Q - Can I operate my CruiseOne Franchise out of a retail space?
A - Yes, with a CruiseOne Franchise, you may operate out of your home-office, as many of our owners do, or run your business from a storefront location.
Q - What is the minimum equipment I need to get started?
A - The absolute minimum equipment needed to own a CruiseOne Franchise includes: 1) Dedicated business phone line, non-cell phone 2) High- speed internet access such as DSL or Cable; and 3) Windows-based PC, MAC systems are not compatible.
Q - Do I need to form a Corporation or LLC to purchase the franchise?
A - No, you may purchase the Franchise as an individual or as a partnership. We encourage you to examine the benefits of incorporating by researching your local government website as well as speaking to your legal/tax professionals for advice that best fits your interests.
Q - Do I have to be registered to sell travel?
A - Some states require Seller-of-Travel registration and CruiseOne provides these as part of your initial franchise fee. It is the presumptive franchisee's obligation to cover any additional licenses to operate a business if required by local governmental laws. In some instances, if you are operating as a home-based business, you are typically not required to hold additional licenses. Again, please check your local state and municipal laws.
Q - Do I need to be bonded or insured?
A - When a state requires bonding in addition to the Seller of Travel registration, CruiseOne carries that bond on behalf of the franchisee. Additionally, you are required to carry Errors and Omissions Insurance and CruiseOne does provide a $1,000,000 Errors and Omissions policy at a discounted fee of $100.00 annually. If you desire you may also shop for your own coverage with the same level of protection. It is also important to check with your homeowner insurance carrier to determine if you need additional coverage for your business.
Q - Will I be limited to a sales territory?
A - No, you will not be limited to a territory in your sales outreach to potential clients.
Q - Are there any discounts to the “Full” franchise fee?
A - The full purchase price of a CruiseOne Franchise is $9800. CruiseOne proudly offers up to a 20% discount to U.S. Veterans, ethnic and racial minorities including women in business as well as travel industry experts. CruiseOne is a proud supporter of both MinorityFran and VetFran initiatives through the International Franchise Association. If you believe you might qualify for any of these discounts, please inquire with your Franchise Development Specialist.
Q - What is the term and length of the contract in years?
A - The CruiseOne Franchise contract term is for five years.
Q - How long is the initial training and is there a cost to attend?
A - The initial training course is included in your franchise fee. Training takes place at our Fort Lauderdale corporate headquarters in a new state-of-the-art training facility. Classroom training is a 6-day course and includes cruise-ship tours. CruiseOne includes hotel accommodations, breakfast, lunch and complimentary transportation to and from our training facility. Ask how you can receive reimbursement toward your airfare and ground transfers when attending the initial training class.
Q - Does CruiseOne offer continuing education?
A - Yes! We offer on-going and continuous training opportunities in various formats. CruiseOne utilizes a self paced eLearning program, frequent webinars, regional training classes with our headquarters staff, Seminar at Sea opportunities and a dynamic annual National Conference aboard the industry’s leading cruise ships. All training is packed with industry leading educational opportunities including the ability to earn credits toward the Cruise Line International Association’s Master Cruise Counselor Certification. You are also offered the opportunity to become certified as a Luxury Cruise Specialist.
Q - Do you have a mentoring program?
A - Yes, seasoned franchisees have volunteered to mentor and will be paired with new Franchise Owners. There is no cost to participate in this program.
Q - What support is provided once I return to my home office from training?
A - Upon classroom training, you will participate in our on-boarding training program which guides you through those pivotal first steps in franchise business ownership. CruiseOne is particularly proud of the outstanding service our Agent Support team provides our franchisees. With extended business hours, our Agent support team is available via phone or email. Additionally, our Business Center intranet site is your Virtual Office - an information packed resource in which you connect and network with fellow franchisees, headquarters staff and travel suppliers. Don’t take our word for it; ask our franchisees about the unparalleled support they receive day-to-day!
Q - What is the estimated total start-up cost associated with CruiseOne?
A - CruiseOne estimates start-up costs to be between $4,575 and $26,165. Now, with the vast majority of our franchisees being home-based you can expect to be on the low end of that number. Below is a chart explaining “as needed” expenses associated with start-up.
*Initial franchise fee of $495 is for experienced travel professionals that have an existing book of business and meet certain revenue thresholds, please contact your Franchise Development Specialists for further details.
Q - Does CruiseOne provide financing?
