup fees and ongoing costs? Can you win the franchise fee back if you are successful?
- Supplier partnerships: Does the travel franchise opportunity you’re considering have strong industry relationships with partners?
- Travel agent technology: What platform does the franchise use?
- Commitment: Does the franchise demand you work full time or can you work part time?
- Choose the right travel franchise opportunity: Pick one that aligns with your experience and business goals, along with perks and ongoing support to help you grow your business. Has the company won awards? Do they have a proven business model?
- Complete your travel agent training and set your business up: This step entails learning how to leverage your industry-specific skills to succeed. It also involves learning how to use booking systems effectively, ways to access and create your digital marketing materials as well as strategies that enable you to manage and sell to clients. When choosing a travel franchise, consider taking advantage of mentorship and franchise coaching programmes.
- Launch and start selling: You can tap into your existing client network to secure your first bookings. To build brand awareness, you can also implement targeted marketing strategies or use franchise marketing and the branding support offered by your chosen brand. This can help you scale and expand your business with time, as you move from part-time to full-time and focus on growing your client base.
Find out how a travel franchise supports career changers step by step.
From Travel Consultant to Franchise Owner: Inspiring Success Stories & Expert Tips
Is the travel franchise business model a proven one? Are there any proven case studies? Take The Travel Franchise for example. Several success stories of professionals who transitioned into travel franchising and scaled quickly include:
- The story of Lee is a remarkable one where this experienced travel industry professional joined The Travel Franchise in order to be able to enjoy a greater work-life balance and spend more time with his son. His experience and knowledge helped him secure a £105,000 booking from a LinkedIn lead. His attention to detail and helpful approach have made him a go-to for several select clients he works with, ensuring he’s able to add value to their holidays abroad while being able to enjoy more family time.
- Or what about Nikki? She became a franchise business owner via The Travel Franchise after spending 20 years in corporate travel. She now works half the time for the same amount of money. She also had her franchise fee refunded via the company’s unique Money-Back Challenge.
Scaling Your Travel Franchise: How to Leverage Industry Connections
If you see a travel agency business opportunity that you like, be sure to leverage your industry connections. After all, as an experienced travel professional, you already know how to sell travel. A few tips worth bearing in mind include:
How to use supplier relationships to increase profit
For you to increase your profits, you need to use your supplier relationships to their maximum potential. Focus on securing exclusive deals and preferred commission rates with around 10 operators. Also, focus on building relationships for VIP upgrades and concierge-level services.
Turning existing clients into a loyal customer base
Having a loyal customer base is an excellent way to create repeat business. Ask for referrals from past clients. Be sure to note birthdays and special occasions and to send personalised messages and remember their preferences. One way to focus on building these relationships over the long-term is to offer loyalty incentives and personalised itineraries.
Upselling and cross-selling techniques for experienced professionals
Consider upselling and cross-selling techniques to boost your business. For example, you could suggest luxury room upgrades and private transfers on special occasions. Your family clients could benefit from travel insurance, guided tours and premium accommodation. And for high-end clients, you could focus on offering exclusive excursions, yacht charters, private jets and more.
Why Choose The Travel Franchise?
If you are ready to become a franchise travel agent with a home-based travel franchise, and want to join an award-winning company with a proven track record be sure to check out The Travel Franchise. As the no.1 franchise for people new to travel it may not be the obvious franchise for travel industry experts but it does have many unique inclusions.
For example, if you join on its Elite franchise package you can get the cost refunded in your first year if you achieve a set amount of commission. This means your franchise will be free. The Elite package also includes two free trips abroad where you can meet and connect with other agents.
Its franchise packages also offer:
- Amongst the highest commissions in the industry
- Hundreds of supplier partnerships
- Ongoing mentorship, training, marketing and tech support.
Keep reading to discover more about why The Travel Franchise stands out.
Conclusion: It’s never too late for a travel industry career change!
If you’re interested in starting a travel agency business it’s actually not as difficult as you may think. And by joining The Travel Franchise, you can use your expertise, earn more and enjoy flexible and scalable business ownership. This is a franchise brand that values your skills and offers all the support you need to grow your own business. Curious about how to join? Watch its series of Discovery videos on its website and book a consultation with The Travel Franchise today to get started!
Common Questions Experienced Professionals Ask About Travel Franchising
How much does it cost to start a travel franchise?
The Travel Franchise has packages from just £2,995 but experienced professionals should take a look at its Elite package (£14,995) which offers the chance to win back your franchise fee through its unique Money-Back Challenge. Compare all franchise packages.
Can I run a travel franchise part-time?
Yes! Many of The Travel Franchise travel agents start part-time and some work in their spare time.
How do I market my travel franchise effectively?
You should use a combination of digital marketing tactics such as search engine optimisation (SEO) and LinkedIn networking alongside the extensive franchise marketing support you’ll receive. Learn how to promote your travel agency.
Do I need qualifications?
Most travel franchises provide all necessary training so prior qualifications aren’t required.
