So, at the urging of the folks that disagree with the position of this blog and the petition, I went to experience the essence of MLM with a YTB informational meeting. Nothing was said that changed my mind; but plenty was said to support my position.
The message at my meeting was extremely clear. YTB is about recruiting. It is about taking advantage of the travel perks that the suppliers extend to people that are actively engaged in marketing travel. It is about signing up for a credential before the rules change in a few weeks. It is about recruiting as many people under you to be able to earn off of their contributions. In the scope of things, minimal travel is sold. The financial reports to the SEC support this. The goal (although certainly unwritten) is to recruit enough individuals to perpetuate the program. The hook is travel perks and discounts.
When the YTB Level 3 Director (please be mindful that this is not just an RTA speaking but someone that is fairly high up in the organization) was discussing the perks, FAMS, and discounted travel, there was a slide showing all the different vendors that offer those perks to YTB. I wanted to make sure that the vendors are aware that their perks are being presented in such a light.
STEP RIGHT UP AND SELECT YOUR FAM! ALL FOR $449.95 and $49.95 PER MONTH!
CHOOSE FROM THESE 53 SUPPLIERS!!!!!
CHOOSE FROM THESE 53 SUPPLIERS!!!!!
Windstar Cruises
Crystal Cruises
Princess Cruises
Adam's Mark Hotels
Ritz Carlton Hotels
Hyatt Hotels
Embassy Suites Hotels
Doubletree Hotels
Disney Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Sheraton Hotels
Homewood Suites Hotels
Holiday Inn Hotels
Peabody Hotels
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Carnival Cruise Lines
Celebrity Cruise Lines
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Harrah's Entertainment
Omni Hotels
Crown Plaza Hotels
Radisson Hotels
Holland America Line
Dollar Rent A Car
Budget
Sandals
Contiki
Trafalgar Tours
Payless Car Rental
Enterprise Car Rental
Thrifty Car Rental
Avis
Apple Vacations
Club Med
Insight Vacations
Alamo
Hertz
National
Delta Airlines
Grand Lido Resorts
SuperClubs
Breezes
Hawaiian Airlines
British Airways
KLM
American Airlines
Virgin Atlantic
United Airlines
Air France
Air Jamaica
America West Airlines
Alaska Airlines
AirTran
Crystal Cruises
Princess Cruises
Adam's Mark Hotels
Ritz Carlton Hotels
Hyatt Hotels
Embassy Suites Hotels
Doubletree Hotels
Disney Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Sheraton Hotels
Homewood Suites Hotels
Holiday Inn Hotels
Peabody Hotels
Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Carnival Cruise Lines
Celebrity Cruise Lines
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Harrah's Entertainment
Omni Hotels
Crown Plaza Hotels
Radisson Hotels
Holland America Line
Dollar Rent A Car
Budget
Sandals
Contiki
Trafalgar Tours
Payless Car Rental
Enterprise Car Rental
Thrifty Car Rental
Avis
Apple Vacations
Club Med
Insight Vacations
Alamo
Hertz
National
Delta Airlines
Grand Lido Resorts
SuperClubs
Breezes
Hawaiian Airlines
British Airways
KLM
American Airlines
Virgin Atlantic
United Airlines
Air France
Air Jamaica
America West Airlines
Alaska Airlines
AirTran
Below is the slide in question:
So you're saying that this presenter told you that you can get a FAM from Thrifty Car Rental? Really? Come on, John, check your notes. I think the slide you saw was the one showing all the vendors that can be booked on the RTA website.
ReplyDeleteRCCl....hrmmmm
ReplyDeleteThe slide was up showing all the suppliers as he was talking about all the FAMS that you could go on. Did he specifically say that Thrifty offers FAMS--no, but when you put a slide up with the logos of all of those suppliers and discuss about the FAMS and reduced travel rates, what does someone assume.
ReplyDeleteAnd anyone in the industry knows that the airlines (some of which are no longer in business any longer) do not offer "FAMS". But to someone looking to get into the industry--who would know better. Well at least not till you spent your $500 and a few months licence fees on the website.
John said, "The hook is travel perks and discounts."
ReplyDeleteWhy does that surpise anyone?
Why have many traditional travel agents decided to join the industry?
This is worth repeating from the US Department of Labor (BLS):
"Travel benefits, such as reduced rates for transportation
and lodging, attract many people to this occupation."
