Q.) Will I be able to offer "guaranteed lowest rates on airfare" to my clients?
A.) No one can offer "guaranteed lowest rates on airfare" 100% of the time. Airfares change from day to day, even several times each day. Some air consolidators purchase blocks of seats on certain flights, making prices extremely competitive and at any given time on any given flight.

Q.) I've read that airlines are not paying commission anymore.... how do I make money selling airline tickets?
A.) Most major airlines have cut the commission they pay to travel agencies out altogether. Therefore, VIP Travel Team does not encourage you to spend time and effort trying to sell airline tickets. There's just no money in doing it, even if you're charging service fees, which most agencies do now. You'll make far more money (with much less effort) booking group vacations and cruises, as well as complete land and air packages. When you do engage with a client who wants an airline ticket, you would simply add on a small agency booking fee to the cost of the ticket. Most travelers would rather have a trusted travel agent shop the fares for them and pay a small service fee, than to spend hours on the phone with the airlines trying to find the best rates, but never doing so.

Q.) Do I need a Computer to do this?
A.) A computer is necessary to run your travel business. Most people find that owning their own computer to help them manage their travel agency is not an option, but a necessity, especially for handling leads that you will generate if you have your own web site.

Q.) Do I need a separate phone line for my business?
A.) Yes, VIP Travel Team suggest it as a way to avoid the embarrassment of never knowing how to answer your phone if you use your home phone to conduct business as well. Besides, after much market testing, VIP Travel Team has found that most agents actually "prefer" to set up their business this way.

Q.) Do I need a fax machine?
A.) Since a lot of the day in and day out business you will do is done by fax, you will need access to a fax machine, or at the very least, the ability to send and receive faxes through your computer (www.eFax.com).  There are fax services available if you don't want to invest in your own fax machine, but from a convenience standpoint, you will probably want one! Costs for a good multi-use machine that will serve as your fax machine and printer, scanner, and more, have become very affordable.

Q.) I'm not a U.S. Citizen. Am I still eligible for this program?
A.) There are certain restrictions in some countries prohibiting individuals from operating a business from their home, in addition to operating as a travel agent without proper licensing.  To our knowledge there is no restrictions on agents joining from foreign countries outside of the U.S. , however, you must comply with your own country's regulations as they may pertain to the travel industry in your country.

Q.) Do I use YOUR name or MINE for my business?
A.) You will use YOUR business name on your business cards, not ours.  You do not work for us... this is YOUR business.  You are an independent contractor affiliated with us. If you need help in coming up with a name for your business, VIP Travel Team can offer suggestions.  Most people have no problem thinking of a name for their business.  Just be absolutely sure the name you choose is not already in use by someone else.

Q.) Will I need any special software on my computer to book travel?
A.) No, you will have everything you need is online. You will be able to book travel through your computer's web browser.

Q.) How much money can I expect to make?
This will vary, and no guarantees are made that you will make anything.  Some people get involved in this business simply to have access to discounted travel, and therefore only do the minimum required to qualify for discounted travel.  Others are professionals who are involved in the travel business to supplement their income and are generating excellent "Second incomes."  Then there are those individuals who focus their complete time and attention on making this business successful, and are making serious money.  This is truly a business that will give back to you proportionately what you put into it.  This is NOT a "Get rich quick" scheme or multi-level marketing!

Q.) I've never sold travel before, is there training to teach me what I need to know?
A.) Training is a key factor to becoming successful in the travel industry, especially if you have never worked in this industry before.  VIP Travel Team provides training via the telephone, weekly evening conference calls , as well as ongoing email training and training made available to you through our many affiliations with groups such as ASTA, CLIA, ICTA and more. The MAJORITY of agents on the VIP Travel Team had never sold travel before joining our team, but with some basic assistance you will be an expert in a short time period.

Q: ) How will I receive the airline tickets or other travel documents I sell?
A:) Most clients usually reserve well in advance for discounted fares. Regular mail will generally get the tickets to you or your clients in ample time. If faster delivery is required VIP Travel Team can step in and assist or arrange for airport pick-up, overnight service, or 2-Day priority mail.

Q:) What operating expenses are there, other than my initial and monthly fee?
A:)Very Little! You may need business cards and if you would like, letterhead and invoices displaying your agency name. If you wish, you can work off your dining table and use your existing phone.

Q:) How do I find my Customers?
A:)Everyone you know or meet is a potential client. Start with family, friends, church, sport organizations, business associates, neighbors, teachers and clubs. VIP Travel Team provides excellent marketing tools to assist you with growing your business. VIP Travel Team can also provide you with a personalized web page that you can market on the Internet, for a small monthly maintenance and hosting fee.