The average earnings for Holidaysplease homeworkers rose by 87% in October, compared to October 2019 – before the pandemic struck.
The top earner in October sold holidays that netted £22,000 in commission, while the average commission earnings for October were £4,600.
Holidaysplease pay agents 50% of the commission that they earned in the month following the booking, and 50% in the month following the departure of the booking.
The agency also claims it already has more value in the bookings due to depart in 2022 than the total number of bookings for holidaymakers who travelled in 2019.
More: Travel Weekly Homeworking Directory, Holidaysplease profile
The growth in earnings is thanks to consumers booking longer and more luxurious holidays, said the homeworking specialist.
Furthermore, Holidaysplease recruited 12 new homeworkers in the past eight weeks, along with more head office staff to fill administrative and IT support roles.
Cat Reeves, brand and business growth executive, is also seeking another recruitment executive to help her to manage the agency’s growth, as the drive to take on more agents continues.
She said half of the new agents have come to Holidaysplease because of redundancy elsewhere, while others have seen circumstances change, prompting their move, or they have seized the opportunities offered by the agency.
In total, there are 98 homeworkers and the agency hopes to have at least 110 by the end of March.
Reeves said the average sale has risen from £6,500 in October 2019 to about £8,500 now, thanks to the trends for longer holidays and upgrades – but also because consumers are not asking for discounts as much as before.
“We have a lot of loyal customers who have seen how our agents have worked so hard for them and are willing to pay for that, rather than shop around and take short cuts,” she said.
“Our prices are competitive enough to not put people off, but we are not always the very cheapest; customers understanding the agents’ value is a fantastic breakthrough for the industry.
“What has made us stand out is the faith in our service that has shone through the Trust Pilot reviews that we have received.
“A good, trustworthy travel agent has never been more important to people.”
She said there was a “steep decline in enquiries” during the few days after the announcement of restrictions brought in amid new Covid variant.
“But this was recovered in a short time and most of the customers with current bookings seem fairly relaxed about it,” she said.
“As long as we are providing them with the up-to-date information that they need, they are ready to get on, tick the boxes and get to the beach.
“Our agents have been helping customers to source tests, which has meant a busy few days and probably weeks ahead but it wasn’t a complete surprise…and we are well versed now.
“It is just one more bump to get over and around and we will keep climbing.”
More: Travel Weekly Homeworking Directory, Holidaysplease profile