In addition, "Employment of travel agents is expected to decline through 2014. Most openings will occur as experienced agents transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Because of the projected decline in employment and the fact that a number of people are attracted by the travel benefits associated with this occupation, keen competition for jobs is expected."
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos124.htm
I suggest everyone visit that link. Read the description of what a travel agent does. Compare it to what an MLM "agent" does and I think my point if further strengthened.
ReplyDeleteHere is just one exceppt:
Travel agents spend most of their time behind a desk conferring with clients, completing paperwork, contacting airlines and hotels for travel arrangements, and promoting group tours. During vacation seasons and holiday periods, they may be under a great deal of pressure. Many agents, especially those who are self-employed, frequently work long hours. With advanced computer systems and telecommunication networks, it is increasingly common for travel agents to work at home.
John . . . That slide was created to show the travel vendors that are available on the YTB website. It was developed by YTB to come right after the PPT slide that shows a picture of the YTB booking engine.
ReplyDeleteIf it was being used showing vendors that provide FAMS, I can tell you definitively that it was developed ONLY to show companies that we represent for travel sales. It was an inappropriate representation if that slide was shown along with FAMS and perks.
Naturally it needs to be updated because RCL is on the slide. From what I understand, a new company-approved presentation is being formulated and will be the ONLY presentation sanctioned by YTB.
LB--all well and good. But as the presentation was going on this slide was up as they were discussing the FAMS and discounted opportunities.
ReplyDeleteI am sure YTB has all sorts of rules, but they are having a tough time harnessing 150,000 people that are merely saying whatever they want to make the sale.
Is it reasonable to expect potential recruits to go to YTB first and get a copy of an approved presentation to compare?
I can do the YTB presentation to a group of crackheads and tell them for every booking done on their website, they will get 3 ounces of crack. Is that correct information? No! Would a crackhead believe me? Probably!
YTB had an issue with behavior at trade events and they sent a memo out and it appears to have worked very well. They still have a problem with YouTube.
If you like it or not, there are 150,000 RTAs that are the face of YTB and the travel industry--most of them are ill informed and untrained and they are giving both the industry and YTB a black eye.
However, YTB will not see this. You know why? Because 150,000 RTAs=$75 Million in recruiting revenue. Because 150,000 RTAs=$7.5 Million in monthly fees. Yes, I know some get it for free, so let's say that 75,000 are paying...that is $3.75 Million in monthly fees.
And to be honest, if someone wants to pay me $3.75 million a month, they can tarnish all they want!
John said, "Travel agents spend most of their time behind a desk conferring with clients, completing paperwork, contacting airlines and hotels for travel arrangements, and promoting group tours. During vacation seasons and holiday periods, they may be under a great deal of pressure. Many agents, especially those who are self-employed, frequently work long hours. With advanced computer systems and telecommunication networks, it is increasingly common for travel agents to work at home."
ReplyDeleteOK John, now lets tell just how much these low paid professionals get for their time behind a desk.
Here's what the US Dept of Labor says.
"Median annual earnings of travel agents were $27,640 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $21,600 and $35,070. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,180, while the top 10 percent earned more than $44,090. Median earnings in May 2004 for travel agents employed in the travel arrangement and reservation services industry were $27,490."
I entered the travel industry because I liked traveling myself, and since I couldn't afford to do so often, I figured why not live vicariously through my clients? Plus, I enjoyed helping people discover things about destinations that I got a kick out of - like helping them NOT have a cookie-cutter visit to London. I will admit that I liked the idea of travel perks, but that's all they were to me - perks. They are like medical insurance or vacation days - I didn't take the job because I was getting them, but I'm happy they're part of the package.
ReplyDeleteWith regards to the Labor Department statistics, realize that 2004 figures hardly cut the mustard in 2007. Wages are much higher now - yes, there will be some agents who scrape the poverty line, but I feel safe to say that a good number of us are financially comfortable. We're not rolling in cash, but we have what we need and we're happy with what we've got.
John said, "Travel agents spend most of their time behind a desk conferring with clients, completing paperwork, contacting airlines and hotels for travel arrangements, and promoting group tours. During vacation seasons and holiday periods, they may be under a great deal of pressure. Many agents, especially those who are self-employed, frequently work long hours. With advanced computer systems and telecommunication networks, it is increasingly common for travel agents to work at home."
