Now that the pandemic is in the rear-view mirror, more and more businesses are asking their employees to either come back to the office full time or at least increase the number of days each week. This is true of governments and many private companies, travel companies among them.

For travel agents and call centre agents, you do have a choice! As employers demand a full return to the office, many travel professionals are questioning what they’re really gaining by going back. For many it means long commutes and less, not more, productivity.

Imagine building your own business from home instead — where your success is measured in clients, not clock-ins.

The case against returning to the office

The daily commute, office politics and rigid schedules don’t inspire creativity or success — independence does. Becoming a home-based travel agent means turning your passion for travel into freedom and income, on your own terms.

You have already mastered the art of selling travel so why do it on someone else’s behalf? Perhaps it is time to master your own future. By going home-based, you can earn more, work smarter, and finally call the shots in your career.

Nobody will dictate what you can sell, or what you specialize in. You will be free to choose your own path in selling travel.

Home based agents are now in the majority in Canada!

If you need some convincing, you should know that large numbers of travel advisors moved to home based since 2020, according to an independent survey sponsored by The Travel Agent Next Door.

The pandemic was a big factor in this shift but we now see that more and more advisors are choosing the home-based model, including advisors who are new to the industry.

Home based agents report earning more

And best of all, the majority of home based agents say they earn more! The majority of home based agents who moved from either a bricks and mortar location or call centre said that they earned more once they became home based.

52% of home based agents surveyed reported they are making between 15% – 100% more income by being home based – with 21.5% saying they are making 51% or more.

That is something worth thinking about.

Home based agents can sell higher margin product

Working for yourself means you can sell higher margin products if you want. You will no longer be mandated to sell ITC or other mainstream products as they now are their own boss!

Choose the right host agency

As a home based agent, you will need to choose a host agency to support your business. Be very careful that you are comparing apples to apples.

Ask how much commission you get to keep. Ask about monthly fees. Ask if there’s a charge for marketing. Ask about the contract and how you can exit if you want.

Choosing the right agency will become a big part of your future success as an independent agent!

Enjoy flexible hours and work life balance

Why trade time with your family for time in traffic? Working from home as an independent travel agent gives you the flexibility and balance today’s office jobs simply can’t.

Working from home doesn’t mean you work any less hard or that you only work part time around your domestic responsibilities – but it does mean you can usually choose which hours you work to suit your circumstances.

Isn’t it time to break free from the 9-to-5 cycle and create a business built around your lifestyle, not your employer’s?