Become an Independent Contractor
Take the next step with FBI Travel
FBI Travel has partnered with independent contractors (ICs) for over 25 years. And though they work independently, our ICs are – and have always been – a valued part of our business.
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As an IC, you’ll have more flexibility and independence than an employee. You’ll set your own hours and targets, promote whichever products, suppliers or partners you like, build a customer base that suits you best and have the opportunity to work from anywhere (including our Caulfield North office). You’ll also benefit from resources, training and support provided by us, as well as access to GDS, booking systems and other tools without all the overheads of running a traditional business.
At the end of the day, a win for our ICs is a win for us. This is why we provide you with the tools and support to build a thriving business.
Benefits of becoming an independent contractor
There are many benefits to becoming an IC. Read more here and check out our FAQs at the bottom of the page:
Increased earning potential
Retain a higher percentage of commission compared to an employee.
Business autonomy
Either leverage our reputation or develop your own brand within the travel industry. If it’s the latter, we’ll support you all the way.
Flexibility
Set your own hours and work from anywhere, including our Caulfield North office. You’re welcome to come in anytime and use the meeting rooms and facilities or simply have a chat.
Diverse product offering
Focus on the products you want to sell, whether it’s general travel or niche markets like luxury, cruise, adventure or family-friendly.
Reduced overhead costs
Avoid the costs associated with traditional businesses like rent and utilities.
Independence
Set your own targets, promote whichever products, suppliers or partners you like, and choose which clients to work with.
Why join FBI Travel as an independent contractor
If you are thinking of joining FBI Travel as an IC, here are some of the reasons it could be the place for you:
As one of the most awarded and recognised agencies in Australia, our reputation will enhance your standing not only within the industry, but also in the eyes of potential clients. We’re a member of the prestigious Virtuoso Luxury Network and CT Partners, and proud to be the only Australian travel agency endorsed by Forbes Travel Guide.
Leverage our reputation
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: our greatest asset is our people. We’re willing to bet that if you’re planning an itinerary, someone at FBI Travel has been there. Join us as an IC and you’ll be sharing knowledge with some of the industry’s best consultants, many of whom have been independently awarded and recognised for excellence.
Learn alongside the best
As an IC at FBI Travel, you’ll enjoy the ongoing support of one of Melbourne’s top luxury travel agencies. Your success is our success, which is why our in-house accounting, operations, ticketing and marketing teams can guide you in growing your business.
Enjoy genuine office support
Our team has travelled the world building an unrivalled network of partnerships and memberships with the industry’s most significant and prestigious brands. Most providers prioritise our bookings, giving us privileged access to the world’s most sought-after experiences. Because of our reputation, our consultants are invited to the best trade shows and functions and we can get you in too. We also host providers in our office for product updates and presentations – yes, there will be plenty of morning teas and lunches!
Expand your network
We understand that baseline split percentages can be misleading as many agencies are purposely unclear when it comes to their true commissions. At FBI Travel, we work transparently with some of the highest baseline commissions in the industry. We operate a trust and trading accounting system with commission transferred to our ICs on a monthly basis. Upon joining, you’ll gain access to a commission reporting and sales analysis program, allowing for transparent figures, sales tracking and data deep dives.
Maximise your earning potential
Hear from Our Team
Running an independent business with full agency support
Esther Oberklaid
Esther has worked in the travel industry for 34 years. For 20 of those, she has been an independent contractor with FBI Travel. Esther’s main clients are business-class travellers and families, the majority of whom are booking for Europe, Japan and other international destinations. Most of her new clients come via word-of-mouth, and being an independent contractor, Esther can ensure they’re a good fit before beginning a relationship with them.
‘I’m fulltime but I can work when I want to work,’ says Esther. ‘I plan my day around what I need to do and there are no expectations [from FBI Travel]. I can do as much or as little as I want and either stay home or work from the office. Having an office to go to is super important as I can feel really disconnected if I’m 100% online.’
Esther appreciates having independence alongside all the advantages of working in a travel agency. If she needs to talk to someone in airfares or ticketing, she can drop into the office, pick up the phone or send an email and actually know who she is talking to. She also likes meeting travel providers in the office and being part of the team meetings and celebrations – all the things you might miss when working for yourself.