ReplyDeleteOK, lets go over this carefully.
1. - Travel agents spend most of their time behind a desk. How exciting!
2. - During vacation seasons and holiday periods, they may be under a great deal of pressure. How sad.
3. - Many agents, especially those who are self-employed, frequently work long hours. Not me thanks to YTB!
4. - It is increasingly common for travel agents to work at home. Goodbye brick and mortar!
5. - Median annual earnings of travel agents were $27,640 in May 2004. Geeze, that's awful!
This all explains why this is a female dominated industry. Traditional travel agents are working hard for little money. This is more of a second income job which is moving to the home based soccer mom travel agent, wood and stucco, business.
Not going to get any better from what the US Department of Labor is projecting. "Employment of travel agents is expected to decline through 2014."
YTB will be there for you through 2014. The choice is yours!
Wow great stats there Anon...for 2004...can you pull more crap out your butt?
ReplyDeleteSo now should we be comparing YTB earnings etc from 2004 also?
You YTBers are a breed of your own, obviously not very smart.
Not very smart? YTB RTAs??? Who are barely earning a living and who are creating wealth that can be passed down to future generations?
ReplyDeleteNow, someone said that the pay rate is increasing. Yes, minimum wage does go up a nickel here and a dime here, but it doesn't do those making more than minimum wage any good. The cost of living is also going up at an alarming rate!
If YTB is so bad, then tell me why a lot of traditional travel agents are joining! Speaking of traditional travel agents... remember when I said that there were only 2 travel agencies left in my town... where there used to be 5? Well, it's down to one now... and that's AAA Travel... You know... the one that started out as just an insurance company and then incorporated travel into their business. I drove past the "once was" travel agency, and saw a big sign posted "Building for sale or Lease". I figured it would close down. They never seemed to get much business. Maybe I should call "Friendly's" corporate office and see if we could get a "Friendly's" here. The closest one is in Orlando.
John, just because the presenter was talking about FAM trips while the list of suppliers was up, doesn't mean that all of those vendors offer FAM trips. This was a display of poor presentation by the Director.
Again, I state that FAM trips are issued to the agencies by the suppliers. It is the duty of the suppliers to regulate the FAM trips. If a supplier feels as if the agency is "abusing" the FAM trips, the vendors can retract them from that supplier.
I wonder how many traditional travel agents abuse the FAM trip privilege.
As far as what traditional travel agents do for their clients, I go the extra mile for mine. I don't just tell them to click and book. I help them! I research for the best time to fly. I research the best cost of a hotel. I research the best rental car cost. I research the best time to book a cruise. I research the destinations and excursions available. Then I present the info to my clients, let them decide, and help them book either online or by calling a vendor. Aside from that I also have to accommodate the requests of my RTAs and REPs in my downline to help them bring a prospect into the business. I have to see to it that those new prospects get the training they need to be successful. A lot of times it deals with my having to drive a few hours to another town... or even fly to another state. I work very hard... therefore I earn every dollar I make from YTB. Yes, I said WORK! YTB is NOT a get rich quick business. It takes a lot of work and dedication to be successful. The expression, "You reap what you sow" is a very true statement! If you do nothing, you receive nothing. If you do a lot, you will receive a lot!
"The minimum requirement for those interested in becoming a travel agent is a high school diploma or equivalent. Technology and computerization have increased the training needs, however, and many employers prefer applicants with more education, such as a postsecondary vocational award. Many vocational schools offer full-time travel agent programs that last several months, as well as evening and weekend programs. Travel agent courses also are offered in public adult education programs and in community and 4-year colleges. A few colleges offer bachelor’s or master’s degrees in travel and tourism. Although few college courses relate directly to travel or tourism, a college education sometimes is desired by employers to establish a background in fields such as computer science, geography, communication, foreign languages, and world history. Courses in accounting and business management also are important, especially for those who expect to manage or start their own travel agencies."
ReplyDeleteThere are no Federal licensing requirements for travel agents. In 2004, however, 13 States required some form of registration or certification of retail sellers of travel services. More information may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Attorney General or Department of Commerce in each State."
YTB RTAs have every right to be in the travel industry... just as you do.
"
3. - Many agents, especially those who are self-employed, frequently work long hours. Not me thanks to YTB!
