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bornonjuly4th
Casual Cruiser
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Posted: Mon Jan 29th, 2007 11:02 pm | 1st Post |
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HOME-BASED RETAILERS sell more cruises than any other travel product, and more than half have their own Web sites and book suppliers direct without using host agencies. These were among the findings revealed in a survey of at-homes in North America conducted by the Outside Sales Support Network. Fifty-five percent of 1,826 respondents said they book direct. Of that group, 47% use a CLIA number, 24% percent use an IATA number, 18% percent have their own Travel Retailers Universal Enumeration (TRUE) code offered by OSSN and 11% percent use other types of booking numbers. The survey found that 46% ended 2006 with sales of more than $100,000, and that (25% broke through the $250,000 mark. See all of the results at http://www.ossn.com/ossn_survey/2006yearendsurveyjan07/index.html.
Paul
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http://www.mygetawayguru.com
http://www.mygetawayguru.com/singles
NCL x 3, CCL x 3, Princess x 4, Cunard x 2, RCCL x 1
NCL Pearl leaving on March 2nd, 2007!!!
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hstrybuf
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Posted: Mon Jan 29th, 2007 11:13 pm | 2nd Post |
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| My former TA was home based and worked her butt off. Unfortunately, she passed away at a very young age. Several of my other friends are also home based TA's.
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Deb
"In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/hstrycrsr
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nhrich
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Posted: Mon Jan 29th, 2007 11:20 pm | 3rd Post |
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We are also home-based. It's a very rapidly growing segment of the TA industry.
When we first started in business, many of the companies that we deal with did not take home-based agents seriously. Now they're all begging for our business.
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Rich, ACC
Carefree Vacations
http://www.carefree-vacations.net
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bornonjuly4th
Casual Cruiser
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Posted: Mon Jan 29th, 2007 11:42 pm | 4th Post |
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nhrich wrote: We are also home-based. It's a very rapidly growing segment of the TA industry.
When we first started in business, many of the companies that we deal with did not take home-based agents seriously. Now they're all begging for our business.
I think that the greatest thing about being a home based TA is that I literally have no overhead to worry about. I don't have to maintain an office space or drive into work and it's alot easier to pass some of that savings onto my clients. Plus, it gives me a lot more free time to dedicate towards my own research and learning opportunities.
I think that a lot more of the public and the vendors will take home based TAs more seriously as time goes by. I was at the Home Based Travel Agent Convention in Las Vegas this past December and there was over 250 different vendors there vying to get our attention. There were thousands of agents from all over the country and it was such a great chance to meet vendors and other TAs as well as get some training in new products.
Paul
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http://www.mygetawayguru.com
http://www.mygetawayguru.com/singles
NCL x 3, CCL x 3, Princess x 4, Cunard x 2, RCCL x 1
NCL Pearl leaving on March 2nd, 2007!!!
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Filomene123
Extreme Cruiser
| Joined: | Sun Jan 21st, 2007 |
| Location: | Fantasea, Canada |
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Posted: Thu Feb 1st, 2007 01:08 am | 5th Post |
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My TA is also home-based and she is a HARD working lady.
Edited at TA's request.
Last edited on Sun Feb 18th, 2007 05:06 pm by
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bornonjuly4th
Casual Cruiser
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Posted: Thu Feb 1st, 2007 04:27 am | 6th Post |
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Filomene123 wrote: My TA is also home-based and she is a HARD working lady.
I see a lot of her posts on CC all the time. She really seems to know what's she talking about and contributes a lot of great information. It's great when TAs actually read and post to the boards because they do have a lot of great knowledge to share.
Paul
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http://www.mygetawayguru.com
http://www.mygetawayguru.com/singles
NCL x 3, CCL x 3, Princess x 4, Cunard x 2, RCCL x 1
NCL Pearl leaving on March 2nd, 2007!!!
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Catnip
Charter Member
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Posted: Thu Feb 1st, 2007 01:14 pm | 7th Post |
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I was a home-based TA for about 10 years. I did mostly our own travel stuff, and for a few friends and family. Alas, the agency I worked for closed up shop here in my town, so now I don't have an agency to work through.......
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32 previous cruises..
