Independent high street travel agency

Local families, older customers, groups and businesses who prefer to talk to someone in person, plus people planning complex or high-value trips.

Commission from tour operators and suppliers, service fees for tailor-made itineraries, and fees for group or corporate bookings.

• Strong destination and product knowledge
• Sales and relationship building
• Managing bookings, money and suppliers

• Financial protection for package holidays (such as ATOL, ABTA or other bonding): check which applies to the products you sell
• Customer money handling and trust account rules: check with your trade body and accountant
• Shop lease terms, business rates and premises costs
• Public liability, professional indemnity and employer's liability insurance if you hire staff
• Commission is often paid after travel, so plan cash flow carefully

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on your premises, fit-out, supplier agreements and financial protection. These are estimates, so check lease terms, business rates and insurance costs before you commit to a shop.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your location, the bookings you win and the products you sell. Commission is often paid after travel, so plan your cash flow carefully.

Check which financial protection applies to the packages you sell, such as ATOL, ABTA or other bonding, and the rules on handling customer money and trust accounts. Also check shop lease terms, business rates, and public liability, professional indemnity and employer's liability insurance.