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INDUSTRY
I began my journey as A Travel Agent / Destination Specialist with Avoya Travel network on July 5th of this year. After having done my research and moving from one host to another and from behind the scenes with ALG,... I realized Avoya was the better choice, because they provide leads ($$$) (maybe not all good leads), but at least they are honest about it. During the training they explain the percentage of good leads and bad leads. Since I started.... I've slowly followed through with all the clients based on the training provided from the very beginning to the Early Success training. I highly suggest, "Don't ever stop training!" Everything is easy to find and the support desk is pretty quick to answer questions when your lost. Having a one-on-one is easy enough, just email and someone will take time to help. Most of the job is about reading. Lots of reading.
Everyone I've spoken with has been easy to get along with, and though there are not classes where there is a teacher and the students in a webinar (which I'm very used to and it worked to have the connection to the community I was working with) it's actually a good thing. They do have webinar meetings where we do gather and are being taught, but they are timed and your questions are answered... and if not, just email someone and they reach back as quickly as possible.
I've already booked $70,000+ Gross in 6 months, and my current year commission is over $3,000+. That's pretty good in my eyes for booking 8 customers out of the 37 I've been trying to work with. Unfortunately at times, you do have to let go of a client because there is nothing you can do to match their unrealistic budget. That's OK! Trust me!
If your interested in joining Avoya, just understand your NOT alone. There is always help and taking leads is a quick way to make a bit of cash.
I do highly suggest getting out into your community and making yourself known. It's your community that is going to remain loyal to you, their Travel Specialist.
Good Luck (Fingers crossed for you)
It has been an absolute pleasure being affiliated with Avoya Travel.
It's so evident that everyone wants to help the "newbies" succeed every step of the way.
When I first started the business, I was not too sure of myself, as far as being able "to do it"! I guess that's normal, as I had no previous experience in the industry.
From the call center agents who so nicely ask if I'll take a lead, to the tech support agents who ALWAYS help, and optional Mastermind leaders who really stand behind you, because they WANT you to succeed....I always know that someone has my back.I don't feel like I did at the beginning.. This is the start of something brand new to me...and look forward to every day as a new adventure.
I am very optimistic that I will do well selling cruises, and know that I will always have the support of Avoya Travel.
Katie Alonzo
Great Escapes Cruises
I was planning to sign up with Avoya. After going through the required CLIA courses and doing all the prelims to start the business, I was provided the IA agreement to sign. Upon review of the agreement, there were several terms in the contract that were completely different and/or very vague in favor of the host agency:
1. The agreement states that Avoya "encourages" it's agents to obtain E&O insurance. There is no verbiage stating it's mandatory, nor are there limits set. Before the agreement could be finalized, I received an email stating that they REQUIRE E&O with Avoya also listed on policy, with minimum coverage of $500k. When I pointed out that their contract stated otherwise, I was told "you have to do it" if you want to work with us.
I was also told, verbally, that you can't participate in their Live Leads program without the E&O insurance, again there is nothing in their contract that states this condition regarding live leads. I have worked in other industries that require E&O, but always had the company cover the agent, not the other way around.
2. You have to include a credit card number on the agreement for charges and fees. The wording is "including, but not limited to" monthly fees etc. I was certainly not comfortable with this, as they could charge any amount for any reason and I would have no legal recourse. Again, they refused to change this clause.
Once I had initially inquired about joining, the were quite aggressive in pushing me to complete everything. I would be very wary of signing up with this company. Clearly a legal agreement is not binding to them and they feel they can make up requirements on the fly. This is not the was I do business, and decided to sign up with another host agency.
Hi Karin,
Thank you for your feedback. We take all reviews and feedback very seriously in our ongoing efforts to improve the Avoya Travel Network™.
Avoya has a well-earned and long-standing reputation as THE host agency that’s all about Integrity and Professionalism™, THE host agency with the highest support levels and THE host agency with the most successful Independent Agencies.
I’m very sorry that, in spite of our best efforts to be clear and upfront in all our communications with you, there were still some areas you did not think were clear enough. For example, while you say it was not clear to you that your independent agency would need to get an E&O policy with at least $500K we think it was made very clear, and here’s why.
On March 15, 2018, very early on in our efforts to determine if Avoya was a good fit for you and if your independent agency was qualified to join the Avoya Network, we sent you an email summarizing several important terms of our potential future relationship. One of these was regarding the need to obtain E&O insurance where we made it clear that a “minimum coverage of the E&O is $500,000”. We received a reply from you the same day, with no questions, stating “yes i acknowledge”. E&O was also discussed with you over several phone calls. I don’t know how the need for a $500K E&O insurance policy could have been made clearer.
You mention that in “other industries” the “agent” is provided E&O by the company. That may be true when the “agent” is really just an employee and not the owner and manager of their own business, but it’s not the case at Avoya. Independent Agencies in the Avoya Network are not just “agents”, they are truly independent business owners and, as such, pay their own expenses like all other real independent businesses.
Finally, you bring up our ability to charge your credit card for “monthly fees” and others, and that we could charge your credit card for “any amount for any reason and I would have no legal recourse”. That’s simply not true, nor is the claim that “a legal agreement is not binding to them”. Remember, our reputation as THE host agency known for Integrity and Professionalism has been earned by always “doing the right thing”.
We’ve refunded 100% of what you paid Avoya and wish you the best with your new host agency.
Steve Hirshan
Senior Vice President of Sales Support
Avoya Travel
Steve.Hirshan@AvoyaTravel.com
After extensive research, I chose Avoya as my host agency because of the requirements involved in order to join. Avoya ensures that you are educated about their company, the companies they partner with and the travel industry. I've been with them for a few months now and I know I made the right choice. I've gotten one on one mentoring, opportunities for continued learning and the marketing Avoya provides is amazing. I get leads every single day. I couldn't ask for a better Host company than Avoya!
The support that I get from Avoya cannot be beat by any competitor. It has been a slow start for me but every time I had a question or problem, it was taken care of immediately. When I call a vendor and say I am with the Avoya Travel Network, things go a lot fastr and smoother. I would encourage all my friends to join Avoya. I thank you for your support and encouragement.
Avoya has everything I need built in. I just have to know where to look or who to ask. The community forum is great. I just discovered it and it was very helpful. I now know I am not alone. There is a support system. Being new to the industry I have so much to learn and I have access to everything I need to be successful.
The ongoing support provided. The feeling of "in-it together" is very real.
Avoya does every thing it can to help make us successful
I recently affiliated with Avoya and could not be happier with my decision. I graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Hospitality and Tourism, and have previous years experience working for Marriott Hotels. But my goal was to always be a Travel Agent. After years of being a stay-at-home Mom I wanted to jump back into my field. Throughout Career Quest, Avoya University, and the creation of my LLC they have held my hand and guided me every step of the way, and continue to assist me when I have questions. I'm happy to be "On Board" with Avoya.
I can't say enough good things about Avoya. I tell potential Independant Agents that life before Avoya I was a travel agent that was wandering around going nowhere. After I joined Avoya now I'm the one going somewhere with a great network of people guiding me through the process. Avoya has made a big difference in my business and if you want to take this leap and have the drive and the passion the rewards are endless.
I really appreciate how much time and effort goes into making sure everyone succeeds. I have always enjoyed being a travel agent and having my own agency just makes sense but there is always room to grow and improve and Avoya really helps with the process. The excitement and enthusiasm everyone has rubs off on me and I can't help but be excited every day I log into work. The suggestions always work as long as I apply them. I think its just fabulous how well of an oiled machine this is.