Dugan’s Travels LLC

Before signing up with a host agency, I researched most all of them (Montrose, Nexion, AMEX, CruiseOne, and others). I had read the reviews in Agent@Home magazine, and wanted a balance of a host that was big enough to earn higher commissions, but not too big where you were just a number. Dugans fit that description. First, their fees are much lower than a lot of other host agencies - $10/month - waived if you make a quota and they cover your E&O insurance for only $90/year (it would be ~$1000/yr to have my own policy). Then what they pay out is better than most hosts, too. 75% of commission, and 80% after you work with them for 3 years (or 100% if you pay them a one time fee.) Yes, there are agencies that pay more, but then they charge more for monthly fees. I've received every commission that I've been entitled to and it is direct deposited into my bank account.

I've worked with them for over four years, after having registered my own corporation, CR Surf Travel Company. There are 600 other agents with Dugans in the U.S. and Canada, and it is easy to communicate ideas and concerns between them using our agent-only online forum (which can email me updates to questions I've asked). I would not expect the owner to have time to address every agent concern, but when I send an email asking for help her assistants reply within 24 hours. As for training, I can get access to every supplier training program I want - insurance, cruises, by country, gogo, vacation.com, all for free.

I'm not adding this review to help Dugans, but to help other agents looking for a good host agency. Look for one where the agents can easily interact, you are getting good commissions for low fees, and get good customer service from your host agency.

I've missed a couple of monthly fee payments myself and received a warning email, but I would expect it from any host agency who is trying to run a professional operation. These actions ensure that those working with Dugans Travels are serious about selling travel and not just getting TA discounts.

I have been with Jennifer/Dugan's Travels since 2003 and have been very pleased since the beginning. When I started I knew nothing about travel. I researched many host agencies and the others wanted a lot more money to start if they would even accept someone with no experience. Dugan's was a way to get into the business without spending a lot of money. Jennifer accepted newbies; gave us a manual and support we needed to get started. Dugan's Travels has evolved a ton in the past year with the introduction of ClientEase and the new Agents website that are provided to all the agents. Jennifer is an amazing, honest person that has lead a great agency, without question! Unfortunately Dugan's has had run-ins with some not so pleasant people that have tried to give the agency a bad reputation but my experience with the agency has been perfect for all 9 1/2 years.

I've been with Dugan's since 2005. There have been a lot of changes since I started. I think they have all been positive. We have an amazing commission system and client database that Jennifer doesn't charge us for. There is a $10/monthly fee, but it is waived if you make $3000 in sales each month. It's extremely fair and if you prepay for the year, it's only $90. We no longer use Yahoo groups. We have a private message board. This is all fairly new, so it takes some getting use to. I did my research when I started and Dugan's was the best fit for me. I wanted to be able to work from home and be flexible with my hours. It is a dream job for me. I get to do something I love and stay at home with my kids! I've always gotten help quickly when I needed it. The support staff is great!

I started with Dugans when they used the “old” systems referenced in earlier reviews and have enjoyed the transition to a more automated system. While it does take a fair amount of training and continual education to stay current, it’s like any other industry; you either work towards the future or get left in the past. I have had several issues with commissions/bookings and all were handled swiftly and professionally. No system is perfect but Dugans works hard to make sure their agents are supported and informed. I have found the office staff to be professional, courteous and helpful. The only suggestion I could make is to make the staff more accessible via phone communication vs email but with this large of an agency that would probably be ineffective for the staff. Although I prefer phone communication my emails have always been answered quickly.

I highly recommend Dugan's as a host agency. I have been with them for about three years now and have no complaints. What I love the most is the support from jennier, the mgmt. staff and the other agents. They are always happy to help out. So far my commissions have always been paid accurately and timely.

Dugan's Travels is a great host agency. I have been with them almost 3 years now. I find that they are not babysitters, but I appreciate that! When I have had a concern or a question, I have been given the guidance I need to get the answer I need...not always do they just "offer" the answer, but how else does one learn? Jennifer is in contact with agents. Sure, she wants to make money, but so do the rest of us! If we aren't happy, she won't be happy, so she truly DOES work WITH us, not against us! The rest of the admin group (especially Angela in my case) is always willing and ABLE to answer questions and offer guidance. The new system and website hold so many resources...much better than the one used prior. There is adequate training (much better than when I first joined) and always someone to talk with if the answer just can't be found. I find their commission structure fair, and payment is always timely.
I also find the other agents to be top notch professionals, enjoy their job, and are good at their work! It's an honor to be associated with these people and with Dugan's.
I love to travel and I love booking travel, and I think that Dugan's offers me what I need to do what I love.

I would like to thank Jennifer Dugan and her team. I have been in the travel industry a very short time but have learned a lot. When I need assistance they have always been able to either answer my questions or direct me in order to find the answer.

Thank you for being the down to earth host agency I was looking for. I look forward to growing with Dugans Travels for many years to come.

First of all, I would not pay much attention to anonymous reviews. How true can they be if they won't sign their names? Moving on...I have been with Dugan's for about a year and a half. The training was excellent, and the management, especially Angela Brown, has been extremely responsive and helpful. We have a great new website with a training library and agent forums to ask and answer your questions and network with other agents. Our commissions are no longe paid through Excel spreadsheets. We now have Clientease which pays our commissions automatically and also has a client database feature and a marketing tool. The fees are very reasonable- $10 per month, unless you make $3000 in sales- not commission. I researched several other host agencies before I signed with Dugans and they had the most reasonable fees. My overall experience with Dugans has been wonderful, and I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about starting their own travel business- and it is a business. You get out what you put in.

I have really enjoyed being a part of Dugan's Travels and have been for the past 2.5 years, when I first started my home-based agency. Jennifer and her team are quick to respond to questions and ready to help with urgent client matters. I've never felt inhibited by working under Dugan's Travels' umbrella.
I like how all business matters are organized into Clientease, our online database and commission tracking system, as well as with Dugan's Agents website, where there is a wealth of information and helpful forums.
I also benefit from their high commission status with preferred suppliers.
For those stating that they didn't receive enough training, it would be different if we were in a storefront office building face-to-face. The advantage of working from home is that there is an abundance of training, online classes, and webinars at your fingertips on the internet. I think Dugan's Travels provides ample training, but the responsibility to learn every facet of the travel business cannot fall entirely on their shoulders, because of the dynamics of working independently from home. What's great about having your own business is that we have everything we need right here on the internet, which sets us up for success. Dugan's Travels provides one "stepping stone" so to speak, but cannot be there to hold our hand every step of the way. That's what makes us independent business owners.

This is my first host agency and will be my only agency. Everything I need is there for me. Many upgrades have been implemented over the last year and made things easier on us as agents. I do not feel Jennifer is in this for herself only. I receive so much help(if I ask for it) and all of the other agents I have met personally at the annual seminar are absolutely great! This is my second job but it's one I love doing and am thankful for Dugans giving me the chance to do it!