Supplier network? Where to start? Changing commissions?

Supplier network? Where to start? Changing commissions?

Author: Host Agency Reviews October 10, 2025 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! 

  1. I realise that every Host agency has a different network of suppliers. Even though I understand that I'm not supposed to go out of network if working in their system, if I am able to keep my own name and advertise as my own company, am I allowed to book with different networks of suppliers?
  2. I feel a little overwhelmed with so much information and access out there that my brain is freezing. I don't know where to start off so I am doing all at the same time and freaking out. Do you have a "step list" of what to do first that you would recommend? - Build a website, contracts, forms, services guide, social media, trainings (do I prioritize supplier trainings or destinations?) I have a business and social media account set up and going but I am a mess behind it all.
  3. Can an agency change your commission level without notifying you or sending you a new contract to sign?  Shouldn't there be some kind of agreement or acknowledgement from the agent before that happens?  Then what if a host changes to a monthly fee. Again shouldn’t there be a new contract or the option to leave and take your business.  

RESOURCES:

➡️We have a great article on What is a Preferred Supplier - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier

➡️We have a great article about 10 steps to starting a travel agency - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/starting-a-travel-agency-from-home. We link to many other snippets from other podcasts, along with templates available complimentary to you and any required accreditation information

➡️Tech Week! Registration is open for HAR*Wired! | Host Agency Reviews: https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/tech-week



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: 50

Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15
Podcast Episodes
Busy vs Productive? Next Trip? Higher-end Trips? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:59
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jennifer from Dugan’s Travels. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I feel like I’m busy all the time, but I’m not necessarily maki…
Leads? Planning Fees? Training vs Selling? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:29
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Carolyn from KHM Travel Group. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I’m still pretty new and don’t have a huge client list yet. Wha…
Follow-ups? Groups? Clients? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:08
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Josh from Global Travel Collection. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! How do you follow up with a potential client without feeli…
Net Rates? Facebook Groups? Marketing on Social? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:36
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jenn from Travel Planners International and Vacation Planners. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! When advisors quote net rates,…
Which host? Start-up? FIT? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:43
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Gina from Uniglobe Travel Center. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! While I have years of experience building my own travel plan…
Larger hosts? BDMs? Time? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:27
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Laura from WorldVia Travel Network! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I'm currently researching host agencies, and one thing I k…
Airfare? Beyond Commission? Expansion? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:04
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Amy from KHM Travel! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! With airfare remaining one of the biggest travel expenses, what are some…
Find Clients? Luxury Clients? Habits? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:55
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Simon from Global Travel Collection! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I don't have a big network of friends and family to sell…
Mistakes? New Tech? Switching Hosts? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:49
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Chelsea Martinez from OASIS Travel Network! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! If I join a host agency today, what are the bigges…
Host v Franchise? Tech? Questions to ask? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:20
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jenn Lee from TPI and Vacation Planners! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I'm trying to decide between joining a host agency or…