ReplyDeleteI know--it seems the thought of working for money is a concept lost in YTB.
5. - Median annual earnings of travel agents were $27,640 in May 2004. Geeze, that's awful!
Median annual earnings of YTB RTAs in July 2007 were $173.84 (http://www.ytb.com/downloads/RTA_Earnings.htm)
As you said, Geeze, that's awful!
Yes you do have a right to be in the industry--all we want is for you to be legitimate about it.
Stop focusing on the perks and referring people to do it themselves while you collect commission. You do not earn those commissions. We ask that you show a little professionalism as you enter the industry. We also ask that perhaps you sell something!
As to the list of the suppliers slide. I am quite sure, as I have said ad nauseum, that YTB has some policies in place. My point is that very few of the hundreds of thousands follow them. Had I joined up last week and not known the truth, I likely would have been expecting my free flight on Delta to my free car to Alamo to my cruise for $40 a day on Royal Caribbean or Crystal.
Your recruiting is deceptive when it comes to recruiting into the RTA program. Your RTAs (on average) are not making any money. When that happens, they are "forced" to the recruiting model in hopes of making money on that end of the business. But alas, that is deceptive as well since the average rep will earn between $70 and $1000 a month (http://www.ytb.com/downloads/Rep_Earnings.htm)
So if you take the average RTA income of $174 a year and couple it with the high average Rep income of $12,000 a year, that works out to $12,174. Oh and this is 2007 figures. What was that 2004 median TA salary? $27,640! Seems like double and then some.
See, TAs realize that to make a living, you need to work at it. Working to recruit others to pay into a program that will likely not be successful is unethical.
I think it's really interesting that you have taken the time to post the info on travel agent earnings from the US Dept of Labor.
ReplyDeleteAs I said in my previous post, traditional agents have been arguing principals and ethics, but the YTBers always bring it back to money. So apparently it doesn't matter to you how you make your money, as long as you make it. And if you make via some shady unethical standards, that's ok too.
If YTB were truely the glorious company you make it out to be, there wouldn't be as many consumer complaints as there are, and IATA, RCCL and others wouldn't have dropped you. And don't give me this "oh were so misunderstood" crap. We understand completely.
You also seem to believe that YTB is the future and that traditional agents are on the verge of extinction. So let
s talk $$ for a minute. My sales were 3 times this year what they were the previous year. And I would have to say that our p&l looks pretty darn good.
The clients who use us pay a retainer for our services upfront. My average booking is $6000. I would love to hear you try to make the arugment to one of my clients that YTB is better. They would wash your mouth out with soap. I can't imagine having to deal with the type of cheap-o clients that YTB attracts-people who want something for nothing. Or want it free. Or don't want to have to do anything for it. YUK.
Do I work hard? Yes. But I love what I do, and I get paid really well to do it. And the clients that I choose to work with are awesome people who understand and appreciate what great service is all about.
I can't imagine having to sell websites and sell people on the idea of booking their own travel, and having to recruit people into my downline. Talk about work! I prefer to work smarter, not harder.
I just love how the stats that everyone talks about are 3 years old. Let's talk about current stuff.
ReplyDeletePeople keep talking about how in 2004 the median income was just over $27,000. What are the 2007 numbers, ya'll? I know mine, so let's take a look at what I've done this year. Keep in mind that I am semi-retired, and only work about 3-4 hours a day, on days that I do work. Also, I have a client list of only about 25 people.
In the first half of this year, I was able to pay off the remaining $90,000 owed on my home; obtain 2 brand new vehicles, paying cash for both (neither are a coke white Bently, because I don't feel the need to show off); obtain another house in Wisconsin, all paid for; took 3 vacations (paid retail, since it was personal travel, why should I ask a vendor to foot all or part of the bill?), refurnished my primary residence, and had new flooring put in my primary residence.
The second half of the year I didn't do as much, since I had heart surgery and spent a month recovering. However, in that time, I took 3 more trips (again, paid retail since they were personal), and am currently shopping for another vehicle, which will be purchased before the end of the year, again paid for in cash. I'm also able to pay any and all bills, monthly living expenses and credit card, in full every month.
All of the above was achieved by selling NOTHING BUT TRAVEL, no hawking of websites, no need for bonuses from having a downline, etc., from the little desk in the corner of my living room.
