How to Start a Home Based Travel Agency with Little Money

These days, unemployed people are seeking ways to work at home because of the unreliable job market. Starting a home based travel agency is a great low cost way to start a home business with little money, while making great commissions.

Almost anyone with the determination can start up their very own (and very profitable) travel agency!

Instructions

1

Make Sure You Have the Necessary Skills!

At minimum, travel agents must have a high school diploma and a good grasp of computer and internet skills. You should also a good telephone voice and manner since you will be talking to lots of people. (Even the occasional unsatisfied or hard to please customer!) Basic accounting and business skills will prove to be very useful, but some people prefer to learn these as they go along. You will need to also have some working knowledge of things like weather, currency exchange, passport/visa requirements, and customs laws for travelers. If you want to be able to purchase tickets for your customers, you'll need to get licensed by the American Society of Travel Agents.

2

Get the Proper Permits/Licensing/Taxes!

Other than the license from the American Society of Travel Agents, you will need to check and see if any permits for operating a home business are needed for your city. Also check into what tax forms, if any, you need to file for your business - especially if you want to have employees at any point.

3

Pick Your Destination!

Decide if you will specialize in travel to certain countries/areas, what methods of travel you will offer, and which hotels you will use. Will you offer your customers set travel packages, or handle each customer's arrangements in a more customized way? Research the destinations you wish to offer and find out their peak seasons, landmarks, sights, and other things customers will want to know.

4

Set up a Business Plan!

Even if you don't plan to apply for a loan to start your business, creating a business plan is a great way to map out the first several years of your business so that you always know which direction you want to go and in what time frames your business needs to achieve certain financial goals.

5

Get a Business Loan if You Need One!

If you are a customer at a particular bank, then go there first to ask about getting a loan. Banks are more likely to give loans to long time customers that they trust. Make sure you take your business plan along with you!

6

Set up your business space!

Once you have your plan together and have the funds you need, go purchase all the equipment/tools you will need: A computer, internet, phone, phone line, printer/fax machine, reservation software, desk, file storage, paper, pens, etc. A website couldn't hurt, but it is certainly not necessary at the very beginning.

7

Market Your Business!

Now that everything is in place, you need some customers! When first starting out, don't go overboard with advertising. Start with low-cost methods like making your own flyers, contacting your local newspapers/radio stations to do a piece on your new business or at least place an ad with them. Once your business gets going, you can expand your marketing to bigger ads, internet ads and even television commercials on your local stations!

8

Congrats!

You now have your very own budding travel agency! Remember to keep track of all customers, payments, dates, schedules, etc. And pay close attention to outgoing expenses. Keep them as low as possible until your business becomes steady.

Good luck!