This list has been compiled to help you better understand our travel program. These are actual questions we've fielded from people just like yourself, and are in no particular order. We are constantly adding new questions to the list as we receive more questions.
If after reading this list of FAQ's thoroughly, you still have an unanswered question, please feel free to , Someone will get back to you promptly with a personal answer to your questions.
Q: What benefits do I receive as a GTI Independent Travel Agent?
A: Quite simply, as an Independent Travel Agent with Global Travel International, you enjoy the following benefits:
• Full accreditation as an Independent Travel Agent for Global Travel International*Airline commissions paid only in conjunction with a package. (Tour, group, cruise, etc.) Most airlines do not pay travel agency commission on air only to ANY agency.
• Professional Independent Travel Agent credentials and Photo ID Card
• Huge savings and special privileges reserved exclusively for the travel industry
• Specially negotiated travel offers and discounts available only to GTI Agents
• Start by earning 50% of the commissions paid to GTI by various vendors on your own business and leisure travel with the potential to earn as much as 90% commission as your business grows.
• A toll-free 800 number to the GlobalNet Reservations Center
• A team of experienced travel consultants and support personnel
• Substantial tax advantages of owning an independent business (consult your tax Agent)
• Global Travel International monthly newsletter
• Comprehensive Agent reference materials including instruction, promotion and important documents.
• Discounts on hotels, rental cars and luxury cruises
• Airline upgrades & commissions*
• Opportunity for training and special certifications
Q: How long after enrolling will I receive my Personal Identification Number (PIN #)?
A: Once you have paid to become an Independent Agent with GTI, you will have your own PIN # within 24 hours, or by the following business day.
*Please note any applications received after 4 p.m. will be credited to the next business day. Applications received after 4 p.m. on Friday will be processed the following Monday.
Q: How long will it take me to receive my kit once I enroll with GTI?
A: It will take 24 hours to process your payment and assign your PIN #. At that point, your materials will be shipped out to you, usually arriving within 3 to 5 days after your enrollment date.
*Please note any applications received after 4 p.m. will be credited to the next business day, weekends will be credited to the following Monday.
Q: Is there a cost to renew my membership?
A: Yes. Renewals are $199 annually. This covers GTI's cost to re-certify your Independent Travel Agent status, send out the newsletters and give you ongoing support for another year, as well as the hosting and maintenance of your ResMax Web site for another year.
Q: What is the purpose of my PIN number?
A: GTI is a membership-based travel agency. Your PIN # is your key to earning commissions. GTI reservation agents will never make a reservation without asking for a PIN # first. In addition, your PIN # is used to track any reservations made through GTI's online reservation system at the GTI website.
Q: I want to order business cards, how can I do that?
A: A business card order form is sent with your reference materials. You may call Global's Customer Service Department for a business card order form. You may also choose to order your business cards online with one of the many on-line printing companies.
Q: What are the advantages of having business cards?
A: Business cards are not mandatory but they do provide professionalism and a quick reference for your clients. By distributing your business cards, you will increase your client potential, therefore, increasing your commissions. In addition, some suppliers (hotels, theme parks, etc...) may require you to present a business card upon check-in.
Q: I'm interested in the GTI Worldwide Hotel Discount Directory* - what is it?
A: The GTI Worldwide Hotel Discount Directory is an additional tool for our Agents in the hunt for great deals. Some of the great features include:
• 10-70% savings
• Discounts on over 8000 hotels in 74 countries
• Great commissionable rates
• Discount coupons for airlines, cruises and resorts
*Hotel Directory is INCLUDED with the Platinum Membership Level.
Q: After sending back the paperwork and my passport size photo, how long will it take me to receive my GTI identification card?
A: Generally, you will receive your GTI Identification card within 7 to 10 business days from the time GTI receives your photographs.
Q: What if I want the ID card rushed to me?
A: Enclosed in your Independent Travel Agent reference materials is a hot pink form entitled "Rush ID Form". You may fill this rush form out completely and return it with your photographs and an additional $35 per card. You will receive your card(s) within 3 business days via Federal Express.
Q: How do I earn commission?
A: The commissions paid on most travel reserved through GTI is 5 to10% of the commissionable rates for hotels, car rental, cruise lines and vacation packages, which GTI splits with you 50/50. Commission percentages are calculated from Base Commission, which ranges from 5-10% of the price of travel excluding any applicable taxes or non-commissionable fees. The commission checks are sent out once a month and paid to you on average 30 to 60 days after the date the travel. It's one of the best opportunities to make some extra income by doing your friends, family or co-workers a favor. All you have to do is have them call GTI's reservations number when they want to book travel and give the reservation agent your Personal Identification Number, or simply log on to your own personalize ResMax web site. They will get the best possible deal around and you will earn money. Remember, as your business grows and you sell more and more travel, you have the potential for earning up to 90% commission! Try finding that anywhere else!
Q: Typically, what kind of rates will I receive?