How much and what has a YTBer been able to do from NOTHING BUT THE SALE OF TRAVEL, on their own, without the help of a downline this year?
Well temptress, I consider that not having to recruit people myself, and yet getting out there and helping those in my downline who need it is working smart. By helping people in my downline build their teams, I am also building mine.
ReplyDeleteLike I said, I get more time to concentrate on building my clientele and helping them with their vacation needs. m,y clients appreciate me a lot, because I don't have them just click and order. I get in there and research their vacation alongside them. I enjoy doing it this way. It also lets my clients know that I am trained, and I really do care about what they want in a vacation. I had a couple who I helped with a cruise to Alaska during the summer. They brought me back a t-shirt. They didn't have to. They wanted to, because they said I was very helpful and they had a wonderful time. This wasn't a young couple. They were retired and in their mid 70's (Bless their hearts). They are still very active people for their age. I still see them go out jogging... yes jogging, believe it or not. I hope I'm still that active when I reach their age. They also said that they are thinking about a cruise to Hawaii in either February or March and said they will let me know after the holidays are over.
John said...
ReplyDelete"3. - Many agents, especially those who are self-employed, frequently work long hours. Not me thanks to YTB!
I know--it seems the thought of working for money is a concept lost in YTB."
Blogwash! It's about working smarter NOT harder. BTW, get yourself a copy of Rich Dad Poor Dad by Kiyosaki. You might get the concept of NOT "working for money". Instead let money work for you!
"5. - Median annual earnings of travel agents were $27,640 in May 2004. Geeze, that's awful!
Median annual earnings of YTB RTAs in July 2007 were $173.84 (http://www.ytb.com/downloads/RTA_Earnings.htm)
As you said, Geeze, that's awful!"
Lame answer, as usual. So your answer to the awful 2004 earnings of TTA's is to compare with YTB reps. Is that the best you could do? I would have thought you would bragged about how much you pay your B&M agents. lol!!
BTW there are some idiots on this blog who are very angry about the 2004 figures. If you don't like it, I suggest you file your snibbling complaints with the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Temptress said...
ReplyDelete"YTB attracts-people who want something for nothing. Or want it free. Or don't want to have to do anything for it. YUK"
At the meetings... or at least the ones I present and have witnessed others present, we statt that YTB is NOT a get rich quick deal. We explain that there is NO Guarantee od success. What this means is that those who join are responsible for their own success. If a person does nothing, they will make nothing! If a person works hard and stays dedicated (like myself), the rewards will be amazing!
We make sure our prospects know that this is NOT get rich quick. It's more like Get rich at your own pace. In my opinion, those who do join and do absolutely nothing are fools. They are the ones who give the rest of us a bad name.
Starting in January, they will have to earn their credentials and earn their privilige of taking a FAM trip.
John, didn't they go over this at the meeting you attended? They should have! We do at ours!
***Yawn*** to both of the above post by Proud To Be YTB and Anonymous, because when someone proves them wrong, they gloss right over it. Why don't they address my post?
ReplyDeleteFrom another blog.
ReplyDeleteThursday, November 8, 2007
Travel Agencies closing around my Feet
I spent my lunchtime walking around the city centre and noticed that four travel agencies have closed down in recent weeks; these being a branch of Thomas Cook, Co-Op Travel, Direct holidays and Siesta Holidays.
It appears that the mergers have started to show on the high street, which was only to be expected I suppose.
Interestingly, the notice on the Siesta holidays window said that you could now book online. Not sure I should speculate, but is this a sign of more smaller travel companies realising running costs are cheaper online, and more people are booking online, so let’s close up shop.
I’m not suggesting this is an end of the high street travel agency, far from it, consumers will always want to speak to helpful humans, but has anyone else noticed agencies closing down in their high street?
Ainsworth said...
ReplyDelete***Yawn*** to both of the above post by Proud To Be YTB and Anonymous, because when someone proves them wrong, they gloss right over it. Why don't they address my post?
Why? What's to respond about? Your an old retired rich guy who seems a bit cranky now and then. That's about it big guy.
Ytbscam said...
ReplyDelete"Wow great stats there Anon...for 2004...can you pull more crap out your butt?"
"Median annual earnings of travel agents were $27,640 in May 2004."
