After researching how best to structure my agency, and learning about hundreds of host agencies over the course of 8 months, I finally started as a brand new agent in April 2017. I chose TQ because of it's affinity for helping new agents get started, its affiliation with Travel Leaders, and because I felt that my area of expertise would be benefited by my association with them. It has been a wonderful decision for me, and I LOVE TQ! Some of what I love is that they're accepting for new agents, they're accessible, and frankly, friendly. The thing for brand new agents to know is that they don't teach you how to sell or market travel (but the new branding guide just released is AWESOME, thanks Josh!); they teach you what to do once you've gotten a YES from a client. So knowing that going in, you should know your sales and marketing skill set to decide if TQ is the right fit for you. They are for me! The admin stuff: they have great preferred suppliers with top tier commissions, they pay on time as communicated with you, they stay in touch with newsletters and in their Facebook Group for TQ Agents, and they put together a conference every year to come together and network. That's gold, right there! The more personal stuff - Bonnie is super motivating and enthusiastic about this industry we all love, Angie is a wealth of helpful knowledge, and even Walt steps right in with answers when he's not busy on the back end of things! There are more than those three who are just as helpful, encouraging, and motivating (Kerri & Jen to my rescue often!).
For those who are considering becoming an agent, when you are self-motivated and ready to build your own business, TQ is a great place to start, grow, and stay. If you're looking for "how to do this job" training, this isn't it. It depends on your own abilities, skills, and mindset.
For experienced agents, the commission plans are great, there's never any question about payments being handled appropriately, and there isn't any nickel-and-diming going on. The other things you need as an experienced agent are beyond my skill level ;)
If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't change a thing. I wholeheartedly endorse and recommend TQ as a host agency!
Hi Denise! Wow...thanks for the great review. I had to send a note to Joshua to share your comment on it booklet. It's really a true team effort here at Travel Quest.
Have a great day,
bonnie
I have been with Travel Quest since 2014, prior to this I was on the wholesale side of the travel industry. Like many I have a passion for travel and when circumstances arose that I needed to make a change I looked toward the retail side of the industry. I wasn't sure how to make that work, with just one call to Travel Quest I knew how I could make it work. With Travel Quests help and encouragement I feel I have made the right decision. What I like about working with Travel Quest is when I call into support I feel like they know me. They are always very helpful in answering my questions or providing assistance with an issue. The annual TQ conference they put on is a great time to meet vendors, learn about new programs and meet fellow TQ agents. It's well worth the time to attend. Again I'm really glad I found Travel Quest and I look forward to many more years with them.
Hey Lori, I agree our yearly meeting, now renamed to Travel Quest Word is the BEST opportunity of the year to come together as agents and vendors for support and SOOOOO much learning.
I love to see agents rekindle the relationships year after year.
See you in September!
Bonnie
I have had the most wonderful experience with Travel Quest! From day one, they have been there to help with any question that I may have had. I love the fact that I get auto replies that let me know that my email was received, as this was an issue I had with a previous host company. Travel Quest presents a positive transmittable energy that is wonderful to experience whenever you need to call or email in. I have had the honor of being able to join Bonnie & Walt Lee on a FAM, and a few other agents... This is not something that you would want to miss! Not only does Travel Quest have a great group of Agents on board, Bonnie and Walt themselves are the most personable, fun, and loving people to be around. Not only was the trip one that I needed so that I could do site inspections, but getting to know Bonnie, Walt, and the other agents made me confident that I not only joined the absolute best Host Agency, but I got an extended family in this agent world. So much to share, and everyone was so willing to give out information to help you succeed. This is the best Host Family I could have ever hoped for.
*Money comes when they say it will.
*There are no hidden secrets with this Agency.
*There are continually trying to grow for us, with us, and better us all.
*BEST HOST FAMILY EVER!
Joani-
We have the best agents ever!! Really we do. Bonnie and Walt are alot of fun to travel with, well and just fun everyday. Thanks again for the kind words!
Bonnie, Walt, and the entire team at TQ are SIMPLY THE BEST! They genuinely care about all of their IC's and celebrate everyone's success. At TQ there is endless support and training. Their systems are organized in such a way as to empower all agents to be successful. I'm forever grateful for my friends and (now family) at Travel Quest; their support has truly been a blessing.
Thanks Katie!! We strive to be great, but it helps when we have stellar agents like you to work with! So glad you are part of TQ!!
Travel Quest is the right fit for me! Superior support, quick invoicing, and a network of travel agents who are willing to help each other.
Thanks Holly! We love having you being a part of the Travel Quest Family!!
I started with TQ less than a year ago after talking to another agent who asked if I ever considered being an agent. I have been very happy with TQ. I only do this part-time but have been have happy with TQ's helpfulness on getting me started. I've had a couple 30 min coaching's over the phone with Angie. These have been very helpful. The staff has been so wonderful and their website has been great to work with.
Jackie,
I have enjoyed getting to know you. One of my favorite parts of my job is coaching sessions, most of all because then I get to know the agents and help them. Thanks for the kind words.
One of the programs is free (For new agents) ! Just what I was looking for.
I'm glad we had what you were looking for! We enjoy getting to work with new agents and seeing their business grow.
This fall will be my five year anniversary with Travel Quest (that went fast)!! After 7 years of working at a storefront agency I decided I needed a change of pace and was looking for an opportunity to start my own business. I knew of Bonnie & Travel Quest and after a little more research I felt this was the best fit for me. EVERYONE is so wonderful, supportive, and encouraging. The resources and support offered have been crucial in growing my business. I am so grateful for the Travel Quest team as well as the amazing network of agents that come along with being a part of Travel Quest..they are simply the best!
Hi Megan,
Where did the last 5 years go? We are so thankful for you as a agent. We appreciate you choosing us for your business.
I checked into Travel Quest upon a recommendation. When I checked out their website I immediately felt like this was a family. After talking with Angie, I was sold. TQ staff are so open and welcoming, answering any and all questions and assisting in any way possible. Their goal truly is to help you build your business and they give you the tools and information to do so. There is no pressure as they encourage you to build your business at your pace. I am so happy that I found TQ!
Valerie,
I still remember chatting with you for the first time. Our goal is truly to help agents grow their business and we stand behind this everyday. I look forward to working with you for many more years.
About four years ago, I became a part of Travel Quest. I was so nervous and had no idea what I was doing. Those nerves were quickly calmed and my knowledge immediately deepened within the first few weeks.The entire staff welcomed me and made me feel like I was a part of the family. Through emails and phone calls, the support began instantly. Everyone is readily accessible and always happy to help.
The girls in the office are my biggest cheerleaders...they take so much joy in my success. Bonnie is a fireball of intensity and motivates me every time I see her. Her knowledge and leadership are top notch and it has been a true blessing for me to be a part of this agency. And, she makes everyone feel like they're her BFF!
The national meetings are beyond helpful, are loads of fun and provide so many avenues to learn and make new connections.
I have never had any issue with this host. I read horror stories on agents boards about how they're treated, how they are not supported, how commissions are lost, etc...and I can not relate. I am a part of the best host agency, hands down!
Lysa,
Thank you for the great review! I think you have a great description of Bonnie she is a fireball and does treat everyone kindly. I am super lucky to work with agents everyday. It's fun watching your business grow and to be a part of that.
Thanks for choosing us!