‘It’s just so easy,’ says Esther. ‘Everyone is easy to deal with, management is really accommodating and we have access to special fares and rates. It’s just a no-brainer. And it’s been lovely to watch FBI Travel grow. If I win, they win. And if they win, I win. We’re a real team despite the independent contractors working for themselves. It’s hard to explain, but there’s a feeling about the place and atmosphere. It’s a business, but it’s warm and everyone is genuine. We love working together and helping each other.’
FAQ's
1. What exactly is an independent contractor? How is it different to being a travel agency employee?
An independent contractor (IC) in travel is a self-employed professional who either partners to work with a host agency or directly with clients to sell travel services. Unlike employees of a travel agency, ICs have more flexibility when it comes to where and when they work and earn a percentage of their commissions instead of a salary.
2. Do I need to join a host agency as an independent contractor?
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No, but it’s highly recommended. A host agency provides access to supplier relationships and contracts, booking platforms and commission structures that will be very hard to secure on your own.
3. How do independent contractors get paid?
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ICs are paid through commissions on bookings. The host agency typically receives the commission from the supplier and then pays the IC based on the agreed percentage split. The good agencies will operate a Trust/Trading accounting system and only ever pay out on “cleared funds’. More about that in Question 11.
4. What are the benefits of being an independent contractor?
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Flexibility: You choose your hours, clients and travel niche
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Autonomy: You are operating your own business
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Earnings potential: No cap on commission-based earnings - the more you sell, the more you earn
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Low overhead: Very few fixed overheads
5. What are the downsides to becoming an independent contractor?
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No salary or other employee benefits: ICs are contractors, not employees, so they don’t receive employee benefits
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Unstable income: Your income is totally tied to commission, which may vary seasonally
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Business costs: ICs are responsible for taxes, insurances, and other business-related expenses
6. Do I need any certifications or licenses?
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When partnering with a host agency, the host agency will provide all the required licenses.
7. What tools do I need to start as an independent contractor?
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Computer and stable internet access
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ABN
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Professional Indemnity Insurance
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Company bank accounts
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Marketing tools such as social media platforms
8. Will I still have control over my business and clients?
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Yes, as an IC with FBI Travel, you’ll retain full autonomy over your business. You can continue building your brand and client relationships while benefiting from the added resources and support that we provide.
9. Can I specialise in a niche as an independent consultant?
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Yes! Specialising in areas such as but not limited to luxury travel, adventure travel, cruises or destination weddings can help set you apart and attract specific clientele.
10. How do I find clients?
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ICs rely on a mix of networking, word of mouth, and social media marketing. Developing a strong online presence and attending travel shows also help.
11. What should I consider when choosing a host agency?
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Commission split: Understand how much the agency keeps vs. what you earn. Beware of agencies that use what seem to be higher commissions, but hide fees and paid services elsewhere 
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Support & training: Does the host agency offer mentorship, tools, product and systems training or marketing support?
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Supplier relationships: Ensure the host agency works with reputable suppliers in your niche
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Reputation: Research reviews from other ICs who have worked with the host agency
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Trust/Trading Accounting: This is a specialised accounting practice where travel agencies hold client payments in a trust account. The funds in the account are kept separate from the host agency's operating funds and are only released when certain conditions are met, such as the agency paying the supplier (e.g. airlines, hotels, cruise lines) for services in full. This ensures that the clients' funds are secure and used specifically for the services they’ve purchased, rather than being used for the agency’s operational expenses or other purposes. It is designed to comply with IATA regulations that protect both clients and supplier funds in case the travel agency encounters financial difficulties or fails to deliver the services.
12. How do I manage taxes as an independent contractor?
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As a self-employed individual, you’ll need to file taxes quarterly, keep detailed records of income and expenses and pay superannuation. Consult an accountant for guidance.
13. Can I work part-time as an independent consultant?
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Yes! Many ICs start part-time to gain experience while balancing other commitments and working part-time ongoing is definitely an option depending on your lifestyle. However, working full-time will increase your earning potential.
14. How long does it take to become successful as an independent contractor?
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Success varies by individual. It depends on your effort, niche and client base. Some ICs see results within 6 months, while for others, it could take a few years to build a consistent income stream.