The home-based, independent and outside-agent members of the Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN) are optimistic about 2008. Nearly 74 percent of those responding to the group's year-end survey said 2007 was a good year for the travel business, and a higher percentage—close to 78 percent—expect 2008 to be even better. How long have you been in the travel industry?
When making a booking, two-thirds of OSSN members use their own agency, as opposed to a host agency. More than three out of five have a website, yet over half of them (56 percent) do not have a credit card merchant account. Nearly half have a database management system, and close to a quarter plan on getting one. How do you book air for your clients?
Founded in 1990 by Gary Fee, OSSN now has more than 7,500 members. According to the survey, about 30 percent of them have annual sales of $10,000 to $50,000, and approximately 21 percent sell between $50,000 and $100,000. Almost 25 percent rack up sales between $100,000 and $300,000; just over 10 percent do $300-$500K in sales annually; and about 4.5 percent report sales of $1 million or higher. Do you charge any kind of service fee to make reservations for...
Do you ever charge clients for canceling their tour or cruise after they have made a deposit?
Have you purchased errors, omissions and liability insurance for your travel business?
Do you have any of the following designations?