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: 356

Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15
Podcast Episodes
Commission Splits? Selling Myself? Group Booking Contracts? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:55
Shayna Zand and Steph join forces with Vacation Planners and Travel Planners International to host this week's Friday 15 to celebrate the beginning of the long weekend in the USA. You can check out their HAR profile HERE…
Investing in my website? Do I really need an SEO strategy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:01
Shayna Zand and Steph join forces with Solstice Collective to host this week's Friday 15 to celebrate the beginning of the long weekend in the USA. You can check out their HAR profile HERE! Also, we have a veritable barr…
Group Travel Niches? Preferred Supplier Networks? Boutique Suppliers? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:44
Shayna Zand and Steph cohost with April Swales of Uniglobe Travel Center to host this week's Friday 15 to celebrate Travel Advisor Day/Month. You can check out their HAR profile HERE! You can scope out our questions belo…
How To Trademark Your Agency? Interested in Multi-Gen Niche! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:45
Shayna Zand and Steph join forces with Fora Travel to host this week's Friday 15 to celebrate the beginning of May. You can check out their HAR profile HERE! Also, we have a veritable barrage of questions this week, whic…
Billing for FIT Trips? How Do Leads Work? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:45
Steph and Shayna welcome Sheila Folk of Travel Industry Solutions to cohost the Friday 15 this week! You can check out TIS’s profile here on our brand-new travel tech software profiles.Here are the juicy questions they’l…