If you are a home based agent --- especially a successful one --- every host agency wants you!

Host agencies are actively competing to add agents and the industry is seeing a variety of incentives being offered to persuade agents to sign up.

But agents should be very wary of special offers and it is always important to carefully examine a host agency’s offering and ensure that you are getting the best value and the most comprehensive program.

Recently we have seen host agencies offering free membership for a period of time or waiving their annual fees. This kind of offer may look appealing at the outset but it is SO important to always examine every detail before you sign.

If an agency is not charging you a fee then they are making their money in other ways--- one way or another you will be contributing to that host agency’s bottom line.

And if the host agency is willing to negotiate with you, how do you know if you are getting the best deal-- or if other agents got a better one? You are better off dealing with a host agency that shows you all its cards and treats everyone as equal business owners!

Make sure you ask these questions before you decide:

1. They say they offer you marketing tools. Ask what are the tools? What is the cost of each item and who pays to distribute it in the case of magazines or other mailers?
2. They say they have digital marketing tools for you. Ask if they are customized? If so, is there an extra cost for this?
3. Do you get your own website? If so, is there a charge? Is it a bookable website? How many booking engines does it have? IS there a charge for each booking engine?
4. What is your commission split with the host agency? Does it always stay the same or is there a plan to increase your share based on performance? Ask to see their plan and ask what their other agents are getting.
5. Is the commission split negotiable? (Remember the old adage: If you don’t ask, you don’t get)
6. Ask to see all of the tools and programs the agency offers. Make sure you actually see the details.

And make sure you understand the contract terms—what is the length of the contract? Does it automatically renew? How do you terminate it?

**This is part of a series of articles by travel industry veteran Jill Wykes about the home based agent and host agency trend that is changing how travel is sold in Canada. The articles are sponsored by The Travel Agent Next Door.