Here is a list of the Most Frequently Asked Questions we receive about our Outside Agent Program:

Q.) I want to just pay and get an IATA card so I can travel for free.  Can I do this?

A.) The only way to get the IATAN card is to prove (by 1099 tax form) that you have earned a minimum of $5,000.00 per year selling travel. With a little effort on your part, this level of income can be achieved in a fairly short period of time. This guideline is put in place to insure the integrity of the travel professionals in the industry. This benefit is exclusively for those agents who have proven success and training in the travel business. This is a regulation set forth by IATAN and one that we STRICTLY adhere to here at OutsideAgentLink.com

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, we don't encourage our agents 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, we simply add on an 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 e-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.) What if I want to open my own "store front" full-service travel agency?

A.) Several of our Outside Agents do indeed operate their "Online Business" in addition to a storefront agency, however, for most people, the cost and complexity of getting this set up is just not practical. If you want to open a full-service agency, you will have to meet these basic requirements that the government has:

• A minimum $20,000 bond for the life of your business.
• You must have 2 employees on staff that the government will screen.
• Both must have a minimum of 5 years of proven experience in the travel industry.
• A government employee will personally inspect your potential agency site to make sure it meets all of the security standards, such as;
      a) a safe bolted to the floor;
      b) a second safe in a secured location;
      c) an alarm system that meets federal specifications, etc.
• Personal interviews and 5 to 10 year background checks on both of your qualifying employees, as well as yourself.

As a partner with us, all of these requirements are already met for you!

Q.) Do I need a separate phone line for my business?

A.)  Yes, we 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, we have found that most of our 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 with us 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.  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 your 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.  We have 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, we 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 have to have any special software on my computer to book travel?

A.)  No, you will have everything you need in our Agent Training Center (ATC) to book travel through your computer's web browser.

Q.) How much money can I expect to make?

A.) This will vary, and no guarantees are made on how much income you will earn. We offer training and the tools and opportunity for our agents new to the travel industry to become true travel professionals who are involved in the travel business to supplement their income and are generating excellent "second incomes." Our team also consists of many seasoned travel professionals 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, an inside guide to FREE travel or Multi-level marketing! This is for the individual who is truly interested in building a viable travel business from home.

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.  Our program is designed so that an enterprising self-starter can quickly learn the ropes and begin making money. We encourage all of our agents to obtain a "Destination Specialist" designation through The Travel Institute .  We have extensive ongoing training at our Private Members Only web site, 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 our team now that had never sold travel before joining our team.