How Can I Get Access to Preferred Travel Suppliers?
To gain agent access to our basic training preferred travel suppliers and increase your commissions from 50% to 100%, follow these steps:
- Complete the basic training video for the specific supplier.
- Pass the supplier quiz with a 100% score.
- Your information will be forwarded to RSI Vacations, which will create your account.
- RSI Vacations will provide your username, password, and login credentials.
- Once access is granted, explore the supplier’s training, quoting, and booking platforms to begin earning commissions.
Requesting Access to Additional Travel Suppliers
If you need access to additional suppliers beyond the preferred list, follow these steps:
- Log into your account at The Dash Travel Agent Portal.
- Click “Travel Agent Training.”
- Click the “Preferred Suppliers List” drop-down arrow.
- Select “Additional Suppliers List.”
- Scroll to find the travel supplier you need.
- Click the “Request Access” button on the far right.
- Fill out the request access form.
- Your request will be processed, and login instructions including username and password will be emailed to you.
How Do I Effectively Work with a Preferred Supplier’s Agent Support?
As a travel agent, efficiently navigating a supplier’s portal and communicating professionally with their agent support team ensures a smooth experience for you and your clients. Here’s how to maximize these interactions: Before reaching out to support, take the initiative to locate answers on your own. Most supplier portals are designed with a wealth of resources to assist travel agents.
- Complete any available training – Look for internal training materials, webinars, or tutorials that cover common processes such as quoting, booking, and managing reservations.
- Review FAQs and guides – Check the FAQ section, resource libraries, or user guides for quick answers.
When You Need Additional Help
If you cannot find the answers within the portal, it’s time to contact the supplier’s support team. Here’s how to ensure a professional and productive interaction:
- Be friendly and professional – Your attitude matters. A respectful and courteous approach increases the likelihood of exceptional assistance.
- Use polite and clear language – Example request: “Hi, I’m a travel agent, and I’m looking to quote a trip/book a trip/make a payment/understand something in your platform. I want to ensure the process goes smoothly for both you and my client. Is this something you can help me with?”
- Listen carefully and take notes – Keep track of any steps or instructions provided to streamline future interactions.
Tips for Working with Travel Supplier Support Teams
Gather key information – Have your agency name, phone number, IATA number, and any relevant booking details ready.Be prepared for wait times – If calling, stay patient if there’s a queue.
Try using different communication channels: Live Chat – Keep questions concise and clear to avoid miscommunication. Save chat transcripts for future reference. Email – Provide all necessary details upfront (e.g., booking references, client names, and specific questions) to minimize back-and-forth communication.
By treating supplier support teams as partners, you foster goodwill and build stronger relationships, benefiting both your business and your clients.
Can I Book Travel and Earn Commissions with Suppliers That Are Not Listed as Preferred Suppliers?
Yes, you can book travel through non-preferred suppliers, but there are key considerations to keep in mind. Preferred suppliers offer significant advantages, including:
- Timely commission payments – Guaranteed agreements with the host agency ensure commissions are tracked and paid on time.
- Streamlined processes – Preferred suppliers are already integrated into the host agency’s system, reducing errors and administrative efforts.
- Enhanced support – They provide dedicated agent resources, training, and support, making the booking process smoother.
What Are My Options If a Supplier Is Not Listed as Preferred?
If a supplier is not on the preferred list, you have two main options:
- Explore preferred supplier alternatives.
- Book directly with the supplier as a regular customer.
- Charge a service fee to your client to ensure fair compensation for your time and expertise.
Why charge a service fee?
- Non-preferred suppliers may not pay commissions, so service fees ensure you’re fairly compensated.
- Typical service fees range from $25–$100 per person, depending on booking complexity.
- Using preferred suppliers ensures reliable commission payments, agent support, and training resources.
Service fees are an industry-standard practice, especially when commissions are not guaranteed. They:
- Ensure fair compensation for your time and expertise.
- Reflect the value you bring to clients, particularly when managing complex travel arrangements.
Why Might Booking Through Non-Preferred Suppliers Delay Commissions?
Non-preferred suppliers lack pre-established commission agreements, meaning:
- Commission tracking and payments may be unreliable.
- The host agency may need to manually negotiate terms, leading to delays or uncertainty.
Final Thoughts
Leveraging preferred travel suppliers offers numerous benefits, from faster commission payments to better support and streamlined booking processes. However, if you must book with non-preferred suppliers, implementing a service fee ensures you are still compensated for your expertise.
By mastering supplier relationships and professional communication, you can maximize your earnings, provide excellent service to clients, and build lasting supplier partnerships in the travel industry.