Next up: Last Atlantic crossing on QE 2 10-08/Celebrity Solstice 1-09/Jewel of the Seas 3/09
**Triangles Are For Losers!**
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Livtojump
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Posted: Mon Feb 5th, 2007 06:29 pm | 8th Post |
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What I'd like to know is who can get me the best air to Tahiti. Princess quoted me $2,500.
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TheWog
Charter Member
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Posted: Mon Feb 5th, 2007 06:30 pm | 9th Post |
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Livtojump wrote: What I'd like to know is who can get me the best air to Tahiti. Princess quoted me $2,500.
I think JC is flying Air Qaida or something. Ask him what his price was. Last edited on Mon Feb 5th, 2007 06:30 pm by TheWog
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Some mornings, it's just not worth chewing through the leather straps.
Where's my frozen umbrella drink?
Ice cream should be a food group.
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Livtojump
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Posted: Mon Feb 5th, 2007 06:39 pm | 10th Post |
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TheWog wrote: Livtojump wrote: What I'd like to know is who can get me the best air to Tahiti. Princess quoted me $2,500.
I think JC is flying Air Qaida or something. Ask him what his price was.
LOL...I think he was taking a Med cruise or something.
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nhrich
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Posted: Mon Feb 5th, 2007 06:39 pm | 11th Post |
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Livtojump wrote: What I'd like to know is who can get me the best air to Tahiti. Princess quoted me $2,500.
L2J - if you want, give me more details...dates, airports, etc. I'll see what I can do. I may be able to find some better options.Last edited on Mon Feb 5th, 2007 06:42 pm by nhrich
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Carefree Vacations
http://www.carefree-vacations.net
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Livtojump
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Posted: Mon Feb 5th, 2007 06:48 pm | 12th Post |
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nhrich wrote: Livtojump wrote: What I'd like to know is who can get me the best air to Tahiti. Princess quoted me $2,500.
L2J - if you want, give me more details...dates, airports, etc. I'll see what I can do. I may be able to find some better options.
Thanks Rich. We won't be able to cruise until late 08 or early 09 and November was the latest they could check air for some reason. The cruise will either be in March or November so I was just trying to get some numbers since this is going to cost a fortune. She quoted me air for 5 or 6 November IAD to PPT for two adults.
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nhrich
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Posted: Mon Feb 5th, 2007 07:09 pm | 13th Post |
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Livtojump wrote: nhrich wrote: Livtojump wrote: What I'd like to know is who can get me the best air to Tahiti. Princess quoted me $2,500.
L2J - if you want, give me more details...dates, airports, etc. I'll see what I can do. I may be able to find some better options.
Thanks Rich. We won't be able to cruise until late 08 or early 09 and November was the latest they could check air for some reason. The cruise will either be in March or November so I was just trying to get some numbers since this is going to cost a fortune. She quoted me air for 5 or 6 November IAD to PPT for two adults.
Just for the heck of it I plugged in the 5th to 17th....just under $1600 each. Not great flights (2 changes out & 3 back), but at least it should give you an idea.
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Rich, ACC
Carefree Vacations
http://www.carefree-vacations.net
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Livtojump
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Posted: Mon Feb 5th, 2007 07:13 pm | 14th Post |
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| Thanks Rich. Grr...that is expensive I'm going to have to keep looking or see if my Mom won't give me some miles LOL.
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bornonjuly4th
Casual Cruiser
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Posted: Mon Feb 5th, 2007 10:06 pm | 15th Post |
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Livtojump wrote:
Thanks Rich. We won't be able to cruise until late 08 or early 09 and November was the latest they could check air for some reason. The cruise will either be in March or November so I was just trying to get some numbers since this is going to cost a fortune. She quoted me air for 5 or 6 November IAD to PPT for two adults.
Unfortunately, airlines don't release seats, flight schedules, etc. that far in advance. As an average, you can find this information about 6 months in advance with most airlines.
Paul
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http://www.mygetawayguru.com
http://www.mygetawayguru.com/singles
NCL x 3, CCL x 3, Princess x 4, Cunard x 2, RCCL x 1
NCL Pearl leaving on March 2nd, 2007!!!
