So What Happens Next?
We need to meet you personally, either you can come to us or we can visit you so
that we can find out more about you and also demonstrate our systems and services.
If you visit us, we’ll contribute towards your expenses because we believe in what
you’ve read and once you see it to, we’re convinced we’ll be your only choice.
Questions You May Have
Is Travel Counsellors an IATA Licenced Company?
Yes, Travel Counsellors (Pty) Ltd
is an IATA registered travel agency as well as a member of ASATA. We are also a
fully rated BEE company.
Is Travel Counsellors primarily a Leisure brand?
The mix of our business varies country by country, however in South Africa our business
has a strong leaning towards corporate travel. Currently our business mix is 65%
-35% in favour of corporate travel, so whilst we have brilliant leisure products
and tools we are also very strong in the corporate market and are able to support
our Counsellors with a large number of tools to win new business.
Is the 60:40 Commission Split Negotiable?
This is our business model worldwide and cannot be changed as we provide unrivalled
value for our fees. We are also continually investing in new technology, new marketing
tools and new initiatives to assist you to win more business. Many of the things
that are included by us are charged for by other rival companies.
Can I start on a part-time basis keeping my current job until I become
establish?
Regrettably not. In order to be a successful Travel Counsellor your new business
will require you full attention.
Is There Out Of Hours Support?
In addition to the tremendous support provided by our team at Head Office, there
are also staff on standby out of hours to assist you if needed, as well as a 24/7
EMERGENCY service.
Do I need to come with a client base?
It is desirable to come with a client base but not compulsory. Our training highlights
methods and techniques which will assist you to develop your own client base overtime,
as well ideas for developing and growing existing client bases.
Do I Need To Achieve Sales Targets Each Month?
No, but we do ask that you use the tools available in our system to create your
own business development plans, which includes setting yourself business and financial
goals. We also give you an indication that we would like to see our Counsellors
achieving an average monthly turnover of R150,000 in gross sales in the second full
year of operation.
Will your Administration Be As Efficient As I Would Be?
Travel Counsellors dedicated administration team handles all booking related paperwork
to ensure consistency, continuity and a seamless service. In a recent survey 98%
of Travel Counsellors rated Head Office support as excellent or good. Additionally
all your sales and commissions, which are paid to you twice per month, are tracked
daily and are displayed live on your intranet screen for you to see. The whole system
is very transparent.
I’m Concerned That I May Feel Isolated. Is There Anything to Help With That?
Yes, firstly there’s the daily interaction with your operations team in Cape Town.
This is mainly carried out over Microsoft Communicator whereby you can live text
message on screen, have a voice only discussion via your laptop, or have a visual
discussion on the webcam. This form of communication is absolutely free. Additionally,
there’s our weekly TCTV webcasts from the U.K. plus twice monthly broadcasts from
us in Cape Town to update you on the latest local news and deals. You can participate
in group and individual online training as well as supplier broadcasts and we also
distribute copies of TNW, TIR and GSA free of charge. However, one of our most innovative
communication pieces is our live message board system, where you can post a question
to all of the other 950 Travel Counsellors worldwide and they will respond to you
questions live on our intranet system. We also hold annual Mini Conferences in South
Africa and our Travel Counsellors have the opportunity to travel once per year to
our international conference, which is being this year held in Marbella Spain.
Do I Have To Sell Your Preferred Suppliers?
No as we don’t believe in the preferred supplier concept and that overrides are
a sustainable income source. We believe that you must be free to sell whatever suppliers
you want to. Many suppliers however have offered us better than standard commissions
and these are displayed for you convenience on our intranet system.
I’ve always enjoyed going on educational trips, will I have the same opportunity
with you?
Yes, we have excellent relationships with all of our suppliers. We host lots of
educational trips throughout the year which you can apply for.
Can I choose my own hours?
Yes you can. The most important thing to us is that you devote enough time to the
development of your client base to give your business a solid foundation and that
you are available when your clients need you.
I already have a registered company – would I have to change this?
There is no need to register a company to trade as a Travel Counsellor and we prefer
all our Counsellors to trade as self employed sole proprietors, as this eliminates
unnecessary complications and simplifies the trading relationship between us. We
may however allow exceptions to this but only subject to signing an agreement between
us which clearly complies with the following: a) the company or close corporation
conducts no business other than the Business.
b) you own and control 100% of the equity and voting rights
c) you remain personally liable for the Business and sign the form of guarantee
that we periodically specify to evidence such personal liability.
Do I Get Ideas For Marketing Myself?
Yes, we help you develop a detailed plan on how to market yourself and your business
in your area. We also have great business and leisure aids such as PowerPoint presentations
and business presentation folders for tendering purposes. Plus we have great tools
for you to use to on our intranet system such as personalised marketing e-shots
which you can send to clients and prospects.
How long does it take to set up?
The most important thing is to be free of all previous work obligations. Your application
will only take few days to process, then it’s a matter of registering for one of
our induction courses. Once you have completed the induction and as long as you
have ADSL or 3G at home you can literally plug in your laptop and start.