E-Books are big
business on the Internet these days. If you are not familiar with e-books,
they are simply books (usually less content than a printed book) that are
available for immediate download after purchase from a website. E-books are
great because they are easy to create, free to distribute and have a high
profit margin.
Are you an expert at finding the
right plane tickets at the right time? Do you know when the dolphins
are dancing; the whales are migrating, and the way of the tides?
Pass on your expertise making travel arrangements for others. As a
travel agent, you will secure tickets, hotel reservations, car
rental, and other plans for individuals and corporations. You might
also give advice, organize group tours, and take part in planning
special events at the travel destination. To get started, you need
to do the following:
Check with your state's Department of Licensing for details.
Secure a computer with Internet access and a dedicated
telephone line
Find a host agency, allowing you to use their discounts, and
work under the umbrella of their ARC bond and special
certifications.
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) offers a
correspondence course that provides a basic understanding of the
travel industry. It's helpful if you establish yourself as a
specialist in a particular area of travel, such as beach vacations,
golf events, or cruise ship vacations. Do this by picking an area
you already know and then research all available materials. People
feel more comfortable that you are the right one to handle their
vacations plans when you can go beyond basic answers to their
questions.
Start up cost vary from $100 to over $10,000, depending on
whether you decide to associate with a host agency or go it alone.
An agent's income depends on commissions of around 10%, and the
service fees they charge clients. Earnings may start out low,
especially in times of economic troubles. However, the range is
broad and the travel benefits are a nice perk. Income can then be as
low as $1000 per month or as high as $100,000.
