The OSSN Year End Member Survey
by OSSN President Gary Fee
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 When asked about what industry ID codes members use the majority (42%) stated
they use TRUE with CLIA in second place at 38%.
66% have set up their own agency with the rest booking through a Host Agency.
How do you book air for your clients? One third book air through an online
vendor with 28% booking through a consolidator and 11% through a Host Agency.
Are members charging service fees? The answer was absolutely with 55% charging
service fees on air tickets, 14% said they charge on tour packages and 10% charge
fees on cruises with the balance of 21% stating they charge service fees on FIT
packages.
More members now seem to be charging a cancellation fee if the client cancels
after they have made a deposit. 42% stated they charge a cancellation fee while
58% stated they did not.
45% of the respondents carry E&O General Liability Insurance with another
11% stating they would purchase this kind of insurance through their Host Agency
Partner. 14% said their Host Agency provides this kind of insurance for the.
This 14% is alarming. Host Agencies providing such coverage for free may be walking
a fine line with state and federal taxing authorities. Since this is a tool of
our trade and providing it to an independent contract for free could possibly
trigger an audit. Employees are provided such coverage not independent contractors.
What accreditations do members have? Not surprising, 32% said they have a
CLIA ACC, 22% ACC, 2% ECC, 17% have an CTA and 12% and CTC from the Travel Institute.
53% of the survey members stated they sell cruises while 30% sell Tours. Which
is more profitable to sell? 53% said cruises.
 How much gross dollar volume do you sell yearly? 36% reported sales of $50,000
to $200,000 per year with another 30% selling $200,000 and up. 13% stated a half
million and up!
As a Home Based “Agency” do you have outside agents selling through
your agency? 25% said yes. This is a growing trend and OSSN sees this trend escalating
in 2008.
61% surveyed said they have a website and 26% stated they have their own credit
card merchant account with another 17% stating they have full intention of securing
one in 2008.
47% of the member’s survey stated that they use a database management
system for their home based travel business with another 22% that have plans
to establish one in ’08. This is not only a growing trend but a wise business
decision to have for your business.
What travel industry trade shows do members attend? The majority (50%) stated
they attend OSSN and Travel Industry Trade Shows. Next, 21% Travel Trade Cruise
A Thon, 16% CLIA 360 Shows, and 13% ASTA Trade Shows.
What other industry organizations to members belong to?
- 44% CLIA
- 17% Vacation.com
- 14% NACTA
- 9% ASTA
- 8% Other
- 5%
NEST
- 3% ARTA
 What travel industry magazines do you subscribe to (print or online)? Agent
At Home was the winner here with 17%. Here is the line up.
- 17% Agent At Home
- 14% OSSN Online Daily
- 14% Travel Agent Magazine
- 14% Travel Weekly
- 13% Recommend
- 11% Jax Fax
- 9% Travel Trade
Magazine
- 8% Modern Agent
Do you feel travel industry suppliers are helping to support your home based
travel business? 46% said yes, 50% about the same and 4% worse.
Are you selling Europe? 44% said yes while 36% said they are now selling less
of Europe with 20% who just do not sell the destination.
Do you have a blog for your business? About 8% said yes, but another 18% said
that they plan to have their own blog set up in 2008.
The full results of this member survey can now be found in the OSSN.com website
on page: http://www.ossn.com/ossn_survey/2007yearendsurvey/index.html
OSSN thanks all the members who took the time to give us their feedback by
taking our year end survey. The results of this survey will assist many of us
in the trade.
(Credit: OSSN)
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