Not Just Travel has launched create-your-own homeworking packages for experienced agents joining the network as franchisees.
Agents can choose from a “menu of options” including a bonus scheme, free overseas trips, ‘high commission’, lead generation programs and extra incentives.
Not Just Travel, which began as a platform for agents who are new to the industry and now has more than 750 franchisees, about 98% of which are new to the travel industry.
In May last year it set out plans for a recruitment drive for experienced agents, when it said 5% of its then-650 homeworkers were experienced agents who had joined “organically”.
Since then, it created a package for Thomas Cook staff who lost their jobs in the travel giant’s collapse to join.
The Hays Independence Group member said its packages allow its franchisees to “call the shots” and said it was “steering clear of a one-size-fits-all approach”.
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“We recognise that what suits one consultant may not suit another,” said Not Just Travel co-founder Steve Witt. “People are motivated by different things – be it money, free travel, bonuses, technology… everyone’s different. That’s why we’re allowing these new experienced travel consultants to build their own packages.
“They choose from a menu of options; some agents may prefer working on a commission-only basis, some may prefer working to targets and on a bonus structure, some may want more free travel and free technology and some may prefer a mixture of them all. The agents pick and choose what appeals to them personally and what motivates them to sell.”
The group invited more than 100 people to an event at the Hammersmith Novotel in London on Saturday to answer questions about the new packages.
Ahead of the event, Witt told Travel Weekly: “We expect more people to join NJT as a result of these new homeworking packages, but we aren’t looking for big numbers – it’s quality over quantity. The packages will be bespoke.”
In a statement, he added: “We believe we already have the best commercial terms in the business. Now, in a first for this sector, we are letting consultants call the shots – after all, they’re the ones with the experience and we respect that. We’re not followers – we’re leaders.”
Head of trade relations and homeworking Katrina Latimer, who joined in October having previously been trade partnerships manager at Thomas Cook, said: “These new recruits will know how to sell travel – so we’re not going to teach them what they already know. Instead, we’ll be focusing on how to become successful business owners. We’ll look at marketing, social media, presentation skills, advertising and business acumen.
“One of the biggest concerns people have when they join us is how to find customers – that’s what we’re good at: finding customers and making money.
“We’re aware that going from working in a travel agency is very different to working alone from your home office. They have to be driven and motivated and excited – we’ll be giving them the tools and tips for success.”