Home-based cruise consultant

Cruise lines and booking partners pay you commission. Travellers pay the cruise fare, which usually goes through the agency or the supplier. Some consultants add a planning fee for complex trips.

Commission on each cruise sold, plus occasional extras like flights, hotels, transfers and travel insurance referrals. Income is often paid after the traveller sails or pays in full, so cash flow can be slow.

• Good listening and customer service
• Organised with bookings and deadlines
• Enjoys researching destinations and ships
• Comfortable selling by phone, email and social media

• Check current requirements before trading: state travel agent licences are no longer generally required in Australia, but cruise lines and suppliers may only pay commission to accredited agencies or through a host agency. Check whether you need accreditation, such as the ATAS scheme run by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA, formerly AFTA), by asking your chosen host agency or ATIA directly
• Get an ABN and check when GST registration applies to your turnover
• Check public liability and professional indemnity insurance needs, including whether your host agency's cover applies to you
• Commission is often paid late or reduced if a customer cancels, so plan for slow cash flow
• Check with your local council whether a home-based business needs approval
• Follow Australian Consumer Law on accurate advertising and refunds

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on your equipment, training and any host agency fees. These are estimates, so check what your chosen host agency charges.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on how many bookings you make. These are estimates, and commission can be paid late or reduced if a customer cancels, so plan for slow cash flow.

Check whether cruise lines need you to be accredited, such as under ATAS, or to work through a host agency. Also check ABN and GST, insurance cover, council rules for home businesses, and Australian Consumer Law.