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AmazingBargains
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Posted: Thu Mar 15th, 2007 08:53 pm | 1st Post |
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Hello gang. I found below posting titled "TRAVEL BUYERS BEWARE" posted on a website of acertain agency. Wanted to get your thoughts on this one. Pros, cons, etc.
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Travel Buyers Beware!
For your protection, only buy travel from individuals/travel agencies
who have ALL of the following credentials.
ARC (Airline Reporting Corporation)
CLIA (Cruise Line International Association)
IATAN (International Association of Travel Agent Network
ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents)
If someone says they don’t need to be accredited
with one of the above mentioned,
DO NOT BUY TRAVEL FROM THEM, YOU COULD GET BURNED!
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xpcdoojk
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Posted: Thu Mar 15th, 2007 09:14 pm | 2nd Post |
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No clue, but if I were a TA I would join one more organization and then say if you don't belong to all 5 associations you shouldn't book with them!
I don't know how the TA biz works, but most of the trade associations require 1 thing to be a member... MONEY. Some require MONEY and some education.
JMHO
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lol930
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Posted: Thu Mar 15th, 2007 11:20 pm | 3rd Post |
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ARC: mandatory for agencies that issue airline tickets
CLIA: trade assoc. for agencies that focus on cruises
IATAN: mandatory for agencies that represent international airlines
ARTA & ASTA: trade assoc. for travel agents
Hehe. Being a TA doesn't even require an education. Just a company name & a phone.You really don't need any credentials at all, just customers... 
Best advice, get a referral/ recommendation from someone you trust.
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hstrybuf
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 12:04 am | 4th Post |
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AmazingBargains wrote: Hello gang. I found below posting titled "TRAVEL BUYERS BEWARE" posted on a website of acertain agency. Wanted to get your thoughts on this one. Pros, cons, etc.
______________________________________________________
Travel Buyers Beware!
For your protection, only buy travel from individuals/travel agencies
who have ALL of the following credentials.
ARC (Airline Reporting Corporation)
CLIA (Cruise Line International Association)
IATAN (International Association of Travel Agent Network
ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents)
If someone says they don’t need to be accredited
with one of the above mentioned,
DO NOT BUY TRAVEL FROM THEM, YOU COULD GET BURNED!
Sounds like a desperate agency trying to drum up some business by scaring the uninformed. Of course I could be wrong! Which agency might that be?
____________________
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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goincruisin
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 12:18 am | 5th Post |
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The sad thing is, anyone can be a TA.... and people are getting screwed day in and day out by these "fly by night" TA's. So I certainly would never trust my money to someone who just ordered a $300 course online and decided to become an agent... I would do my research... very serious research if it was someone I had never done business with before.
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nhrich
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 01:28 am | 6th Post |
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I think Deb hit the nail on the head. We're a member of CLIA, and that's the only one of those listed that we belong to.
ARC is for those agencies that book air tickets through a Global Distribution System. It's not worthwhile for a lot of agents to bother joining with ARC, as it's owned by the airlines, who are very agent unfriendly.
IATAN is pretty good, and it's one way that agencies get an identification number to book with. CLIA's another, and I personally don't see that there's much additional benefit to belonging to both.
ASTA is supposedly an organization that lobbies on behalf of travel agents, but I haven't seen them produce much. We also belong to NACTA, which is mainly for home-based agencies (as we are), and is owned by ASTA. Again, I don't see the additional benefit.
There are many agencies that do not belong to all of them. I personally feel that those that do are probably throwing money away.
As Chris said, there are a lot of fly-by-night agencies out there. Unfortunately, they give the industry a black eye while the rest of us are trying to make a living. It's not just those who paid $300 for a course. There are agencies (card mills) out there that, for $495, you can become a travel agent and get "all the benefits of travel agents". In reality, a lot of the benefits are few and far between. That's not to mention companies (one in particular comes to mind) that aren't much more than multi-level marketing organizations under the pretense of selling travel. What they're really looking for is you to refer people (kind of like a pyramid scheme), and just book your own travel and your friends.
