DMC Quotes? IC vs Employee? IC vs Independent?

DMC Quotes? IC vs Employee? IC vs Independent?

Author: Host Agency Reviews June 5, 2026 Duration: 27:44

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Lori Speers from KHM Travel Group! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!

  1. Can you talk about the practice of DMCs presenting quotes in gross vs net commission, and is it preferred or acceptable to request one over the other? - Carrie
  2. I am a travel agent (since 2012) and own my own agency (since 2016). I am thinking of bringing on another agent and need to fully understand the differences and implications to both me as well as to the agent between me having this agent as an (a) employee, (b) and independent contractor, or (c) a subagent - Karen
  3. I am an IC with about 2 years in the business. I'm considering going out on my own because I'm not happy with my situation for many reasons. How do you know it's the right time to make this change? What do you see as the pros and cons of staying an IC and being independent?

RESOURCES:



Hosted by the team at Host Agency Reviews, this audio channel blends two distinct formats into one practical resource. The first is Travel Agent Chatter, a quarterly series of spotlight interviews that dive deep into the experiences of working travel advisors. These longer conversations explore the real stories behind the careers, covering the nuances of building a business, personal client triumphs, and the cultural insights gained from a life in travel. The companion series, Friday 15, operates on a completely different rhythm. Every week, a focused fifteen-minute episode tackles specific questions from the travel industry, offering direct advice and timely insights that are both concise and immediately useful. Together, this podcast creates a balanced mix of inspirational narrative and actionable strategy. Whether you're seeking motivation from peer journeys or need quick answers to pressing professional questions, the channel is designed to support the daily realities of travel entrepreneurs. It’s a resource that understands the industry's blend of passion and pragmatism, delivered through the authentic voices of those who are deeply embedded in this world. Tune in for thoughtful perspectives that are as varied and dynamic as the travel profession itself.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15
Podcast Episodes
Client communication? Niches? Quoting Clients? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:25
This week for the Friday 15, we're opening 2026 with OASIS Travel Network and Chelsea! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I have been listening to past Friday15’s and s…
Family travel? First year focus? Marketing activities? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:17
This week for the Friday 15, we've got a final in-house HAR special with the entire HAR crew, Shayna Zand, Abbey von Gohren, Rita Perez and Jenn Myers! So much to catch up on, plus some questions to discuss this Friday a…
What to Expect With Hosts? LLC’s? Partnerships? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:29
This week for the Friday 15, it’s the RETURN OF STEPH LEE as she cohosts with Lori Speers of Levarte, now a KHM travel company. So much to catch up on, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I…
FIT best practices? Costs to join a host? Niche and make money? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:53
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Sheila Folk of Travel Industry Solutions. We’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I'm very confused and overwhelmed by the FIT…
Help with BDMs! Group Bookings? Commission Splits? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:35
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels! This week we’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST, and you know it’s gonna be good. Join us! I worked…
FAM trips? Switching Hosts for more support? Name & Niche? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:12
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Betsy of Uniglobe Travel Center. We’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I'm a disabled travel agent just starting. I'm nervous…
Using Points? New at Booking! Platforms for Booking? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:56
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Robin and Jennifer of TiqueHQ. We’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! 1. I am just starting out but I had a question about cre…
(229) Visibility as new advisor? Fear of Marketing? How to Market? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:36
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Kelli Hayes Smith of Wanderlust Campus. We’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! How to get visibility and to get my first clien…
Supplier network? Where to start? Changing commissions? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:15
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Sheila Folk of Travel Industry Solutions. We’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I realise that every Host agency has a differ…