- There are two types of home-based travel agencies: those that are known as referral agents and others that are called booking or selling agents. Referral agents give customers referrals to those agents that can actually book their trip. They don't have access to discounted programs or plans, but they do get a commission every time they refer a customer. Booking and selling agents are the people who actually book the trips and sell packages to customers. They work independently and through referral agents.
- A home-based travel agency works the same as a regular travel agency in an office setting. A customer calls the agent and discusses her plans for a future trip. It's the responsibility of that agent to ensure that the needs and desires of the customer are met. The agent uses his home office to make reservations, to call potential hotels or cruise lines and to book the final trip. He often uses a dedicated phone line for his business, as well as a specific computer and fax line.
- People who start or run their own home-based travel agency have the option of working as little or as much as possible, because they set their own hours. They may work only a few days a week, or they may use it as full-time job. There isn't a boss or supervisor on-site, which means the individuals decides the frequency and intensity of her work. She also decides her own income, based on how many customers she works with at a time and how devoted she is to her work.
- The host agency is a term that applies to the company the travel agent works with on jobs. The host agency is a larger travel agency that employs independent contractors to sell their products. They typically have licensed agents working in their head office, but the majority of their sales and bookings come from independent workers using their home office. The host agency pays all of its contractors on a commission basis, giving them a percentage of the total sale they make.
- People contemplating a career as a home-based travel agent should keep in mind that their salary is based on commission, not a set amount. They're only paid when they make a sale; if they don't make sales, they don't get paid. Additionally, these individuals aren't considered employees of a specific agency, but rather independent contractors. That means they aren't privy to benefits such as health insurance, sick leave and vacation time.