OK, I'll step down from my soapbox now.
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Carefree Vacations
http://www.carefree-vacations.net
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AmazingBargains
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 03:24 am | 7th Post |
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nhrich wrote: I think Deb hit the nail on the head. We're a member of CLIA, and that's the only one of those listed that we belong to.
ARC is for those agencies that book air tickets through a Global Distribution System. It's not worthwhile for a lot of agents to bother joining with ARC, as it's owned by the airlines, who are very agent unfriendly.
IATAN is pretty good, and it's one way that agencies get an identification number to book with. CLIA's another, and I personally don't see that there's much additional benefit to belonging to both.
ASTA is supposedly an organization that lobbies on behalf of travel agents, but I haven't seen them produce much. We also belong to NACTA, which is mainly for home-based agencies (as we are), and is owned by ASTA. Again, I don't see the additional benefit.
There are many agencies that do not belong to all of them. I personally feel that those that do are probably throwing money away.
As Chris said, there are a lot of fly-by-night agencies out there. Unfortunately, they give the industry a black eye while the rest of us are trying to make a living. It's not just those who paid $300 for a course. There are agencies (card mills) out there that, for $495, you can become a travel agent and get "all the benefits of travel agents". In reality, a lot of the benefits are few and far between. That's not to mention companies (one in particular comes to mind) that aren't much more than multi-level marketing organizations under the pretense of selling travel. What they're really looking for is you to refer people (kind of like a pyramid scheme), and just book your own travel and your friends.
OK, I'll step down from my soapbox now.
you're totally right Rich, in that $495 world, over 66000 people are "travel agents" can you spell Y T B?. :-), or WV? heck, all of you are right with your responses. I just wanted your opinion to make sure im not the only one thinking that this person is a scam, or at least desperate. i too am a member of CLIA, ARC and IATAN, but only by way of my company that owns 1 of the GDSs (cendant, aka travelport, aka wyndham, aka avis-budget, aka,,,,,) and other stuff, not because i need to or desire to. that was just part of work requirements and there was no choice, otherwise why would i want all of them?
This "agency" applied for a membership program for one of our products, and once i saw this "banner" plastered on their site - a red flag was raised. Just to make sure noone calls me a liar, - heres the site and you can see it for yourself. [url=http://www.dan the travel man.com]http://www.dan the travel man.com[/url] ( no spaces). midway down the page hes got a link to it. i sent him an e mail asking to clarify things, and got a 1 line response. " id be happy to tell you over the phone"
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hstrybuf
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 03:34 am | 8th Post |
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| The site looks nice and would certainly be enticing to an uniformed person browsing the Internet for an agency. It's scare tactics, pure and simple. He obviously has no idea what he's talking about.
____________________
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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AmazingBargains
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 04:07 am | 9th Post |
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hstrybuf wrote: The site looks nice and would certainly be enticing to an uniformed person browsing the Internet for an agency. It's scare tactics, pure and simple. He obviously has no idea what he's talking about.
,,,,,,,,,,and thats how he makes his money. i find that every crook hides behind a religion. thats just so wrong.
http://www.danthetravelman.com/pdfs/EWTNWebsiteInfo.pdf
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Seahorse123
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 11:47 am | 10th Post |
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My 2 cents
This agency belongs to Joystar.......this is a Host Agency for Home Based Travel Agents.........of which you are Rich, correct, You may belong to one? or possibly Cruise Planners, or something?
It looks like he has a niche in the Religious market. Nothing wrong with that. To say that this makes him a crook.
To clear things up.
The Home Based Agency Business is the fastest growing business in the industry. I was a pioneer in the industry establishing mine in 1992. I am an independent corporation that specializes in Luxury Travel. I do not belong to a host agency.
There are "Card Mills" out there that charge $495.00, or such, and you "sell" to friends and family and travel "on the cheap". These are Pyramid "companies"and they are to be avoided.
