Martin Travel Independent Contractor

How long has Martin been in business selling Travel?
Since 1978, Martin is the largest supplier of leisure travel booking and planning in Southwestern Virginia.

We are members of IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network), CLIA (Cruise Line Industry Association), ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation), and ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents).

Is there a fee to participate in the program?
There is a $600.00 annual management fee. This fee covers access to ClientBase Online (your CRM system for managing your clients and invoicing your sales), the Independent Contractor SharePoint portal (your resource for reference guides, Job Aids, quick links, and much more), set up with multiple online travel supplier websites, monthly sales reporting, and training on all these areas. We consistently look for ways to build, maintain, and enhance what we offer to our Independent Contractors.

Is previous travel advisor experience required?
No! We welcome Independent Contractors new to the travel industry as well as experienced Advisors. We can provide support through various training channels in an effort to help you become successful.

What are the steps to joining?
Our enrollment process is simple. After an interview and qualification, you will sign an Agreement, complete a W-9 form, and a direct deposit form—all as a business entity (required). Options include a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. You will then be provided with our list of suppliers/vendors, your credentials to the systems, and any necessary training.

Where will I get my clients?
Most new Independent Contractors begin by selling to their friends and family, building out from there. You can learn how to market yourself to increase your clientele. Involvement in committees, clubs, and your community can help with this. Building a travel following requires hard work and time, but it can be very rewarding and profitable. ClientBase also allows you to ways to mine your client database.

How am I paid the commission I earn?
While all of our Independent Contractors start at a shared percentage of xx% of commission earnings, you can earn up to xx%, based on your sales achievement. We pay via Direct Deposit the following month in which the commission is received.

How soon after I make a reservation will the supplier pay the commission?
It depends on the type of booking. Most cruise lines pay commission about 21 days AFTER the final payment has been processed. In this case, you may receive the commission prior to your client traveling. Most Tour/Land suppliers pay commission 14-21 days AFTER the client has returned from their vacation. Car and Hotel reservations are paid after the client has returned the rental car or checked out of the hotel. These commissions tend to take the longest to receive. The normal processing time is between 30-60 days. It is for this reason, we recommend booking packages inclusive of flights, car, and hotel.

What support is offered after I have joined?
You will be contacted by the Independent Contractor Operations Manager to set up convenient times to assist you with initial set-up and getting familiar with our internal systems and suppliers. At any time, we are standing by to assist you with any questions via phone, email or through our closed Facebook group.

Can I get an IATAN card (travel advisor ID card)?
The only way to obtain an IATAN card is once you have earned a minimum of $5,000 in commissions within a rolling 12-month period as an Independent Contractor. This is a regulation set forth by IATAN. You would be responsible for the annual fee to obtain the card.

Can I get discounts on my own travel?
As an Independent Contractor, you will have access to information that is not necessarily available to the general public. In order to receive some discounts you heed to have an IATAN card. While discounted travel is one of the many travel selling perks, we do not permit participation in the program solely for the purpose of obtaining discounts on personal travel.

Can I make money selling airline tickets?
We recommend that the bulk of your sales and commission come from booking cruises, tours, and destination packages (all-inclusive of airline tickets), as well as hotel, car, and activity bookings.

How is it possible to compete with Internet travel companies?
It’s very simple, actually. We are able to work with suppliers and negotiate exclusive discounts and amenities that are only available through Martin Travel. While our prices are definitely competitive, we encourage our advisors to sell the personal service and expert guidance aspect of their business.

How do I know which travel supplier to book for the best commission?
You will be provided information on all of our Preferred Suppliers. Booking reservations with the Preferred Suppliers is going to ensure you earn the highest percentage commission the supplier pays. You are not restricted to book ONLY our Preferred Suppliers. Booking with a supplier that is not preferred will still earn you commission but non preferred suppliers may pay a lower commission percentage and won’t offer the extra discounts/amenities. Martin Travel standing as a Virtuoso Agency, allows for exclusive offers, benefits and amenities for our clients. You will be able to provide these great options to your clients.

How are my bookings tracked?
After making a reservation, you will enter the information into our ClientBase Online CRM system including any payments made. That will in turn get to our back office accounting system for reporting purposes. We encourage you to track your commissions earned and we can provide guidance on doing so.

Will I have to purchase any special software for my computer to book travel?
No. You will be provided credentials for our internal systems, which are all web based. Online registration will be necessary for each of our preferred vendor/supplier’s booking website(s).

Do we need insurance?
Yes. Martin Travel recommends that the Independent Contractor provide E&O (Errors and Omissions) insurance coverage to protect themselves from any issues that may occur if making bookings outside of AAA.

What marketing options are available?
Through our partnership with our preferred vendors, you will have access to a marketing program which will provide you the ability to send direct mail promotions, marketing images, etc. to your clients.

Do I need a company name or can I use my name for my business?
You may use YOUR business name and information on a business card of your own design. In addition, forming some type of business entity is required and is the best method of protection for you.