FAQ's
Print this page
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is there a joining fee or annual membership charge?
There is no joining nor set up fee, neither do we charge an annual membership fee.
Q. So how does Freedom make its money?
We apply a monthly management service fee equal to 10% of your nett commissions. Your commission is paid monthly, by BACS into your designated bank account.
Q. Who pays the Tour Operators?
Within our extensive Support Centre, we have a finance department who is responsible for all your supplier payments. Freedom members will receive free pay-in facilities facilities with the post office for any cash and cheques can be sent into us, thereby saving you any Bank charges. All customer monies are paid into a central account from which supplier payments are made.
Q. Do we need to arrange our own bonding with ABTA?
No, as a managed branch office of The Freedom travel agent's Consortium we take care of all the bonding requirements. You will receive your own unique ABTA membership number before you commence trading with Freedom.
Q. What about Credit card facilities?
The Freedom Travel Group will supply you with the latest Credit Card PDQ technology. Our transaction charges are amongst the lowest in the industry at 1.15% for visa/Mastercard payments, 2% for American express and 0.25p for debit cards.
Q. Can I use my own computers?
Whilst Freedom can supply a quote for supplying both your computer hardware and software, most members prefer to use a local company who will include a maintenance cover within the price. You must operate Windows XP Professional or Vista as a minimum requirement.
Q. If I decide to apply, how long does the application process take?
Once you have confirmed that you wish to join Freedom, we will issue you with an application pack. This must be completed in full and returned to our Support Centre. You will be contacted by phone and advised if your application has been successful. We will then issue you with an Agency Agreement for signing. Once this has been received we will formally apply to ABTA for membership. At the same time we will commence the commissioning of our technical requirements. On average, and following our receipt of your signed Agency Agreement, the membership application process takes between 4-6 weeks. Our support centre team will liaise closely with you throughout the application process.
Q. Will we be trained how to use the TARSC system?
All successful applicants must attend a two-day training course which is free of charge and held in our Support Centre, in Stoke on Trent. Accommodation is available locally at competitive rates and at your own cost. In addition to the training, a member of our support team will also visit your business shortly after you commence trading as part of our “hand-holding” support programme. Furthermore, you will receive a visit from a Business Development Manager who will share with you all the sales and marketing benefits available to all Freedom members.
Q. Is there anyone we can turn to when we need help?
We pride ourselves on our membership support programme. We have a team of dedicated staff to assist you with all your enquiries. Whether they are technical, commercial, administrative, banking or marketing queries we are on hand to offer you and your staff help and assistance.
Q. What about commission rates and staff incentives?
We are part of the Co-operative Travel Trading Group (C.T.T.G) and therefore all Freedom members enjoy the best commission rates and incentives in the business. There are monthly promotional campaigns and “tactical” offers available throughout the year.