A - Yes, for as little as $3,500 down you can start your new career as a CruiseOne Franchise Owner focusing on growing your own business. Contact us today for more details.
Q - When my contract expires, do I have to pay any renewal fees?
A - No, with CruiseOne you do not have to pay any renewal fees, the initial franchise fee is a one time fee.
Q - Since there are no renewal fees, why does my contract expire?
A - From time-to-time we need to make changes to our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and Franchise Agreement. Once your term is up, you will need to sign under the ‘new’ agreement. This allows you to accept the new terms or discontinue without any penalty.
Q - May I transfer or sell my franchise?
A - Yes, CruiseOne allows you to sell or transfer your franchise. Whether you’re transferring your franchise to a business partner, family member or selling your franchise outright, CruiseOne will walk you through the process. The transfer fee is typically 30% of the initial franchise fee and is due at the time of sale or transfer.
Q - What kind of business overhead should I anticipate?
A - This will vary depending on how you decide to operate your business. You can operate your business from home, an office suite or retail location. Please refer to the chart regarding total start up costs.
Q - Are there minimum performance standards required?
A - No, CruiseOne realizes that this is your business and you have your own goals. We do not have a minimum performance standard therefore we don’t impose any fees or penalties surrounding your performance.
Q - If I want to participate in the corporate marketing programs, what is the cost?
A - Our award-winning array of marketing programs are professional, cost effective and impactful. None of the programs are required; however you will find them to be a key component in a successful marketing plan. Customized direct mail pieces start as low as .23 cents per piece, including postage. We do have a lead generation program “Lead Power” which is an opt-in opportunity to receive leads generated through our corporate initiatives. Our patented CruiseCreate marketing template database is a quick no-cost tool to create on-demand marketing pieces. Numerous other innovative marketing programs abound, including web marketing, customizable email templates and social media campaigns.
Q - Is there a required marketing fee?
A - As in many franchises, CruiseOne looks to harness our purchasing power and franchisees do contribute a very small fee toward this marketing fund. It is capped at $1000 per year per franchisee. At this time, the contributed funds are returned to the franchisee at the end of the anniversary year in the form of a marketing credit redeemable for CruiseOne marketing pieces.
Q - Do I pay extra for websites? Can my client’s book online directly with me?
A - All franchisees receive, at no cost, five consumer websites that are template driven and allow personalization and drive online bookings. Via your websites clients can book directly with you, they have the ability to select their cabin and make payment. This melds the personal touch your client’s desire with the convenience and contemporary technology they expect from a leading travel industry provider.
Q - Can I view the CruiseOne technology?
A - As part of your due diligence process, a Franchise Development Specialist will conduct a comprehensive web demonstration to showcase our wide variety of technology including our web-based business tools.
Q - How do I book reservations with the cruise lines?
A - CruiseOne’s technology is a source of pride and differentiation from our competitors. We offer at no added cost, the use of our $40 million proprietary, web-based, live inventory technology system, Cruise Control.
Q - Do I have to sell only cruises?
A - You are not limited to selling only cruises! We have long-standing partnerships with many tour and land suppliers and continue to expand these relationships. You have the ability to earn commissions by selling cruise packages, travel insurance, shore excursions, land packages, escorted tours, independent tours, all-inclusive resorts, hotels and car rentals. CruiseOne has received preferred partner awards with Globus Tours, Apple Vacations, Sandals Resorts and more!
Q - Can I hire Associates or Independent Consultants?
A - Yes. With CruiseOne you are not limited to only adding one or two associates. CruiseOne supports your efforts to grow your business by adding associates. There is a one-time fee of $495 to add an associate plus Errors & Omissions insurance coverage at an annual $100 fee. Associates receive access to an online training program.
Q - Do the Cruise lines recognize my franchise for the business I do?
A - Absolutely! Because of our size and buying power, we already boast some of the highest commissions paid by suppliers. Many programs are in place to reward and recognize top producers such as our new Circle of Excellence Program, free CLIA memberships, exclusive invitations to inaugural cruises and a free cabin on our annual National Conference at Sea.
Q - Do I get travel agent discounts and perks?
A - That's part of why we love this industry - perks and travel agent discounts! Based on your production, you can achieve eligibility for an IATAN card, which entitles you to hotel, cruise and tour discounts, including familiarization trips to experience the product first-hand. There are also countless opportunities to become certified with many of our suppliers, in which most have online training and travel benefit opportunities.
Q - Do you have a blog?
A - Yes we do. Click Here to visit our blog
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