Travel Agent $600

[lskkjk]

I have a friend that wants me to become a travel agent with her. She says that it only cost $600 to sign up and you get all these benefits of cheap travel. Its sounds almost to good to be true, some of the deals she is telling me. Since she has never done it either I thought I had better ask around. Does this sound right or is there something that I am missing

[DeeAmber]

Originally Posted by lskkjk

I have a friend that wants me to become a travel agent with her. She says that it only cost $600 to sign up and you get all these benefits of cheap travel. Its sounds almost to good to be true, some of the deals she is telling me. Since she has never done it either I thought I had better ask around. Does this sound right or is there something that I am missing

I have to say that $600 is not a lot and what she is telling you doesn't really seem too good to be true. However, I would do your own research if she hasn't actually been with the company or had any results.

[ddavis1908]

I agree with Tanya go with someone who allows you to come in for free. I am also with outside agent.

Becoming a travel agent is not hard but like with any business you do have to invest your time and like Deamber said your money.

The $600 dollars you guys will use to become travel agents can go towards marketing if you go with host agency that does not charge you to join.

Just remember their is no such thing as get rich quick it a steady process and overtime you will see your success.

[SuzieB]

Originally Posted by lskkjk

I have a friend that wants me to become a travel agent with her. She says that it only cost $600 to sign up and you get all these benefits of cheap travel. Its sounds almost to good to be true, some of the deals she is telling me. Since she has never done it either I thought I had better ask around. Does this sound right or is there something that I am missing

I can't post links yet, but the ASTA website describes a card mill and I think that's what your friend has stumbled onto. It's a scam. The card you purchase will be rejected by most places.

You can google ASTA card mills to read more about the quote below, or for more sites with warnings.

It’s easy to see why the allure of travel to exotic destinations at reduced rates and with special levels of service, often accompanied by a promise of actually making money, could appeal to consumers. Credential or “card mill” promotions promise consumers glamour and the high life at a bargain, and the chance to make money with little effort. But the allure is a façade, and the promise an illusion perpetuated by sellers of deceptive travel agent credentials.

Organizations making these offers are known throughout the travel industry as card mills because they routinely offer credentials by the thousands in the form of an identification card. The credentials are usually sold at a significant fee and consumers may be led to believe that such cards allow them to travel at free or reduced fares and would presumably be accepted by every segment of the travel industry. However, ASTA cautions that the industry has become much more vigilant in clamping down on those using card mill credentials.

[AmberR]

Yes, I agree $600.00 is way to much!!! I would look into a host agency as well. My agency only charges for E&O insurance which is $50.00 and that is it. Make sure the agency you choose provides some type of insurance and that they offer training and support, You really will need it when you are just starting! Good Luck!!

[patrik]

This is too much costly. There are so many options available in the market who provides free or less paid training for travel agent.