Posted this in the business exchange, but realized it was probably better suited for "Hire a FlyerTalker"............



I own a home based travel agency. I handle the corporate travel for my husband's office as well as leisure travel for friends, family and friends of friends.

I am not posting this hoping for your business(I know you FTers can more than handle your own arrangements :-) But, I've wondered while lurking these boards how much money is being left on the table when you book your own travel. Every time you book travel directly on the hotel site and don't enter a Travel Agent ID#, some agent is missing out on the 10% commission that the hotel would have paid them....same for car rentals, though that is usually 5%. Of course, the hotel/car rental companies are keeping it and maybe that is an OK thing, too...more money for improvements, etc....

I've been thinking about using some independent contractors (outside agents)for my business....they would earn a split of the commissions (75% to the independent contractor, 25% to the agency) on all bookings. If you just wanted to do it for your own personal travel (as much as some of you travel), it could bring in some extra money. If anyone is interested in more information, you can contact me at [email protected]

**Hope this isn't in any violation of the terms of this site. If so, please feel free to delete. Thanks!