Become a Home-Based Travel Agent

An Interview with Andi Mysza MTravel

Some months back we interviewed Andi at Montrose Travel about their host agency program. In chatting with Andi at an event recently she told us about some new programs and so we thought we would do an update for our readers. Enjoy!

Andi, How Long has Montrose Travel Been In Business?

Our company was established in 1956.

What is the Annual Volume for Montrose Travel?

It is about $110 million dollars.

How Long has Montrose Travel Been Hosting Independent Agents?

We've been hosting independent contractors since the early 1970's.

How Many Independent Agents are You Currently Hosting?

Approximately 370.

Is There a Fee to Join Montrose Travel?

Yes. We offer 3 programs with no monthly fees:

Inexperienced Agents - $299/yr 1 to join (annual renewal $259)

Experienced Agents - $399/yr 1 to join (annual renewal $359)

Established Agents - $499/yr 1 to join (annual renewal $459). Minimum $10,000 in commissions (must show proof of volume via 1099 or check stubs)

What is the Commission Split for Your Programs?

Inexperienced Agents - 50%
Experienced Agents - 70%
Established Agents - 80%

Do You Offer Any Overrides?

We figure our commission split based on the total upfront commission generated (including overrides).

Do You Offer any Preferred Suppliers?

http://join.mtravel.com/about-us/preferred-suppliers

Key cruise suppliers include, Princess, Carnival, RCCL, NCL, Silversea, Oceania, Holland America, Disney, Celebrity, Crystal, Regent

Key land suppliers include - Classic Custom Vacations, Pleasant Holidays, Gogo, Globus

We also have numerous air contracts for Apollo users, access to thousands of corporate hotel rates worldwide and relationships with the key car rental companies.

We can service the leisure, corporate and group agent with our product mix. This is a key differentiator for us.

 

Does Montrose Travel Offer any Automation?

Montrose Travel has worked with and supported Independent Contractors since it’s inception. We understand the needs of Independent Contractors and Home Based Agents and continuously develop market-leading products to increase your chances of success. By providing the right tools, products, technology and discounted net rate content our agents need to capture a larger share of the vacation market and better service their customers, nobody offers you more comprehensive technology and support than MTravel.com.

Without a doubt, our private labeled consumer websites with online booking capabilities are the most superior in the host agency market. Let our team of programmers and designers worry about keeping the content fresh and professional looking. (If you’ve ever attempted to keep a website up to date with the volumes of supplier deals available every hour, you know this is an impossible task that would take you away from your primary goal of maximizing profit). Our booking engines allow you and your customers to book cruise, air, car, hotel, and dynamic packages. This is available at no additional cost.

The Agent Connex Support Site contains hundreds of pages of content designed to provide you with everything from procedures to training, marketing to group ideas and support, commission tracking to blast email tools and FAQ’s. It also includes some fabulous travel industry tech tools such as destination guides, objective hotel reviews, and more. It’s so comprehensive that you’ll spend hours discovering its potential for you.

In addition:

1. Apollo - optional $15/mo
2. Cornerstone - QC software (included)
3. iBank Reports for corporate agent accounts (add'l cost)
4. Client Connex (CRM included)
5. Email marketing tools (included)
6. Star Service Online (included)
7. Weissmann Travel Reports (included)

Do You Offer any Sales Leads?

Not right now. We used to offer group leads. However, we found that many of the email leads that are generated online are price-shopping consumers and have been time wasters for our agents.  Having said that, we are testing two potential leads methods that may prove more lucrative. More later when the tests are complete!

The most loyal customers are people who are already acquainted with the agent. Assuming a superior customer service experience, ultimately, an agent's business will be 80% repeat and referral business. It behooves an agent to focus on this potential to grow their own client base.

Do You Accept New Agents at Montrose Travel?

Absolutely. We are looking for business minded people who are entrepreneurial in nature. Because of our background and support system, we do a great job with people new to the industry.  Here’s an example of how our new agents feel about us:

“I want to thank you so much for letting me join MTravel.com; I’m having the time of my life! There are certainly times when I realize I don’t know a danged thing, but I’m enjoying the learning process immensely. You all make it so fun, easy and accessible. I’ve never had such marvelous support or worked with an organization that treats its independent contractors so well. When you say that you believe your people are your greatest asset, you really mean it. What a wonderful way to be treated!!

I don’t know why I waited 30 years to take the leap, but I am ever so glad I finally did!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! “

Sherry S.
Tartan Travels

Is There a Minimum Amount of Revenue an Agent Must Achieve?

Not for the Experienced/Inexperienced Agent levels. No volume requirement.

Established Agent level - minimum $10,000/year in total commissions

What Qualities Does Montrose Travel Look For in an Independent Agent?

We are primarily looking for people who are motivated to build their own travel business under their own company name.

For experienced agents, we love those who are seasoned with established clientele. These people can definitely take advantage of all we have to offer in all arenas (leisure, corporate and group).

For inexperienced agents, we want to know that someone is actively working to build their business, is hungry to learn and not solely looking to take advantage of travel benefits.

What Special Qualities Does Montrose Travel Offer?

I believe our key differentiators are:

1. Established 1956 – over 50 years in business
2. Hosting for 35 years with a reliable track record
3. Family owned and managed - hands on and relationship oriented with our people
4. Top 5 host agency - Large size (150 employees) and buying power ($110MM volume), with the small town touch - we get to know our agents as individuals (personal business coaching)
5. Financial stability - no debt on our balance sheet (very important in these economic times)
6. Leisure, corporate and group products
7. One of the top consumer websites with online booking technology available from a host
8. Top producer nationwide with most of our core preferred suppliers

Who Should Agents Contact For More Information?

Andi Mysza
800-870-5799
andi@montrosetravel.com
www.MTravel.com

Any Thing Else You Would Like to Share?

Yes, Andi Mysza is also the current President of PATH (Professional Association of Travel Hosts).

As anyone who is in the process of evaluating host agencies knows, it can become convoluted and confusing at best. Feel free to contact Andi to ask any questions you have and receive a straight answer without the normal hard sell tactics. We’re here to help you get the information you need to make an intelligent host decision based on your needs.