Got offered a travel agent job

[ChasinJason1313]

I got a job offer from Flight Centre Limited to be a travel agent. Despite the growth of internet travelling, this company has continued to grow. They're based in Oz and have locations in, I think, 8 different countries. Apparently one of the reasons they've been able to grow is that they offer a low price guarantee, even with internet offers. Now I'm assuming that that offer comes directly out the commission(don't know that for sure, but it makes sense).

So anyway, I told them I'd answer tomorrow and I'd love some imput from my favorite travellers.

Thanks guys and gals.

Jason

[Esterina]

Sounds great, what make you hesitate ?

[LostFarmboy]

My sister was a travel agent for flight centre and she quit after about 2 months. She had to work 10 hr days and got paid very little, i think it was somewhere around $20 - $25k a year, which is around $380 - $480 a week BEFORE TAX. That's pretty freakin ordinary for 10 hr days. They told her that most of her money would come from commissions, but she could never sell enough to make any decent amount of money. She said there was very little face-to-face interaction with the customers because it's an online business.

Doesn't sound any good to me, but hey, maybe you'll love it.

[Brookers13]

i would LOVE that job!

[juliagulia]

Do you know how well you'll be paid? Yeah. what atchoum said.. What's making you hesitate..?

[omisan]

Despite the explosive growth of online travel booking, I think there will always be a need for travel agents: some people simply can't get things done online, but more so, it's always nice to have a professional helping you when you need it rather than going fully DIY.

As far as FlightCentre goes, I love them, but I've never given them any of my money. I've been to a few of their offices and they've always been full of helpful information, but even their workers have told me, "You know, for that flight, you could probably get a much better price on the airline's web site." Guess they're more into being nice than making money! In fact, one of them in Brisbane let me use her terminal to find a better price for a flight. WTF!?

[chelseafc05]

i was lookin at there employment bit on there website the other day...i dont think there pay is that bad from wat i can remember...im thinkin of applyin when i get back from overseas..

i say go for it aswell if your interested

[U2fan]

Are you looking at this as a short-term ie one to two years thing? Or more long term...

I don't know why but a travel job like this seems to be more of a short term thing. Maybe it's because most people I know who have done it haven't stayed there very long...?

[nemesis331]

go for it...
whats the worst that happens?

haha, i'm somewhat optimistic

[ChasinJason1313]

In the US they go on a 27k per year base salary. Everything above that is based on commision. They guarantee that you'll make 38k the first year, probably to get people in the door. Omi, I guessed that most of the reason people go to a travel agent would be for package type trips. Flight, hotel, car things or all inclusive resort deals. With those things the prices go up pretty quickly and as a result commissions do too unless you have to bite into your commission to lower the price enough for them to buy. I did a work experience thing for them yesterday where I spent a couple hours in the office answering phones and messing with the computer in order to get an idea what it's like. While I was there the manager was closing a 28 day cruise to SA for 2 people that was gonna cost about 6500. Not sure what the commission was but even at a low % it should be pretty good.

I'm looking for it to be more long term because I eventually would like to open a new store in San Diego. They're really trying to expand business in the US.

By the way, the perks are phenomenal.

I'm sure I'll give it a shot and they seem to be interested in me cuz they're willing to let me go early the first few weeks so that I can slowly phase myself out of my current work.

Any other ideas would be appreciated as I'm making my decision tomorrow.

Thanks guys,
Jason

[kingcrazylegs]

DO IT! Why the hell not right?

[Chocolaty Claire]

In England theyre exactly the same!!

I booked my flight to Oz there a couple of months back and they were SO helpful and full of information, and such nice guys!

They dont strike me as being one of "those" companies who are sales driven, forceful and treat you just as an opportunity to get commission. So I reckon you'd be comfortable working there, and if you think about it your doing what you like best.. making travel arrangements.. but for other people and not yourself.
And you'll be around others who will be just like you too.. i think it will be a laugh!

And think about the discounts!!

go for it!!

[DoctorJ]

I've used Flight Centre here in Oz for just about all my travel that I've not booked myself. There strength isn't so much their prices (they're competitive, but they wind up charging the same as everyone else) but their service.

In fact, the past couple of weeks, I've just about had the the person I go through on speed dial to harrass with all manner of things. As a customer, I can't rate Flight Centre highly enough.

[The Monsignor]

Keep in mind how much work goes into planning a good vacation, even for us experienced travelers here... Travel agents will always have business, for the same reason there are wedding planners... at some point in time (or level of income) the time that you spend trying to plan for the vacation is money better spent on having someone else do it for you, so you can enjoy the results without having to sweat the details...

Things like tours and suggestions of sites to see, places to visit, etc, all are what makes a good travel agent stand out from just a ticket seller...

By that token, if you are someone who likes to do the resarch, and ahve the ability to suggest things to do and see in other countries, and are willing to learn about the customer, you will likely do well...

Online, with little face-to-face interaction, the job is tougher, but it's also a good way to get started in the industry and figure out your own course for yourself!

I'd go for it...

[TheJake]

Damn. Jason tell them I want to work there too... then make room for me at your pad!

[urOZm8]

This company is well established in Australia. I agree with omi that there will always be a need for travel agents - I always get quotes from their websites and armed with that info go in and negotiate deals with a real person (can't do that online!).

I just have one question (and this is one I've wondered about myself, cos it's a job I've considered) - Do you think it will be painful organising and watching other peoples excitement from trips when your stuck behind the desk in an office environment?

ev

[ChasinJason1313]

Well sheeyit, guess what. They offered me the job and I wanted to ask you're opinions as well as think of some more questions of my own. Unfortunately, while I was thinking it over they offered it to their 2nd choice and they accepted immediately.

I have no problem with them offering it to multiple people but you'd think they'd have the decency to let me know there were other people they were interested in. AAAAND, when I called the next morning to accept the job the regional manager lady was busy and I left a message. Next day, after not getting a reply I call again and find she left that morning for her vacation to Dublin. Beeyotch!!

Oh well, not sure I wanna work for a company that doesn't treat people with some decency.

[omisan]

Oh well, not sure I wanna work for a company that doesn't treat people with some decency.

That's always been one of my policies. I initially didn't get hired at my company - and with a total lack of graciousness, I insisted I was the better candidate, and that if things don't work out with the person they chose to call me. Two weeks later, they called me and said I was right, citing all the reasons I had said I was better. That's when I knew I'd like the company - they told me all about my competition, and later on weren't afraid to say that my dumb ass was right. A good, honest relationship with your (potential) employer goes a long way!

[urOZm8]

That's rough Jas. I have seen this happen at my work - when a company is short staffed they need people to work immediately so don't take that personally.

ev