Dugan's Travels LLC

When I first joined I had tons of questions and someone has always helped me quickly. I went to my first seminar, and learned so much! Plus made a lot of new friends. I also am able to learn a lot from the forms that is there for all of us to use. Several questions were answered before I needed to ask. If you are looking fro a great group to be involved with I would highly recommend.

For many years I really wanted to work in the travel industry. I researched, got information on travels schools, programs and host agencys. I never really felt that any of them were for me, and even felt leary of many of them, but then I found Dugans Travels and after doing some research I knew that it was the right fit for me. The training was good, the requirements "made" you stay on track and schedule, which can be hard to do working from home and if you aren't the most disciplined (i.e., there is always laundry to do, cleaning, working out, etc.).

Since I joined Dugans, Jennifer has purchased the Clientease program which is a really great way to keep track of your bookings, commission and clients, I love it. Along with Jennifer, Barb and Angela have worked very hard and patiently (I know they have been patient with me for sure)to get us all up and running with the new system, and I truly appreciate it, plus they always get back to me very shortly with answers or help I may need & Virginia has been right on with getting me the logins I need. I love the company website for its agents, especially the forums which have been a tremendous help. Not only have I have asked for help and unselfishly received it, but I also subscribed to the forums which go to my email, I have read and learned soo so much from questions and answers on topics I may or may not need but what an education!

I am a newbie and have much to learn but already in the 14 months I have been with Dugans I have come so far!! I am so happy to finally be doing what I have dreamed of and am excited about my future in this industry.

I've been with Dugan's Travels since I started out in 2004. The agency clearly evolved over the time. In reality, it took Jennifer a little while to "get into the 21st century". But she's done it full on. I started out as a naive noobie who didn't understand how the business worked and, thanks to the support of many of the other agents as well as Jennifer and her staff, I'm now very happy with where I'm going.

You can get as much or as little support as you want/need. There are several offerings for website set up and hosting, plenty of agents to answer questions, a pretty good back office and a nice new agents only site for communication, support and just comradeship. Over the last few years we've had a seminar where different suppliers have given tips on how (and why) to sell their products.

I've always been confused/upset when someone posts an anonymous review that criticizes someone. And even more so when the poster is no longer associated with (in this case) the agency.

Knowing what I now know about the travel industry, Dugan's wouldn't have been attractive to me in 2004. But knowing what I know about the business now, Dugan's is definitely where I enjoy working and where I plan on staying.

I have had the pleasure of working for Dugan's Travels for four years. I had taught for 33 years and was looking to retire and try my hand at something else while I was still able to. I spent many months researching the opportunities out there and kept coming back to Dugan's. I've never been sorry that I did.

Not only has the agency grown and gotten better, so have I. Each year my sales have increased as has my knowledge. I feel the training I received and the continuous support I've been given by the management as well as the other agents is responsible for this growth.

This year we got a new, modern website as well as Clientease which has made record keeping so much more efficient. None of this was of cost to the agents. If we have a question or need help, we simply ask and get very swift responses and assistance. Jennifer has selected excellent people to assist with the operations of Dugan's Travels as well.

I couldn't be happier that I made the choice of joining Dugan's Travels.

After a frustrating experience with a host agency who stole my commissions & then filed bankruptcy protection so I couldn't sue, I found Dugans Travels. DO NOT believe the bad reviews. This agency is reputable, fair, friendly, & I am extremely happy I signed on with them. Training was extensive, commissions are paid timely, questions /emails are answered quickly, & fees are very low. I have been a part of Dugans for over 4 years, & I am extremely happy with everyone who works for Dugans, as well as Jennifer Dugan, the owner. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns. I would be more than happy to answer/address them.

As many of my fellow Dugan's agents have said, Dugan's gives us an opportunity to work from home (whether full time or part time) at our own pace doing what all of us love...selling travel.

Before joining Dugan's, I, too, researched several other host agencies who all required higher start up fees and higher monthly fees. I am so glad I chose Dugan's!

Jennifer, Barb, Angela have always been available to answer questions and give guidance when asked. And where else can you get advice from over 600 agents from all over the country on any destination you are researching.

My only regret is that I did not find Dungan's earlier!

I have been a home-based agent with Dugan's for several years now and have built a very successful business.

I always get unlimited support from Jennifer, Barb & Angela, no matter what. I never felt like I'm bothering them with a question or a concern that I may have. They are very supportive when you need their assistance.

This is my business and Dugan's Travels is the vessel I use. I do not expect to have someone hold my hand and walk me through every aspect of the travel business. I read, I educate & I attend many trade shows and FAMS myself so that I can gain more and more knowledge about the travel industry. It's my responsibility to make my business grow, not theirs.

That is one of the reasons that I love working within Dugan's Travels, it really is my own business & because of this I have been able to prosper as a travel agent.

