Thinking of Buying a Travel Franchise - Any Advice please

Hi there everyone -

I am thinking about setting up a travel agency and am digesting details from a company called Global Travel.

I wondered if anyone out there had any information or better still had actually set up their own business with Global. Their leaflets and brochures look fairly glossy and everything seems in order as my friend has been to meet with them in Chester and seemed impressed with them.

They take money from you to start up (of course - it's a franchise!) but at the same time they seem to be advertising for Travel Sales Assistants through their other business run by Stella Travel called Travelbag. Forgive me if I sound thick here but doesnt this sound like we are in direct competion with their own other business i.e Travelbag.

I have reservations because you have to use their own software (which you have to pay a monthly fee for its use and maintenance)

The frachise fee is about 10 -12 grand then you have to pay for your own advertising etc but do get support from their "team" of managers and advisors.

Not wishing to sound negative or cynical here can anyone out there give me their feedback on the above.

Much obliged
The Sheik

 

[Aspect Investments]

Are they members of the BFA? This link may help you with your decision. http://www.thebfa.org/

 

[tony84]

Im not in the travel industry but have i heard of both of those.

Have a look on google for reviews?
How much is the fee for their software?
I think this year and next will be hard to get a decent turnover due to the number of people currently out of work. However if you can get the business ticking over then you will be well placed i imagine for the back end of 2010 and 2011. But thats a long time for a new start up to tick over for.
Are you tied to the company to sell things like foreign exchange/travel insurance etc?

What do you get from the holidays you sell - percentage wise?

 

[garyk]

I would say try and cost out doing it on your own or looking at it another way what exactly does that 10 grand get you? Everytime I look at franchise for friends (I would never ever ever entertain one) it seems to me you could acheive the same in your *own* business. Unless you are selling those well known hamburgers or the mechanics tools with a lifetime guarantee I wouldnt bother.

 

[wevet]

I would think after, sex, gambling holidays must beone of the mot competitive areas on the web and yet this franchisor does not seem to provide web marketing on behalf of its franchisees.

I am always disconcerted when I look up a company on Google and the major part of the listings relate, not to the underlying product, but to becoming a licensee or franchisee.

I wold look very long and hard before committing myself I would also ask that the franchisor provides a list of ALL current and ex franchisees. Call them all a day spent on the phone is an excellent investment when set alongside the costs you will incur setting up your business (over and above the initial framnchise fee).

I would also ask the questtion: with so many major travel agencies closing down or consolidating is tehre really a furtute as a minnow in this market?

 

[cal900]

What do they offer which is any different from a high street agents?

I might be wrong but thought travel agents are dieing on their arse now.

 

[SmilePrint]

Talk to Gareth at GLH Designs, he's on the forum here somewhere.

 

[vvaannmmaann]

As has been said,lots of people do their own thing on the interweb now.In a town close to us,there was a travel agent.Closed 6 months ago.I know nothing about the people you mention.I am sure there is lots of info about starting up on your own,you just have to find it.

Found this on Evilbay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Online-Travel...fBusinessQ5fforQ5fSaleQ5fCVQQsalenotsupported