A: Depending on the time of year and availability, discounts can range from 10% to 70% off. Discounts will vary and are at the sole discretion of the vendor.
Q: What is a CLIA card and how can I qualify?
A: There are NO sales requirements as a GTI Independent Travel Agent. However, as an Independent Agent, you may qualify for a CLIA card issued direct from CLIA. To qualify for a CLIA card you'll need to earn $1,000 in paid travel sales commissions in a rolling 12-month period that include a minimum of 5 bookings with any combination of Cruises, Tours and Vacation Packages. Once you have achieved the minimum requirement of earned commissions, you may apply to receive a separate travel agent ID card issued from CLIA.
Q: I have a friend that is a travel agent locally and they also hear of FAMs and specials. As an independent agent, do I qualify for those trips?
A: Any FAM trips or specials for GTI Agents are advertised in GTI's monthly newsletters, their last minute blast email and blast fax services and on their website under the Hot Deals section. These deals are negotiated specifically for GTI Agents. FAM trips that are promoted through local travel agencies generally are for full-time status travel agents only.
Q: I have some friends interested in becoming Independent Agents too, is there anything in it for me?
A: Absolutely. GTI will pay you a quick start bonus of $25.00 for each agent you refer who signs up to become a travel agent.
Q: Will I receive commissions on travel booked by the people I referred to the GTI program?
A: Yes! Although GTI is NOT multi-level or pyramid structured, you will earn commissions on travel bookings sold by the agents you refer to the program.
Q: What is the best way to ask for a travel upgrade?
A: ALWAYS remember, upgrades are a courtesy and are never to be expected!! Whether you are checking into a hotel or about to board your next flight, upgrades are tremendous travel industry perks. Simply let the gate agent or hotel desk representative know that you are a travel agent and ask if there would be a possibility for an upgrade. In either case, upgraded or not, politely thank the representative for their time.
Q: Is there a specific airline that is more "agent friendly" in offering free upgrades?
A: No, there is no airline that will upgrade you more than another. Some of our Agents have great success obtaining free upgrades. It solely depends on the gate agent, availability, appearance of the GTI Agent, etc.
Q: I see some outside agent programs promoting Errors and Omissions Insurance. Do I need this as an agent with GTI?
A: No. All of your bookings and reservations will be made by either calling the reservations center, or by booking the reservation on your ResMax Website. GTI does NOT require you to have additional E & O Insurance. All of the reservationists in the call center have this insurance, but you do not need to incur this added expense if all you're doing is referring travel to the call center. It is recommended (although not required) if you plan to handle all of your client's bookings and reservations yourself, just to protect you in case something is left out.
Q: Do I need a business license?
A: Usually not. If you are working from your home (as 99.9% of our agents do), you most likely do not need a business license. If you are setting up your travel agency in a store location or other business location, a business license "may be" required.
Q: Can I be guaranteed of always getting the lowest prices for my customers and clients?
A: The travel industry is very volatile and competitive, and even though GTI strives to offer the lowest possible prices, no agency can guarantee the lowest prices on every trip every time. However, GTI does have a "Low Price Guarantee" that is among the most competitive price guarantee in the travel industry. Any agency who says they "guarantee the lowest prices on all travel.." RUN THE OTHER WAY! It's simply not possible... even for the BIG "so called" discount web sites. Global dares you to compare, and if you find a better rate someplace else on the exact same trip (airline tickets excluded), GTI will not only match that price, they'll refund back to you, 5% of the difference!
Q: Are there any minimum sales requirements if I become an Agent?
A: No. GTI has no monthly minimums, and no monthly fees or other requirements. Do as much or as little as you choose. It's YOUR business. No monthly fees either!
Q: How do I get clients for my business?
A: There are many ways to market yourself, and we teach you about that in your email training course as soon as you begin.
Q: Is there a sample ResMax web site that I can see so I'll know what my site would look like?
A: Here is ONE example of a ResMax Site (don't worry, this will open a new browser window so you will not lose your place here). You will be able to configure your site to make it look similar to, or different than, our site.
http://traveldesigns.globaltravel.com
Q: Can I customize my ResMax Site?
A: You will be able to upload a graphic for your header, or a photo of yourself (if you prefer), but as far as customizing the ResMax site contents, you will not have that option. If having a customized site is your preference, you could do as some agents have done and have TWO (2) Sites.
Q: How do I set up myResMax Website?
A: With ResMax, your personalized travel website can be doing business on the Internet in less than 5 minutes. Once you have been assigned your Agent PIN Number, simply log on to the Agent Only side of the Global Website, and you can activate your site yourself. Or, if you prefer, you can contact one of our support Representatives who will gladly activate your website for you.
These are our most "Frequently Asked Questions" about our program. If you have other questions not listed here, please feel free to
Thank you for your interest.
Have a great day and let us know how we can further assist you! We look forward to getting you started in your own business, where only YOU determine how much you make, and how many hours you want to devote to your business.
Join today and reap the rewards of
being an Independent Travel Agent.
