Home-Based rail travel advisor

Holidaymakers, retirees, families and groups planning a rail trip who want help with routes, timings and bookings. Some small businesses and clubs may also book group rail travel.

Commission from rail operators, tour companies and package suppliers once the client travels. Some advisors also add a planning or booking fee. Commission rates vary a lot by supplier, and many plain ticket sales pay little, so packages and multi-stop itineraries matter.

• Sales and customer service
• Organised, with attention to detail
• Route planning and travel research

• Some provinces require travel sellers to be registered or licensed, such as Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, so check with your provincial regulator
• Errors and omissions insurance and commercial general liability insurance, which host agencies sometimes include
• Commission is usually paid after the client travels, so income can be slow to start and may be cancelled if trips change
• Ticket-only sales may earn very little commission, so check what each supplier actually pays
• Customer deposits and refunds, and what the rules say about handling client money

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on whether you join a host agency, plus insurance and marketing. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $3,000, depending on how many trips you book and what suppliers pay.

Some provinces require travel sellers to be registered or licensed, such as Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec, so check with your provincial regulator. Also check errors and omissions and commercial general liability insurance, and the rules on handling customer deposits and refunds.

Commission is usually paid after the client travels, so income can be slow to start and may be cancelled if trips change. Ticket-only sales may earn very little, so check what each supplier pays. Expect at least around 8 hours a week.