If you are just starting out, going with a Host Agency is a good thing. You get knowledge and training. I got mine by working in "Brick and Mortar Agencies" and going through extensive training on Airline Computer Systems..going to CLIA classes, etc. and I was one of the first 500 people to get my Master Cruise Counsellor accreditation back in the 90`s when it was more difficult to get.
It is true that anyone can "become a travel agent" without any training or knowledge, and as someone said..ask around and get a referral from someone that you trust.
This is my full time job and has been since 1985. I have been fighting travel agent wannabees and frauds for a long time now. I am proud of the reputation that I have and when someone denigrates it........it is a problem for me, obviously, and when someone LEGITIMATE wants to come into the industry I willingly help them.
I love this industry and if anyone has any questions about the business I would gladly answer them.
____________________
Ann
*************************************************
"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have."~~~~~Thomas Jefferson
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AmazingBargains
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 12:22 pm | 11th Post |
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Seahorse123 wrote: My 2 cents
This agency belongs to Joystar.......this is a Host Agency for Home Based Travel Agents.........of which you are Rich, correct, You may belong to one? or possibly Cruise Planners, or something?
It looks like he has a niche in the Religious market. Nothing wrong with that. To say that this makes him a crook.
To clear things up.
The Home Based Agency Business is the fastest growing business in the industry. I was a pioneer in the industry establishing mine in 1992. I am an independent corporation that specializes in Luxury Travel. I do not belong to a host agency.
There are "Card Mills" out there that charge $495.00, or such, and you "sell" to friends and family and travel "on the cheap". These are Pyramid "companies"and they are to be avoided.
If you are just starting out, going with a Host Agency is a good thing. You get knowledge and training. I got mine by working in "Brick and Mortar Agencies" and going through extensive training on Airline Computer Systems..going to CLIA classes, etc. and I was one of the first 500 people to get my Master Cruise Counsellor accreditation back in the 90`s when it was more difficult to get.
It is true that anyone can "become a travel agent" without any training or knowledge, and as someone said..ask around and get a referral from someone that you trust.
This is my full time job and has been since 1985. I have been fighting travel agent wannabees and frauds for a long time now. I am proud of the reputation that I have and when someone denigrates it........it is a problem for me, obviously, and when someone LEGITIMATE wants to come into the industry I willingly help them.
I love this industry and if anyone has any questions about the business I would gladly answer them.
nothing is wrong with having a niche in religious market. i would applaud him for that. its a fact that niche markets make you more $$ per transaction because theres less competition, among other things. refer to my original post. what we were talking about is a "banner" that he has blasted on his site - a perfect example of a scare tactic. having a niche in religious market doesnt make him a "crook" , but shady tactics such as one we are talking about, while hiding under a pretence of being a religious man is just not "kosher". i tried to get him to explain why he would employ such tactic, but he only wants to educate me over the phone.
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Seahorse123
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 12:50 pm | 12th Post |
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AmazingBargains wrote: Seahorse123 wrote: My 2 cents
This agency belongs to Joystar.......this is a Host Agency for Home Based Travel Agents.........of which you are Rich, correct, You may belong to one? or possibly Cruise Planners, or something?
It looks like he has a niche in the Religious market. Nothing wrong with that. To say that this makes him a crook.
To clear things up.
The Home Based Agency Business is the fastest growing business in the industry. I was a pioneer in the industry establishing mine in 1992. I am an independent corporation that specializes in Luxury Travel. I do not belong to a host agency.
There are "Card Mills" out there that charge $495.00, or such, and you "sell" to friends and family and travel "on the cheap". These are Pyramid "companies"and they are to be avoided.
If you are just starting out, going with a Host Agency is a good thing. You get knowledge and training. I got mine by working in "Brick and Mortar Agencies" and going through extensive training on Airline Computer Systems..going to CLIA classes, etc. and I was one of the first 500 people to get my Master Cruise Counsellor accreditation back in the 90`s when it was more difficult to get.
It is true that anyone can "become a travel agent" without any training or knowledge, and as someone said..ask around and get a referral from someone that you trust.
