Seeing beyond the Black Friday ‘deals’ – are you really getting the best bang for your buck?

Starting your own travel business is a significant decision, and it's essential to choose the right franchise to align with your goals and ambitions. With many travel franchises offering tempting Black Friday deals this season, it's easy to be swayed by flashy incentives. But remember, these offers won’t replace the long-term value of thorough research and selecting a franchise that truly supports your needs.

Before making a decision, take the time to evaluate what each travel franchise offers beyond the discounts. Consider these key factors to ensure you're set up for sustainable success:

Support

Does the franchise provide comprehensive support to help you succeed? Check if they offer:

• 360-degree wraparound support for your business and well-being.
• After-hours assistance for unexpected issues or mistakes.
• Coverage like insurance, and whether this incurs additional costs.

Reach out to current franchisees for honest feedback and even visit the head office to understand if their promises align with reality.

Technology

Technology should empower your business. Ask questions like:

• Is the booking system user-friendly, or does it rely on multiple platforms?
• Can you create bespoke itineraries and control your own margins?
• Does the tech allow you to work seamlessly across devices, wherever you are?

Don't forget to enquire about future technology advancements and investments.

Training

Ongoing development is critical. Look into:

• Business coaching and specialised training programmes.
• Opportunities for FAM trips and supplier-led training.
• Access to on-demand learning resources and ways to network with other franchisees.

Prioritise franchises that invest in your growth beyond the initial onboarding phase.

Earning potential and business growth

Analyse how you’ll earn and expand. Be cautious of franchises that are heavily reliant on network marketing models. Although this model can work for some people, sustainable businesses are built on strong customer relationships, not recruiting others to join.

Regulatory Guidance

The travel industry is heavily regulated. A reliable franchise should offer:

• Guidance on essential regulations (GDPR, PTR, etc.).
• Access to legal advice for operational peace of mind.

Commission

Understand how and when you’ll earn:

• When's commission paid — before or after the customer travels?
• Are there caps, variable rates, or specific targets that affect your earnings?
• What percentage of commission do you keep, versus what the business retains. And how is the cut that the business takes reinvested into you and your franchise?

Supplier Relationships

What partnerships does the franchise have, and how does it support your offerings? Look for:

• Freedom to work with non-contracted suppliers.
• Eligibility for supplier incentives and the ability to offer low-cost airlines.
• The breadth of product available for you to book.

Values

Aligning with a franchise's values is crucial to your long-term satisfaction. Speak to franchisees to ensure the business mindset matches yours. Are they growth-focused professionals, or is the business merely a side hustle for them?

Marketing Support

Growing your business requires strong marketing:

• Does the franchise provide ready-to-use materials or expect you to create your own?
• Will you have an optimised web presence or need to build from scratch?
• Do they offer CRM systems to streamline customer communication?
• Do they offer training to help you market your business?

Financial Protection

Ensure your franchise protects both you and your clients:

• Verify affiliations with regulatory bodies for customer money protection.
• Check if credit/debit card transaction fees are covered or fall on you.

Communication and community feel

Homeworking can feel isolating. Strong communication and community are key. Find out:

• How often you’ll receive updates, and through which channels.
• What opportunities there will be to network with other franchisees through events or virtual platforms.
• Whether there are opportunities to work collaboratively with other franchisees.

While Black Friday discounts might be appealing, they won’t matter if you’re stuck with a franchise that doesn’t fit your needs. Instead, focus on identifying a business that aligns with your personal and professional goals. By taking the time to research and ask the right questions, you'll set yourself on the path toward building a thriving travel franchise.

If you're ready to explore how Travel Counsellors can support your ambitions, why not book a spot at one of our upcoming events?