Q: What marketing options are available?

Through AAA’s partnership with preferred vendors, you will have access to marketing collateral that will provide you with the ability to send direct-mail promotions, marketing images, etc., to your clients as you prefer. Social media content is also available for your use.

Question 1

How long has AAA been selling Travel?

Accepted Answer

For over 100 years, we have been serving AAA Members on the road and around the world. We are members of IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network), CLIA (Cruise Line Industry Association), ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation), and ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors).

Question 2

Is there a fee to participate in the program?

Accepted Answer

There is a $325 annual management fee. This fee covers access to a resource portal (for reference guides, job aids, quick links, and much more), set up with multiple online travel supplier websites, monthly sales reporting, and training on all of these areas. We consistently look for ways to build, maintain, and enhance what we offer to our Independent Contractors.

Question 3

What are the steps to join?

Accepted Answer

Our enrollment process is simple. After a business meeting to discuss qualifications, you will sign an Agreement, complete a W-9 form, and a direct deposit form&mdash;all as a business entity (required). Options include a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. You will then be provided with a list of our suppliers/vendors, your credentials to the systems, and any necessary training.

Question 4

Will AAA provide me with client leads?

Accepted Answer

As an Independent Contractor, you will be responsible for building your client base. Most ICs start with friends and family and build out their client base from there. Who you market to and how you work to increase your clientele is up to you.

Question 5

How am I paid the commission I earn?

Accepted Answer

While all of our Independent Contractors start at a shared percentage of 70% of commission earnings, you can earn up to 90% based on your sales achievement. We pay via direct deposit by the 25th of the following month in which the commission is received. For example, a commission received on January 1 will be paid to you by February 25.

Question 6

How soon after I make a reservation will the supplier pay the commission?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the type of booking. Most cruise lines pay commission about 21 days AFTER the final payment has been processed. In this case, you may receive the commission prior to your client&rsquo;s travel dates. Most tour/land suppliers pay commission 14 &ndash; 21 days AFTER the client has returned from their vacation. Car and hotel reservations are paid AFTER the client has returned the rental car or checked out of the hotel&mdash;these commissions tend to take the longest to receive. The normal processing time is between 30 &ndash; 60 days. For this reason, we recommend booking packages inclusive of flights, car, and hotel.

Question 7

What support is offered after I join?

Accepted Answer

You will be contacted by the Independent Contractor Operations Manager to set up convenient times to assist you with initial setup and becoming familiar with our internal systems and suppliers. At any time, we are available to assist you with any questions via phone, email, or through our closed Facebook group. Part of the management fee also includes the resource of a sales manager, should you wish to discuss ideas on how to increase sales with someone in the industry.

Question 8

What marketing options are available?

Accepted Answer

Through AAA&rsquo;s partnership with preferred vendors, you will have access to marketing collateral that will provide you with the ability to send direct-mail promotions, marketing images, etc., to your clients as you prefer. Social media content is also available for your use.

Question 9

Can I get an IATAN card (travel agent ID card)?

Accepted Answer

An IATAN card is available once you have earned a minimum of $5,000 in commissions within a rolling 12-month period as an Independent Contractor.This is a regulation set forth by IATAN. You would beresponsible for the annual fee to maintain the card.

Question 10

Can I get discounts on my own travel?

Accepted Answer

As an Independent Contractor, you will have access to information that is not necessarily available to the general public. In order to receive some discounts, you need to have an IATAN card. While discounted travel is one of the many perks of selling travel, we do not permit participation in the program solely for the purpose of obtaining discounts on personal travel.

Question 11

How is it possible to compete with internet travel companies?

Accepted Answer

It’s very simple, actually. We are able to work with suppliers and negotiate exclusive discounts and amenities that are only available through AAA. While our prices are definitely competitive, we encourage our agents to sell the personal service and expert guidance aspect of their business.

Question 12

How do I know which travel supplier to book for the best commission?

Accepted Answer

You will be provided with information on all of our Preferred Suppliers. Booking reservations with the Preferred Suppliers will ensure that you earn the highest percentage commission the supplier pays. You are not restricted to book ONLY with our Preferred Suppliers. Booking with a supplier that is not preferred will still earn you commission; however, non-preferred suppliers may pay a lower commission percentage and won&rsquo;t offer the extra discounts/amenities. AAA has worked closely with our preferred partners for 30+ years, bringing exclusive offers, benefits, and amenities to our Members. You will be able to provide these great options to your clients.

Question 13

How are my bookings tracked?

Accepted Answer

After making a reservation, you will enter the information into our proprietary system, including any payments made. That will, in turn, get to our back office accounting system for reporting purposes. We encourage you to track your commissions earned.

Question 14

Will I have to purchase any special software for my computer to book travel?

Accepted Answer

No. You will be provided with credentials for our internal systems, which are all web-based. Online registration will be necessary for each of our preferred supplier&rsquo;s/vendor&rsquo;s booking website(s).

Question 15

Do I need insurance?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to the Independent Contractor Annual Agreement for any insurance recommendations or requirements.

Question 16

How will my clients know I'm working with AAA?

Accepted Answer

As a AAA Independent Contractor, you will have access to the AAA Independent Contractor logo. Use it as needed, along with your business name and logo, for cards, letterhead, and other marketing pieces.

Question 17

Does AAA provide a consumer-based booking engine so my clients can book travel and I will receive the credit?

Accepted Answer

We have an easy and convenient tool that allows you to make bookings for many items from one site (hotel, car, activities, travel insurance, cruise, etc.). It also provides a sub-site where your clients can book on their own, and you earn the commission for those sales. Never lose a sale while away on your own travels. Access to this system is an additional annual cost of $150.

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AAA Travel Independent Contractor - Frequently Asked Questions

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Additional Travel Resources

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