Quantity or Quality?
by Penney Rudicil
OSSN Eastern Regional Manager

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Within the first year, I had also changed host agencies. My new host offered additional support and training opportunities, as well as a full-time liaison just for independent contractors (ICs). This was very important in my development and ultimate success.

While there are thousands of wonderful host agencies in the travel industry that are willing to help you become a travel consultant and give you support, training, and education, there are many out there that advertise and do not deliver.

There are so many new people entering the travel industry today -- many of whom have great intentions and truly want to become travel agents but are unsure how to achieve this.

First and foremost, if you or someone you know is new to the travel industry, it is so very important to educate yourself. By joining OSSN, the number one association for outside sales agents and home based travel agents, you have taken that first step!

When searching for a host agency, you should make a list of what you are looking for. Here are some things you may want to consider:

• Look on OSSN.com for recommendations
• Talk with other ICs for suggestions
• Review each host agency's "Independent Contractor Agreement"
• Review the host's list of preferred vendors, commissions, and overrides
• Find out which franchise or consortia the host belongs to
• Ask their affiliations, such as OSSN, IATAN, CLIA, etc.
• Ask whether the agency has an IC supervisor or liaison
• Check the host's E&O insurance (and make sure you would be covered by that policy)
• Find out how the ICs do their bookings (e.g., GDS link, Web site, phone)
• Check the host's productivity requirements
• Ask about initial and monthly fees for ICs

Choosing a host agency is a very important business decision. Don't be afraid to talk with (or, better yet, "interview") many prospective host agencies before choosing the right one.

Attending local OSSN chapter meetings and national and international conferences will also be very important to your success.

Every day I receive an email, browse the Internet, or open a magazine to see an advertisement saying "Become a travel agent," "Seeking home-based travel agents," or "Outside sales agents wanted."

As a hard-working travel consultant and agency owner, I get very offended when I hear from people that they answered an advertisement, paid $xx, received an ID card, and now call themselves travel agents. Many of these so-called "agents" are only looking for the free or reduced travel benefits that they have been promised. (By the way, if you find those benefits, please let me know. I still haven't!)

I do have empathy for those individuals who truly want to sell travel. Some pay these large fees thinking that they are actually going to become a travel agent -- only to discover later that they are nothing more than part of a card mill or MLM scam. Many of these companies do not offer any type of training or guidance which is essential to professional development. I have personally met many of these agents who (with a lot of hard work) have overcome many obstacles. With membership in OSSN, a desire for education, and true determination, these agents are now TRUE-producing travel agents.

The travel industry is growing very rapidly; however, do we have quality travel consultants -- or just a large quantity of hobbyists calling themselves agents?