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amy417
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Posted: Sat Mar 24th, 2007 03:30 am | 16th Post |
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Hi Guys,
I am new to this game of home based TA's. Can someone tell me what the benefits of a CLIA card are.
thanks
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honeydog714
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Posted: Sun Aug 12th, 2007 09:33 pm | 17th Post |
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| My TA is home based and I just love her but it is so unfair, she gives up almost all her comission between the "pimp fees" and trying to match on board credits, it seems so unfair! I am so devoted to her as she personally shipped my luggage federal express overnight when we forgot a bag in california and she was in MA. I am sure her "umbrella agency" could have cared less, why is it so unfair? BTW as her personal cheerleader, (and I am trying to get her to come over here where she is welcome for once) here is her website http://www.dreamvacation.cc maybe some of you could give her some guideance, i know she has to be loosing tons of money but she says she loves what she does.......
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justmeann
Cruiser
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Posted: Thu Sep 13th, 2007 02:03 pm | 18th Post |
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amy417 wrote: Hi Guys,
I am new to this game of home based TA's. Can someone tell me what the benefits of a CLIA card are.
thanks
not much really- some people take you more seriously but there are not big discounts to be had like with the iatan card. Just about anyone can get a clia, book a cruise, take a class and pay your fee, iatan you have to prove you are a real TA (unless you hook up with a card mill ) 5000 in comissions in 12 months. Clia says they have discounts at hotels but they are few and far between
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http://www.dreamvacation.cc
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justmeann
Cruiser
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Posted: Thu Sep 13th, 2007 02:03 pm | 19th Post |
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amy417 wrote: Hi Guys,
I am new to this game of home based TA's. Can someone tell me what the benefits of a CLIA card are.
thanks
not much really- some people take you more seriously but there are not big discounts to be had like with the iatan card. Just about anyone can get a clia, book a cruise, take a class and pay your fee, iatan you have to prove you are a real TA (unless you hook up with a card mill) 5000 in comissions in 12 months. Clia says they have discounts at hotels but they are few and far between
____________________
I am addicted to cruising so I made it my career
http://www.dreamvacation.cc
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newmexicoNita
Cruiser
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Posted: Wed Sep 26th, 2007 08:33 pm | 20th Post |
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I too am home based and work for a great company. I have done travel both ways, I much prefer the way I work now. I have all the tolls and access I had when working for a brick and mortor company but my work schedule is more flexible and I actually give much better service plus I have the support of a wonderful boss.
As for the question about CLIA, it really doesn't mean a lot, but is one more thing to illistrate your continueing knowledge of the business. I certainly am not saying if you don't have a CLIA certificate you are not knowlegable.
Speaking of knowledge, if I have one problem with home based travel it is the ease some find of getting into the business without a lot of actual knowledge and experience.
 NItA
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have sailed on: Costa,Commodore,Chandris,Carnival,Celebrity,HAL,NCL and RCI. Someday I will get to the really luxury lines, but then maybe I don't really even want to.
Nit
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CruzTravelLady
Cruiser
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Posted: Thu Jun 19th, 2008 02:21 am | 21st Post |
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After 18 years with various Brick and Mortar Travel Agencies I went to work for myself and I am home based. I now can give everyone all the attention I want to and what they need without having to meet sales goals etc.
As far as a CLIA card, I have found it valuable because I have taken their classes and have been able to improve my customer service skills and increased my knowledge to help all of my clients.
Besides, when a client needs you at 9pm, a regular travel agency won't be there to answer the phones - I'll answer my calls no matter what time you call unless I am meeting a client outside my house.
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I'll be 'seaing' you on the high seas...
Terry
Cruises, Inc.
1-877-800-CRUZ
http://www.TravelLadyCruises.com
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home sea home
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Posted: Sat Jun 21st, 2008 04:28 am | 22nd Post |
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CruzTravelLady wrote: After 18 years with various Brick and Mortar Travel Agencies I went to work for myself and I am home based. I now can give everyone all the attention I want to and what they need without having to meet sales goals etc.
As far as a CLIA card, I have found it valuable because I have taken their classes and have been able to improve my customer service skills and increased my knowledge to help all of my clients.
Besides, when a client needs you at 9pm, a regular travel agency won't be there to answer the phones - I'll answer my calls no matter what time you call unless I am meeting a client outside my house.
And that's why we adore you :numberone:
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Past cruises:
Carnival Triumph December 2007
Carnival Glory May 2007
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