I read a few of the reviews complaining about the monthly fees and the termination of those who do not comply with the procedures.

If you can pay your mortgage, car payment, house utilities, etc. on the payment due date then why is it so difficult to pay the $10 monthly fee, if applicable? I just don't get it.

Long story short, I always wanted to be a travel agent and Dugan's Travels helped me achieve this goal. Thanks Jennifer, Barb & Angela.

I have very poxitive things to say about this agency. They offer an inexpensive way for agents to have their own travel business. If you are not an experienced agent it is not the responsibility of the host agency to train you how to be an agent. That is YOUR responsibility. Dugans points out numerous training opportunities, seminars, webinars and opportunities to expand knowledge. I have been with them for about 5 years and things have changed greatly since then. The new commission process is wonderful- the new chatlist is professional and easy to use. Everything that is needed for an agent to run a successful business is available. This agency charges one of the lowest fees I have ever seen and to say that the owner is just in it for the money is not fair. $10 a month is not going to make or break her- however, I think she is more concerned about the professionalism that is portrayed. If you are not even paying your host agency on time- what are you doing with vendors that she has established a long relationship with, and what about your customers?? Nothing is free- everything has a price, and sometimes that price is taking responsibility. Dugans offers a great opportunity for even part time and non-experienced agents. I came in with about 17 years experience and I think they do a great job. If you want extensive training, and step by step lessons on how to be an agent then perhaps you should consider investing the time needed in classes and lessons. It is not Dugans agents to teach you everything- they offer you all the tools that you need.

I signed up with Dugan's a few months ago. I found them to be extremely helpful. After the initial training there numerous opportunities for more education. It all depends on what you want to put into it and what niche you need more information for. If you have questions there is a forum where you can get advice and answers from other agents. I have learned a lot from this forum. It is great to have access to the knowledge of agents who have been doing this for quite awhile. Anytime that I have had a question for someone at the agency it has been answered very quickly.
I would definitely recommend Dugan's to anyone who is looking for a host agency.

When I joined 9 years ago, Dugan's had less than 300 agents. Now it's over double that. The owner really worries (maybe too much) about pleasing the agents. She always tries to keep our costs as low as possible, so it is up to us to succeed or not. We had several chances to upgrade from the overworked yahoo & excel processes, but the response always seemed we didn't want to spend more money, so it took a while to get done.

Support:
I've explored other hosts -- even joined a couple & never found the support I get here. I haven't done Dugan's training in years, so I can't remember initial training, but it taught me the business. Occasionally I come across a new situation & have to dig a little, or ask someone what to do, but it's no big deal.

My #1 business asset is the experience of 600+ agents, many of whom are more than willing to offer advice on destinations, suppliers, client issues, business concerns, etc. I haven't been everywhere & neither have they. But we help each other.

The Management team has grown, for the better. I have gotten to know a couple of them thru emails, & feel I can ask them whatever I need.

There is an annual seminar arranged by Dugan's for all agents who want to/can participate at a very minimal cost. There are always many supplier reps there, and usually a ship inspection or 2.

Technology:
As mentioned, we use Clientease to manage bookings & commissions. They have worked with us to customize our product to make things easier, and assure we are trained.

We also have a terrific new message board and networking website. This is my favorite upgrade! We have a section where we can get to know each other, and a section to help each other. There is also a 'library' for research & training opportunities.

Clientease has a terrific marketing app, and we also have access to vacation.com's Engagement program.

I did not purchase a clamshell website, so I can't comment on that, but it is offered.

Commissions:
Dugan's Travels gets among the best commissions in the business. We are in the top tier of many, if not all, major suppliers. After 3 years, the split is 80/20, or you can pay a one-time fee for 100%.

Fees/Requirements:
The cost of doing business with this agency is so minimal, it is amazing we can't pay on time (but I have been guilty as well).
- I think there is a sign-up fee, but not sure how much.
- $10/month -- waived if you make $3,000 in sales.
- $50/yr E&O unless you provide proof you have your own.
- Any shipping fees incurred with mailing ID cards, checks, documents, etc.

The only other requirement is to not go 6 months without a booking. Any agent around long enough to remember YTB's downfall can understand that.

Violating any of these requirements is cause for termination (including not paying within 20 days of receiving your invoice - the same dates every month).

Conclusion:
This agency isn't perfect, but it's the best place I've ever worked. There used to be messages on the yahoo group that annoyed me, but it has been a long time since we had that issue. What Dugan's really is, is a group of real people working together, all trying to build their own businesses. I have done favors for some & have asked favors of some. I hit snags along the way, but they got resolved. If there are personality problems, I attribute it to not being able to understand tone thru emails, & people taking things too personally, not unlike any real-life office. If you are respectful of others & really want an opportunity to grow a Travel business, I think Dugan's is the perfect place for you.