Hey bScam, I don't think those were "great stats" for 2004. The agent earnings were still "awful" for that year.
"From another blog.
ReplyDeleteThursday, November 8, 2007
Travel Agencies closing around my Feet
I spent my lunchtime walking around the city centre and noticed that four travel agencies have closed down in recent weeks; these being a branch of Thomas Cook, Co-Op Travel, Direct holidays and Siesta Holidays.
It appears that the mergers have started to show on the high street, which was only to be expected I suppose.
Interestingly, the notice on the Siesta holidays window said that you could now book online. Not sure I should speculate, but is this a sign of more smaller travel companies realising running costs are cheaper online, and more people are booking online, so let’s close up shop.
I’m not suggesting this is an end of the high street travel agency, far from it, consumers will always want to speak to helpful humans, but has anyone else noticed agencies closing down in their high street?"
This would be in the UK? And that is pertinent because...?
In the meantime, LibGo has been sold to a very large Aussie company which plans to OPEN additional B&M locations here in the US....
John -
ReplyDeleteI do hope you are sending this on to the Vendors? while I know (from talking to my own Reps) that many read the comments here (and find them quite hysterical), not all of them do and certainly the "Big Boys" don't all read them...... They should have an opportunity to see this. Interesting that Ritz Carlton is on the list but not it's parent, Marriott...? I think MC would be interested in that .....
Anonymous, hate to burst your bubble, but I'm not an "old rich guy". I'm 44 years old. I doubt that many consider that to be old.
ReplyDeleteAnd what there is to respond to is the fact that traditional travel agents can and do rely on the sale of nothing but travel to make their money, and not selling websites, or making bonuses on those in their downlines. See, as much as you guys would like to make the world think that traditionals can't make it selling travel, and that the only way to go is to build a downline, it just isn't true. Now, how much have you made in the sale of NOTHING BUT TRAVEL? Don't include any sale of websites, bonuses you made from having a downline, but only on the sale of travel that you yourself made. Bet you that all of us traditionalist have done much better than you. And if you try to give us the excuse that it's because you spent so much time "helping" those in your "team" it just proves our point, that selling travel isn't your main focus.
So the basic recap is all the YTB presenters on this blog tell recruits it's all about hard work and taking care of customers and not a get-rich-quick scheme...but at the meetings John and I went to it was all about how easy it is to just get a few people in under you and start making easy money in no time...and don't forget to take advantage of the insider-only discounts and FAMS.
ReplyDeleteWhich is really the honest recap of a YTB meeting? Just watch the show at www.travelproincome.com and you can see for yourself...
4. - It is increasingly common for travel agents to work at home. Goodbye brick and mortar!
ReplyDeleteHello telecommuting for my brick and mortar!! It's the best thing my boss could have ever offered me. Now I can live where ever I want to live and still work with the same clients and same travel agency. Life is good :-)
That's the part which the MLM'ers don't get. Even though I may be "working from home" that just happens to be one of the perks as I still technically work for a brick and mortar. I "telecommute"!! In fact, if I wanted to spend a week in the "office", they still have a desk ready for me to use if I did choose to go for a visit.
There's a big difference between work from home independently vs. working from home and working for a host.
T. Temptress: Your name says it all, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteHow dare you argue principles and ethics to us and then talk money,
money.
Case after recent case of traditional agent fraud posted here in the past month. Dozens of arrest and hundreds of ripped off customers.
Hard to see over that high horse with your nose up in the air?
John thinks he's better than all of us...You know you are, huh?
RobertsResorts.Net
RobertsResorts.Net
LOL! This guy just cracks me up!
ReplyDeleteLuanne said,
ReplyDelete"Hello telecommuting for my brick and mortar!! It's the best thing my boss could have ever offered me. Now I can live where ever I want to live and still work with the same clients and same travel agency. Life is good :-)"
Good to hear. The bad news is that your "boss", as you call him, is allowing you to work from home because he is feeling the pinch of the daily high cost of operating a traditional B&M. Glad you are happy working at home. Maybe someday you can be your own boss.
Traditional Travel Agents and your Cash and Credit Cards...BAD MIX???
ReplyDeleteHad to come back...here's another Professional making news in Lodi, CA.
check out LodiNewsdotCom travel
The fun never ends!