This is my full time job and has been since 1985. I have been fighting travel agent wannabees and frauds for a long time now. I am proud of the reputation that I have and when someone denigrates it........it is a problem for me, obviously, and when someone LEGITIMATE wants to come into the industry I willingly help them.
I love this industry and if anyone has any questions about the business I would gladly answer them.
nothing is wrong with having a niche in religious market. i would applaud him for that. its a fact that niche markets make you more $$ per transaction because theres less competition, among other things. refer to my original post. what we were talking about is a "banner" that he has blasted on his site - a perfect example of a scare tactic. having a niche in religious market doesnt make him a "crook" , but shady tactics such as one we are talking about, while hiding under a pretence of being a religious man is just not "kosher". i tried to get him to explain why he would employ such tactic, but he only wants to educate me over the phone.
I told you some of my credentials............show me yours.
I do not see it as a "shady" tactic. He is rightly stating to be "aware' of shady agencies. How do you know he is "hiding". Why sould he explain himself to a complete stranger who comes off demanding.?
I repeat.........show me yours.
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Ann
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Catnip
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 01:06 pm | 13th Post |
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AB,
Are you sure that's a good link? Because I wanted to see it, and when I click on it, nothing happens.
I, too, am a "home-based agent", and have been since the mid-90's. I took a 12-week course (4 days a week for 12 weeks) at a travel agency in Raleigh, NC. I did an internship at their agency after completion of the course.
I have worked with a local agency for the past 10 years doing outside sales, mostly for friends and family. I know the agency I worked for was a member of CLIA, ASTA, ARC, & IATAN. Unfortunately, they closed the local office last month. 
____________________
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!**
When only cops have guns, it's called a "police state". - Claire Wolfe
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Seahorse123
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 01:11 pm | 14th Post |
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Catnip wrote: AB,
Are you sure that's a good link? Because I wanted to see it, and when I click on it, nothing happens.
I, too, am a "home-based agent", and have been since the mid-90's. I took a 12-week course (4 days a week for 12 weeks) at a travel agency in Raleigh, NC. I did an internship at their agency after completion of the course.
I have worked with a local agency for the past 10 years doing outside sales, mostly for friends and family. I know the agency I worked for was a member of CLIA, ASTA, ARC, & IATAN. Unfortunately, they closed the local office last month.
Another one closing......so sad. It is so difficult to stay in business these days as a storefront. That is why legit. home-based is the way to go now.
You have to type in the link. A large host agency maybe the way to go for you now.
____________________
Ann
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"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have."~~~~~Thomas Jefferson
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nhrich
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 01:12 pm | 15th Post |
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Seahorse123 wrote: This agency belongs to Joystar.......this is a Host Agency for Home Based Travel Agents.........of which you are Rich, correct, You may belong to one? or possibly Cruise Planners, or something?
Yes, we are home-based. We do not belong to a host agency (we did when we first started), as we don't like having the documents having the host's name on them. Plus the host we had was in a different part of the country, so it was hard to get to know the local reps. We do belong to NEST, a consortium for home-based agents.
While I agree that there's nothing wrong with his niche market, to say that you should only deal with an agency that belongs to all four is a load of crap. Yes, there are agencies that are shady (AB mentioned a couple), but just because they belong to all four doesn't mean they're not, and to me, that does sound like a desperation tactic that he's spewing.
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Carefree Vacations
http://www.carefree-vacations.net
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Catnip
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 01:15 pm | 16th Post |
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Yeah, I'm not sure what to do now. The agency I worked for has 2 other offices in neighboring cities, but decided to close the one here. Bummer. THere is only one small agency left here in town.
I really don't do that much anymore, except for our own travel.....but we do go on quite a few trips each year, both vacations as well as meetings. Typically, they are high-dollar, so I will miss the commissions from them!
