Online coach and bus ticket agent

Travellers who want help with routes and bookings, such as international visitors, retirees, students and people in regional areas. Operators pay you commission.

Commission from operators on each ticket sold, and sometimes a small booking or planning fee for multi-leg trips. Commission rates vary by operator and are usually modest, so volume and a clear niche matter.

• Clear, friendly communication
• Organised trip planning
• Basic website and online marketing
• Attention to detail with bookings

• Commission rates may be low, so check the numbers before you commit
• Operators may not accept new agents, so confirm approval in writing first
• Check how customer payments and refunds are handled so you stay within Australian Consumer Law
• Check whether your state has any travel agent registration rules, and whether voluntary industry accreditation is worth having
• Consider professional indemnity and public liability insurance
• Check GST registration once your turnover reaches the threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your website, booking tools and marketing. Because it is home-based, there are no premises costs. Check commission rates before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $200 to $2,000, depending on how many trips you book and the commission each operator pays. Commission rates may be low, so check the numbers. It can start from about 8 hours a week.

Confirm operator approval in writing, as some may not accept new agents. Check how payments and refunds are handled under Australian Consumer Law, whether your state has travel agent registration rules, GST registration at the threshold, and professional indemnity and public liability insurance.