Thinking of becoming a Disney TA. Am I insane?

[MsMinervaMouse]

I've been thinking a lot about what I'm going to do career wise once children come along in a couple of years. I currently work in central London in advertising and have done for about 10 years, but I just can't see myself wanting to do the commute anymore.

There's a few companies out there where you buy into their franchise, they train you up, provide you with all the tools (website etc) you need and send you on your way.

Problem is, I just can't figure out how you get Disney TA accreditation. I've gone around and around in circles on Google and can't figure it out.

Are there any independent Disney TAs out there? I can find millions of them in the US but they seem to be a rare breed in the UK! Just looking for some genuine advice on how I need to go about this

[mitch84]

My issue with this would be the real lack of money in the travel industry.

I think if it was me I'd try to find a more flexible solution, maybe 4 days a week with a day from home or something like that?

It depends what your current salary is like of course

[duchy]

It's a very competitive market.
You see here how often people get multiple quotes then book elsewhere , how would you feel spending an entire day on quotes for customers to never get back in touch or book elsewhere for £10 cheaper ?
Most people want to discuss after work or at weekends, would that work for you and your lifestyle working at those hours (if you aren't available another agent will be)

I loved the travel industry but it's very different to the advertising game.

Over here there are bonding restrictions, you'd need to work for one of the homeworking travel companies... some are much better than others, all are expensive especially without any previous travel industry experience.

[duchy]

The overheads come from the required bonds in the U.K. ... as an individual , unqualified , one person start up they'd be more than annual turnover. That's why you can't just set up without backing from an already bonded travel company.
The US is unregulated , the UK is completely different, rightly so . I wouldn't trust anyone with thousands without financial protection.

I was headhunted by one of the proper home based agent companies when the cruise and US specialist I worked for went bust. I did the maths, even with no upfront costs (they really wanted us) and a base of regular clients and many years of travel experience it meant forgoing weekends and evenings to a greater degree than I was prepared to sacrifice for a modest and unstable return.

Originally Posted by Minnie18

When we set up our business we done holiday home lettings/management and the cleaning. A year ago we decided to drop the lettings side as there was no money in it and the amount of people who called for a quote and never got back was unreal.

I think with Disney that's a whole different ball game to Highland holiday homes. As you have noticed theres a market here for it and I think if you dont fill it then someone else will. I wouldn't be to keen on buying into a franchise though I would rather do it from scratch myself. A person I nursed with set up a cruise ta agency and within a year it was flying. The benefit is its a great thing to do from home so you dont have overheads. The tide is turning on big travel places I've found most people like to book with independent businesses now for the personal touch. We booked our Disney holiday with a girl who does it herself and we were pleased to give her the business and commission as it was good to know it was going to a young family.

If I were you I would go for it becouse there's no harm in trying and if it doesn't work out then at least you will have tried. I would be more than happy to help you in anyway I can just shout if you need anything. Good Luck with your dream becoming reality.

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[Dinglebert]

I wouldn't do it. I can only see the downside. People wanting instant quotes. Look what happens to Charter Travel on here because they can be slow to get back.

A problem while the client is away and you may be getting a 1am phone call demanding you sort it out.

Who are your customers? The experienced Orlando traveler can easily make up their own holiday. The inexperienced is likely to go with TUI or Virgin.

[sam_b]

Well, maybe not insane, but I wouldn't do it.

I genuinely can't remember the last time I used a TA - it must have been 12 years ago at least...
IMHO you may as well open a blockbuster franchise or a branch of Waterstones, or a chocolate teapot factory.

Good Luck!

[daytonababe]

I wouldn't do it.

More and more people are booking everything themselves, its never been easier to do this and its so much cheaper.

Those that don't are more likely to go with a well known company ..

Obviously some independents do well working for themselves but the one's I know of have worked in the industry for a long time previously.

[Clare]

Personally I wouldn’t do anything until we have some clarity re post Brexit, especially if you are currently in employment of over 2 years.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by Clare

Personally I wouldn’t do anything until we have some clarity re post Brexit, especially if you are currently in employment of over 2 years.

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I don't see why brexit comes into it, but the rest of the post is relevant and good advice

[Clare]

Originally Posted by Guest

I don't see why brexit comes into it, but the rest of the post is relevant and good advice

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Because from a business perspective, of which I am involved, things are currently uncertain until it is exactly known what will happen, I am not saying it will be bad (or good) but purely it is uncertain and therefore I personally would not want to risk walking away from employment to start up my own business at this time.

Once the current situation crystallises I would then feel able to make a decision.