____________________
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!**
When only cops have guns, it's called a "police state". - Claire Wolfe
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Catnip
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 01:18 pm | 17th Post |
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I, also, would be leery of an agent like AB mentioned. Why would he not "discuss" things on-line? Why a phone call? I personally would not take the time to call someone on the phone that couldn't give me his credentials and information on line. Sounds fishy to me........but then, I'm a suspicious person!!!!!!!! 
____________________
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!**
When only cops have guns, it's called a "police state". - Claire Wolfe
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Seahorse123
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 01:22 pm | 18th Post |
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nhrich wrote: Seahorse123 wrote: This agency belongs to Joystar.......this is a Host Agency for Home Based Travel Agents.........of which you are Rich, correct, You may belong to one? or possibly Cruise Planners, or something?
Yes, we are home-based. We do not belong to a host agency (we did when we first started), as we don't like having the documents having the host's name on them. Plus the host we had was in a different part of the country, so it was hard to get to know the local reps. We do belong to NEST, a consortium for home-based agents.
While I agree that there's nothing wrong with his niche market, to say that you should only deal with an agency that belongs to all four is a load of crap. Yes, there are agencies that are shady (AB mentioned a couple), but just because they belong to all four doesn't mean they're not, and to me, that does sound like a desperation tactic that he's spewing.
WOW.....is it a small world..........I belong to The Nest too I was the first person to join. I knew Stu since he was a baby and I followed him throughout his career from Princess.......The Consortium........Vacation.com..........The Nest.....and now I think that he is starting an Italian Tour company.
____________________
Ann
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"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have."~~~~~Thomas Jefferson
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Seahorse123
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 01:26 pm | 19th Post |
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Catnip wrote: I, also, would be leery of an agent like AB mentioned. Why would he not "discuss" things on-line? Why a phone call? I personally would not take the time to call someone on the phone that couldn't give me his credentials and information on line. Sounds fishy to me........but then, I'm a suspicious person!!!!!!!!
Perhaps he likes one-on-one. I may call him and see for myself
____________________
Ann
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"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have."~~~~~Thomas Jefferson
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nhrich
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 01:26 pm | 20th Post |
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Did you go to the NEST convention in Vegas in 2005? We were there...maybe we've met!
I was just looking into that Italian tour company a little the other day, and Stu's not listed as one of the officers (and he used to be). I'm wondering if he's still with them. I sure wish I had his level of energy (but not the stress level).
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nhrich
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 01:27 pm | 21st Post |
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Seahorse123 wrote: Catnip wrote: I, also, would be leery of an agent like AB mentioned. Why would he not "discuss" things on-line? Why a phone call? I personally would not take the time to call someone on the phone that couldn't give me his credentials and information on line. Sounds fishy to me........but then, I'm a suspicious person!!!!!!!!
Perhaps he likes one-on-one. I may call him and see for myself
Sounds like he doesn't want to put anything in writing.
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Rich, ACC
Carefree Vacations
http://www.carefree-vacations.net
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Seahorse123
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 01:30 pm | 22nd Post |
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nhrich wrote: Did you go to the NEST convention in Vegas in 2005? We were there...maybe we've met!
I was just looking into that Italian tour company a little the other day, and Stu's not listed as one of the officers (and he used to be). I'm wondering if he's still with them. I sure wish I had his level of energy (but not the stress level).
Yes I did, we probably have met. It was a great convention. The Celebrity party was great, wasn`t it? Did you on to the Vegas Fam also after.
Did you do RCI 2 day too?
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Ann
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"A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have."~~~~~Thomas Jefferson
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nhrich
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 01:42 pm | 23rd Post |
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Seahorse123 wrote: nhrich wrote: Did you go to the NEST convention in Vegas in 2005? We were there...maybe we've met!
I was just looking into that Italian tour company a little the other day, and Stu's not listed as one of the officers (and he used to be). I'm wondering if he's still with them. I sure wish I had his level of energy (but not the stress level).
Yes I did, we probably have met. It was a great convention. The Celebrity party was great, wasn`t it? Did you on to the Vegas Fam also after.
Did you do RCI 2 day too?
