Marketing my agency? Working with DMCs? Franchise vs Host?

Marketing my agency? Working with DMCs? Franchise vs Host?

Author: Host Agency Reviews July 11, 2025 Duration: 22:31
Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15
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Shayna and Steph team up with Jenn Lee from Vacation Planners to cohost the Friday 15 this week! You can check out Vacation Planners profile here: Vacation Planners | Host Agency Reviews. Here are the awesome questions they’ll tackle this Friday at 12 pm CST! 

  • I'm stuck on making a decision. I've only had two clients in the last year (my friends). They are FITs, its honestly been a pain to deal with. I do have a supplier helping me with this, but it's still been rough. I know I've only had 2 clients because I haven't advertised. It really seems social media is the way we need to market, and the idea of doing videos and reels of myself makes me nauseous. Plus, any training on marketing. Along with training in general for things so so time consuming. There's no time. I work a full time job already, so it all seems overwhelming and impossible. Should I just bag this whole thing of working for myself, and work for a supplier if I can?
  • 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? 
  • I am an experienced agent (going on 6 years) but looking to switch hosts (participated in Host Week and have been researching since). I recently met and have been speaking with a travel company franchisee about joining them as an associate with 90/10 commission split (which is much more than my split now) and approximately $40/month fee. However, my hang up is I would have to operate under their brand and after royalties and the franchisee taking their 10% it appears that I would actually end up with approximately 73%. They do have amazing tech, training, and support. Trying to figure out if that is worth it or a host agency that isn't a franchise. I'm having analysis paralysis with all the info available and want to make a good choice! Help! 


RESOURCES:


➡️Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 


➡️ Take HAR’s advisor survey – get a free 80+ page report! https://hostagencyreviews.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=zl%2BdXUs6zdkECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D


➡️ We have an article about Travel Agent Social Media - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-social-media


➡️ Training & Education - why it’s important and worth the short term pain of your time - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-training-travel-agent-education


➡️ What is a DMC - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-dmc-destination-management-company

➡️ Franchise or Host - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-franchise-or-host-agency


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

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Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15
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