Factfile: Homeworking – the facts

Committed homeworkers can reap significant rewards if they put in the effort, but you can't just walk into the job. To become an Instant Holidays homeworker you need – at least two year's experience in the previous five working in an Abta agency; £695 joining fee plus VAT (payments can be made in instalments); a small private work space, large enough to install a computer, printer and fax; a good telephone manner; self-motivation; and it helps to have a specialist knowledge of one area or aspect of travel.

• Holidays are advertised on the TV Teletext channels and calls are routed via an automatic telephone system to those homeworkers on duty.
• Homeworkers tell their sales support manager by Friday lunchtime the hours they want to work the following week and the type of holidays they want to sell.
• Bookings are downloaded overnight to Co-op Travel where all ticketing and administration is handled except TODs for which homeworkers send out details and insurance.
• Homeworkers take client credit or debit card details for all bookings.
• Salaries vary from £6,000 to £50,000 depending on hours worked and selling skills.
• Homeworkers range in age from mid-twenties to early sixties but the average is late 30s.

For more information on becoming an Instant Holidays homeworker contact David Elstob on 01892 871254; for queries on personal travel agents call Amanda Taylor on 01264 338-733.

Internet site: www.instant-holidays.com