We had a great time at the convention, even though we barely had time to stop and breathe. We did stay on for the Vegas fam, and actually a couple of nights after. We had done the RCI through NACTA, so we didn't do the NEST one.
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Carefree Vacations
http://www.carefree-vacations.net
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Seahorse123
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 01:53 pm | 24th Post |
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nhrich wrote: Seahorse123 wrote: nhrich wrote: Did you go to the NEST convention in Vegas in 2005? We were there...maybe we've met!
I was just looking into that Italian tour company a little the other day, and Stu's not listed as one of the officers (and he used to be). I'm wondering if he's still with them. I sure wish I had his level of energy (but not the stress level).
Yes I did, we probably have met. It was a great convention. The Celebrity party was great, wasn`t it? Did you on to the Vegas Fam also after.
Did you do RCI 2 day too?
We had a great time at the convention, even though we barely had time to stop and breathe. We did stay on for the Vegas fam, and actually a couple of nights after. We had done the RCI through NACTA, so we didn't do the NEST one.
Well then we had to be on the same bus on the FAM? I think that there was only one? What the heck do you look like? I was with my husband and I look like this 
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Ann
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AmazingBargains
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Posted: Fri Mar 16th, 2007 03:12 pm | 25th Post |
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Seahorse123 wrote: AmazingBargains wrote: Seahorse123 wrote: My 2 cents
This agency belongs to Joystar.......this is a Host Agency for Home Based Travel Agents.........of which you are Rich, correct, You may belong to one? or possibly Cruise Planners, or something?
It looks like he has a niche in the Religious market. Nothing wrong with that. To say that this makes him a crook.
To clear things up.
The Home Based Agency Business is the fastest growing business in the industry. I was a pioneer in the industry establishing mine in 1992. I am an independent corporation that specializes in Luxury Travel. I do not belong to a host agency.
There are "Card Mills" out there that charge $495.00, or such, and you "sell" to friends and family and travel "on the cheap". These are Pyramid "companies"and they are to be avoided.
If you are just starting out, going with a Host Agency is a good thing. You get knowledge and training. I got mine by working in "Brick and Mortar Agencies" and going through extensive training on Airline Computer Systems..going to CLIA classes, etc. and I was one of the first 500 people to get my Master Cruise Counsellor accreditation back in the 90`s when it was more difficult to get.
It is true that anyone can "become a travel agent" without any training or knowledge, and as someone said..ask around and get a referral from someone that you trust.
This is my full time job and has been since 1985. I have been fighting travel agent wannabees and frauds for a long time now. I am proud of the reputation that I have and when someone denigrates it........it is a problem for me, obviously, and when someone LEGITIMATE wants to come into the industry I willingly help them.
I love this industry and if anyone has any questions about the business I would gladly answer them.
nothing is wrong with having a niche in religious market. i would applaud him for that. its a fact that niche markets make you more $$ per transaction because theres less competition, among other things. refer to my original post. what we were talking about is a "banner" that he has blasted on his site - a perfect example of a scare tactic. having a niche in religious market doesnt make him a "crook" , but shady tactics such as one we are talking about, while hiding under a pretence of being a religious man is just not "kosher". i tried to get him to explain why he would employ such tactic, but he only wants to educate me over the phone.
I told you some of my credentials............show me yours.
I do not see it as a "shady" tactic. He is rightly stating to be "aware' of shady agencies. How do you know he is "hiding". Why sould he explain himself to a complete stranger who comes off demanding.?
I repeat.........show me yours.
im proud of your credentials. really, i am. as for mine. they are posted several posts above this one.
style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c6e1d7"i wasnt demanding anything from him. many potential customers at first are "strangers", no? i sent him a simple e mail stating: " i would like to know your opinion about the need for an agency to have all of the affiliations mentioned, and what are the consequences if a cruise agency has no ARC affiliation". a simple question i thought. his reply was " call me and i will educate you over the phone". i guess there is a reason he calls himself an educator on several pages of his site.
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