[TravelQueen]

"With hundreds of thousands of people out of a job and looking for a homebased business it looks like it is going to be a great year for Traverus, YTB and all the other travel related companies. "

So how exactly, when people are out of work, are they going to be able to afford to travel? Or why would theytoss money away on a multi-level marking company that (at least in YTB's case) shows blatently that most people make no money at all?

You can all scream from the rooftops all you want about putting the TTA's out of business. It's NEVER going to happen. The 2 largest agencies in the world are still outselling the internet by billions. Why? Because people want expertise, customer service and skill. Not Joe Schmoe down the block who paid $500 and $50/month to purchase a cookie cutter website who doesn't know jack about any destination because he's never left his own backyard. To what..make a few dollars off your own vacation and maybe a few dollarsa month commissions? Its not enough for people to survive on, and certainly not enough to fire their boss. Unless you are a bigwig recruiter with a huge following...its going to get you nowhere.

What great news is YTB getting? Their lawsuit is set for trial in September. Do you think the AG is just going to backdown...doubtful. The only thing thats good about their downfall is that the other companies will smarter up or move on to something more lucrative.

If you honestly in this industry to learn and be a travel agent...I don't begrudge that to anyone. Take the classes, suck up as much travel knowledge as you can..but find a legitimate host who will pay you more then 70% commissions, will provide E & O, and will let you LEARN withoutnickel and diming you for everything.