RobertsResorts.Net
Victims: Thousands of dollars lost in Lodi travel agency case
ReplyDeleteBy Layla Bohm
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Updated: Saturday, December 15, 2007 6:38 AM PST
I read this and it is horrible and getting worse each day. What are the represenitives of the traditional travel agents doing about this? I hope the suppliers are noticing the increase of this type of crime. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 88,590 travel agents in May 2005. Such low a number for this much crime. Of course, TTA's don't want to talk about this.
RE: Bad Travel Agent In Lodi, CA.
ReplyDeleteIf and when any allegations of wrong doing are proven, I hope this woman goes to jail for the maximum amount of time allowable by law. This type of thing gives everyone involved in the travel industry a bad name. Notice I said if and when, because as of this time, no charges have either been filed or been proven, as the case is still under investigation.
It sounds as if there were several things going on, possibly. Credit card fraud and identity theft. As I said, if and when the charges are proven, I hope she gets the book thrown at her, as I would hope anyone doing this type of thing gets the book thrown at them.
You will also notice the story reports that she was not registered with the state. Wonder how many YTB agents are not registered with the state of CA, either? Since every agent that does business in the state, or with anyone who lives in the state must be registered, I'd have to guess quite a few, but no one in YTB wants to talk about that.
Anonymous said,
ReplyDeleteGood to hear. The bad news is that your "boss", as you call him, is allowing you to work from home because he is feeling the pinch of the daily high cost of operating a traditional B&M. Glad you are happy working at home. Maybe someday you can be your own boss.
That is so far from the truth!! Didn't you read where I said my desk is still there if I ever want to "visit" the office and work from there? The B & M still exists, alive and well. I'm just one of those professional travel agents that she didn't want to lose when it came time for me to move out of the "big city". She valued me enough to find a way to keep me employed with her. It doesn't cost the agency any more or less to allow me the priviledge (in fact, I produce even more revenue with this arrangement). At this stage, I have no interest in "being my own traditional boss". Maybe someday, but for now, I have the best of both worlds.
Dear Mr Roberts Resorts,
ReplyDeleteOnce again I would challenge you to prove that the criminal activity has been that of a traditional agent, and not that of a YTBer. Since your recruiting materials state that it doesn't matter if you've been to Yale or Jail, it is just as likely that the criminal activity was that of a YTBer. So until you have the IATA number of the person who committed the crime, you have no evidence to prove that it was one of us rather than one of you. You should take a good hard look around your own back yard before you going poking around in someone else's.
I think you will notice that the posts that come from traditional agents show our concern for the industry, the quality of the training that mlmers receive, and the abuse of fams. The fact that you keep posting the info about criminal activity is nothing more than a desperate defense on your part. If you would directly address the issue at hand, rather than these immature attacks, you may just get a little bit of the respect that you are looking for.
I know that you have read the majority of my posts and are aware that I very rarely talk money. However time and time again YTBers like yourself have tried to make the argument that what you are doing is ok because you are making money. While you can't judge this by reading a blog, I am not the kind of person who judges people by what they make. However I do think how you go about making it matters.
Earl, were you standing here I could look you in the eye and tell you that I have made a sincere attempt to understand the YTB business model, and to educate myself on why they operate the way that they do. My concern is for the industry as a whole, not about you personally. But since you have chosen to be the self-appointed voice of YTB, you have to expect to get some negative feedback.
Just for once I would like to have an mlmer contact me and ask what they could do to make a positive difference in this industry, rather than another flacid attact from someone who clearly is only concerned about his agenda.
the Agency I am at now has 6 ICs who are all set up to work from home, but each has desk space here at the office - which they each use 2-3 times a week for various reasons such as meeting with clients or getting documents ready for the client. This seems to be the "standard practice" in most B&M around here - everyone has ICs who work from home and come in to the office.
ReplyDeleteTravel Temptress said...
ReplyDelete"Dear Mr Roberts Resorts,
Once again I would challenge you to prove that the criminal activity has been that of a traditional agent, and not that of a YTBer."
Hey TT, your comment is quite laughable! If it were a YTBer, it would be all over the place. I'm reposting a comment I made to you below.
"Actually we are not in the "mix" with your dishonest counterparts. If so, JF the rooster and all you old hens would be clucking about it on this blog...guarenteed!"
Merry Christmas And The Happiest New Year to You All.
ReplyDeleteRobertsResorts.Net