HAR Fee Survey Unveils Major Differences Between Hosted and Non-Hosted Agents

Independent (non-hosted) travel agents were more experienced and 24% more likely to charge a fee in 2018

Minneapolis, MN — Jan. 23rd 2019: — Host Agency Reviews (HAR)—the industry’s leading independent online directory of host agencies, consortia, and franchises—recently published the results to their travel agent fee survey, highlighting industry standards that will support travel advisors in developing or restructuring their service fee practices.

HAR found, Steph Lee said, “I’m thrilled about this data! The insights this survey shed light on are not only invaluable to the agent community, but the hosts, consortia and vendors that are working with these agents.”

With a record-breaking participation of 800+ travel agent responses to the survey, Host Agency Reviews divided their findings between hosted travel and independent travel agents. Among its data, the survey found:

  • The median years of experience for independent agents was 9.5 years more than hosted agents
  • 47% of hosted agents charged fees, whereas 71% of independent agents reported charging fees
  • Domestic air ticketing was the most common service charge among all agents
  • Travel agents with a luxury niche reported charging fees at the highest rate
 
The fee results also dive into gender discrepancies in fee charging behaviors, as well as fees according to region, business type (home based or storefront), and age/experience level.
 
In light of the increased participation, and complexity of data, Host Agency Reviews worked in cooperation with data analyst, Dr. Maga Gei. According to Dr. Gei, “This survey had an impressive turnout and shows very clearly which are common practices in charging fees among agents from across the country, but also contrasting behaviors between hosted and independent agents”
 
Stephanie Lee and Dr. Gei will host a live Q&A to briefly review the results and to foster dialogue among industry professionals. The free online webinar will take place Jan. 30th, 11:30am CST. Interested participants can register here.
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About Host Agency Reviews:

Host Agency Reviews® is an independent website connecting home based travel agents and travel industry resources. With over 100 host agencies and 1,400+ reviews, it’s the largest host agency directory on the web. Founded by Steph Lee, a former host agency director, Host Agency Reviews is a resource that assists home based travel agents during their host travel agency search and beyond. Oh, and we like to have fun. Lots of fun. :)