I research host agencies for a looong time. My criteria included consortia, leads, costs, sales quotas, training, access to host owners/managers, Sabre access, and commission split.
I decided my preferred consortia were Signature and Ensemble. Lead became a "no" once I understood tat those leads may pay less commission and the customers would not be my customer. I am re-entering the travel industry after a couple of decades of doing little travel work. So - I am not a newbie, but will need some hand-holding and encouragement. When I joined ICT, I was still working a fun-time job and knew I would have little to no sales for months.
I chose ICT because the cost to get started was low. The financial outlay was very small - and no monthly fees. ICT does not have a monthly, quarterly, or yearly sales quota. That was one of my main questions to Robert before I joined.
The commission split is lower than I would prefer, but until I am booking $1M+ in sales, I am fine with the split. If I want to increase my commission, I need to look at preferred suppliers for ICT and Ensemble that provide a higher commission percentage. Sabre is also an option at ICT.
ICT is a FAMILY RUN business. Any question I have is answered by Robert, the head of the agency. If I have concerns, he is a phone call away to discuss my question. ICT has a Facebook group where agents post questions or concerns. Half the time, Robert also answers these questions. The other agents at ICT are soooooo helpful. They answer questions, give suggestions, will assist other agents when needed. They have all become family.
ICT is the perfect host for someone who wants to run his or her agency as they see fit. ICT will not hold your hand. But ICT will help and provide guidance. So for a brand new agent, ICT may not be a fit unless that new agent is making sure he or she is learning from other people/teachers in the industry.
Being on your own per se can be disconcerting. But if you reach out, ICT is there to assist.
As a business owner, I appreciate having the ability to run my business without having parameters the host agency requires. I can create my own website. Commissions are paid on time. Plus, I am now part of a new family on whom I can and do depend. ICT is an ideal host for me.
New Agents - if you are willing to be courageous and put yourself out there, we are here to help you. And we believe in you. You will feel that camaraderie here.
I have been in business for 17 years. I joined Incentive Connection Travel in 2003 and have never looked back in the 10 years that I have been with them. They have a wonderful support system, good web site with great training devices and a wonderful agent base. The agent to agent support has been the best of all. If you have a question or not sure about a certain destination ... you have the support of many other agents who are great at steering you in the right direction. They do host agency "family" conventions and they have been a real plus to help build my business. Overall they are an "A1" company with a wonderful staff there for your every need!!
Steve Maibach
Maibach Travel
This is the best host agency out there. You are truly part of a family. They will assist you any way possible. I've been with ICT over 15 years and they consistently exceed expectations. This business is hard and rewarding. You need a good support system. ICT will be the best choice you make!
I have been with ICT exclusively since the launch of my agency in 2004. They are an exceptional host and support serious travel sellers with top level commissions with the most important suppliers. Their consortia partnership with Ensemble has been a very valuable asset for my agency as well. They are tremendously supportive in dealing with vendors/suppliers if a problem occurs. They are very thorough and pay all commissions on time, at least once a month. If you are an experienced agent looking for a partner that maximizes your income potential, supports you on the back end but does not get in the way of you building your business the way you want to and provides all the resources and preferred vendors necessary to sell travel well, ICT is the best choice.
i HAD OTHERS AND ict IS FAR AND AWAY THE VERY BEST THERE IS .
They are incredible to work with. ICT is always there to answer a question and lend a hand with a tremendous support system. Highly recommend them to anyone!