When to LLC? How To Be a Sub-Agent? Worried About Refunds!

When to LLC? How To Be a Sub-Agent? Worried About Refunds!

Author: Host Agency Reviews February 28, 2025 Duration: 16:48

In episode 197, Steph Lee hosts and Andavo Travel is our sponsor. (Thanks, Andavo!) Here's a taste of the questions she'll cover! 

1. At what point should you LLC (so as to protect your assets), even if your income is not large yet?  — Anonymous

2. How does a newbie travel advisor become a sub-agent? And where can a newbie find a mentor? —Diana B.

3. I always worry about being considered the Merchant of Record on flights and being on the hook for any refunds that are due the client while waiting on the airline to send the refund. Any thoughts? - Karen

RESOURCES:


➡️ What are the business structures options for my travel agency and the pros/cons of each?

➡️ List of travel industry lawyers and contact information

➡️Research reports covering the income growth for travel advisors as they gain experiences

➡️Join our industry association: ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors)

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


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
DMC Quotes? IC vs Employee? IC vs Independent? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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! Can you talk about the practice of DMCs presenting quotes i…
FITs? Switching Hosts? Planning Fees? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:35
Welcome to this week's Friday 15 podcast! This week Shayna's live on location at ASTA, with Carolyn Okon from Exodus Travels. And thanks to our sponsor Outside Agents for making this episode possible. Here's the question…
IC vs Independent? Selling? Marketing Activities? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:20
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Vanessa from Global Travel Collection! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I am an IC with about 2 years in the business. I'm cons…
Payments? Outreach? Using DMCs? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:21
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Samantha from Jus Adventures! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! Hi!! I am a new agent (8 months) working on planning my first gr…
Tour Operator vs DMC? What is Adventure Travel? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:05
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Katy from Explore Worldwide! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! A lot of us hear ‘tour operator’ and ‘DMC’ used interchangeably,…
Independent? CRMs? FIT? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:00
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Bill from KHM Travel! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I'm a new-ish agent, under 3 years experience, and I have been entertain…
Quoting? Incentives? Host Agencies? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:59
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! What I'm still not clear on are things like this: how do I pres…
Travel Insurance? Fees? First 30 Days? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:57
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jenn from HAR! A huge thank you to Avoya Travel for sponsoring this episode. Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! How important is…
$2M in Sales. No Team. No Marketing Budget. Meet Amy! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:53
****** Transcript + Show Notes: https://har.news/vol35Special thanks to today’s sponsor: Uniglobe Travel CenterToday’s guest took a life-changing leap, selling her home, putting everything in storage, and moving her fami…
Closing a lead? Payment Practices? Trust? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:03
This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Betsy from Uniglobe Travel Center! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I just started as a travel agent this past September. And I…