The topic of whether the Magical Vacation Planner is a multi-level marketing scheme is a contentious one. On one hand, proponents argue that the company operates within the MLM model, with consultants earning commissions not only from their own sales but also from those of the consultants they recruit. This structure, they claim, incentivizes consultants to build a team and helps to create a sense of community within the company. However, others argue that while there may be some elements of MLM present in the Magical Vacation Planner, it does not conform to the traditional definition of an MLM scheme. They point to the fact that consultants are not required to purchase inventory or meet monthly quotas, and that there is no pressure to recruit others into the business. Instead, consultants have the freedom to work at their own pace and focus solely on selling vacation packages to clients.
Okay, but do they operate using a pyramid structure? Ding ding ding, right again! As what may actually be the lowest paying travel agency currently on record, they start you at a whopping 40% commission. Not 40% of your sales; 40% of the 10% (as an example) the vendors pay them!
They want to be the ones recognized at the industry awards, reaping the benefits and enjoying the perks bestowed upon them thanks to the stellar work done for them by their independent contractors. They market themselves in a way that makes me wish I had heard that saying, A lion will never have to tell you it s a lion because they had have a good pitch.
Instead, consultants have the freedom to work at their own pace and focus solely on selling vacation packages to clients. It is worth noting that the Magical Vacation Planner has received positive reviews from many satisfied consultants and clients alike. Consultants speak highly of the support and training they receive, as well as the flexibility and earning potential of the business.
Not so magical vacation planning
This article is from an ex-Magical Vacation Planner independent contractor, Violet. We thank her for sharing her experience with us all. Travel MLMs are often poorly understood — we hope Violet’s story helps to explain how these particular companies operate.
Nowadays there are plenty of blatantly obvious travel MLMs out there, some are even proud of it! But did you know there are also some staying hidden in the shadows, masquerading as squeaky clean, legitimate travel agencies when the reality isn’t nearly as innocent?
These agency owners want you to work hard to make them the best and earn lots of money … buuut you have to give most of it to them. They want to be the ones recognized at the industry awards, reaping the benefits and enjoying the perks bestowed upon them — thanks to the stellar work done for them by their independent contractors. They try really hard to keep most of those details a secret, but eventually someone was going to find out. Enter our subject, Magical Vacation Planner from the little town of Mitchell, Indiana. Heard of them? Surprised? You just wait.
How can they be an MLM? Is there even a fee to get started? You bet! They charge $299 right off the bat as well as monthly fees that range from $0 (for the inner circle crew) to $100 a month for the newer, less trustworthy peasants who need to prove their loyalty.
Okay, but do they operate using a pyramid structure? Ding ding ding, right again! As what may actually be the lowest paying travel agency currently on record, they start you at a whopping 40% commission. Not 40% of your sales; 40% of the 10% (as an example) the vendors pay them!
And once you’ve shown your worth and made them a significant amount of money, paid for extra training, helped line their pockets and proven to be a valuable earner, you get to become a Team Leader! This is when you get to hire your own team and get a kickback from every new contact signed and start up fee paid.
Then you get to train all your new hires! Oh, but just so you know, the interviewing and training and the support you now have to provide for all your new hires — you don’t get anything for that. Not one penny. There’s no guarantee any of the time you invest in these people will help you at all, actually. If your new team does sell some vacations, though, you’ll get some of their commission.
However, if one of your team becomes even more successful (hitting a certain amount of commissions paid) — get this — the company lowers the amount of commissions you as Team Leader get from that successful agent … but the company still keeps the majority of what you ought to be getting, for themselves, so don’t worry about that. They’re fine. So you need to keep hiring more and more recruits to your team, so maybe you have a chance of earning something. If your team doesn’t become successful, it doesn’t matter how many hours you’ve put into these people or how many long nights you spent developing them, you get nothing. Aaaannd you’re still paying the agency owners every single month just to waste your time and energy.
Why would anyone agree to this, you ask? Well, they sell it. They obviously don’t frame it with the truth. They market themselves in a way that makes me wish I had heard that saying, “A lion will never have to tell you it’s a lion” because they had/have a good pitch. Maybe back when they first started these shenanigans they were the best agency with the best training and support systems, etc …. or at least that’s what they get all their contractors to believe. Hook, line and sinker and I was in — as were thousands of others. Many are still stuck.
Why don’t they just leave, you ask? Well, the company doesn’t pay you until after the travel you booked is complete, which could be over a year away. Last year an agent could have sold vacations that would have brought them $40K this year, but if they leave … you guessed it, the agency owners keep all your money! That’s right, you’re responsible for marketing yourself, going out and getting all your own leads, clients, bookings, etc but you can’t leave or you’ve wasted all that time and energy and resources.
You would think that as independent contractors, their agents would actually have some, well, independence, right? Me, too. Apparently I was wrong about that. The required training and guidelines that are put in place must be followed so you can keep paying them to do things their way and make them richer. It works out pretty well for them, since they get to keep 100% of all your commissions if you get wise to their game.
In all honesty, this is just the tip of the iceberg. My main objective here is to help you not turn a blind eye — don’t just sign a contract because the job sounds fun and you get to make your own schedule. Most importantly, if you have been a victim of this agency or any like this one, please do your research about what your rights are. Check with your state and local government agencies, ask questions, and don’t give up.
When it comes to Disney, the top-tier Platinum Earmarked Disney travel agencies or Diamond Earmarked Disney travel agencies typically receive more FAM trip opportunities than do the smaller agencies. This is yet another reason to seek out a job with a high-level Disney travel agency (you’ll have more perks and freebies coming your way).
Clients appreciate the personalized service and expertise that consultants provide in planning their dream vacations. In conclusion, while there may be some debate about whether the Magical Vacation Planner fits the traditional MLM model, it is clear that the company offers a unique opportunity for individuals to earn income by helping others plan their dream vacations..
Reviews for "Exploring Alternative Travel MLMs: Is the Magical Vacation Planner the Best Choice?"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with the magical vacation planner. It felt like a complete scam to me. The representatives promised they could get me exclusive deals and discounts on Disney vacations, but when I compared their prices to those I found online myself, there was no difference. I didn't see any added value to using their services, and it seemed like a waste of time and money. I definitely would not recommend the magical vacation planner to anyone.
2. John - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the magical vacation planner, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The whole "multi level marketing" aspect of it made me skeptical right from the start. I felt like the representatives were more interested in recruiting me as a seller than actually helping me plan my vacation. The prices they offered were nothing special, and their customer service was lackluster. I don't think I'll be using their services again in the future.
3. Melissa - 1 star
The magical vacation planner was a big disappointment for me. It definitely felt like a multi level marketing scheme. The representatives were constantly pushing me to join their team and become a seller myself. I just wanted assistance with planning my vacation, not an opportunity for a sales pitch. The prices they offered were not competitive, and I found better deals on my own. I would advise others to steer clear of this supposed "magical" planner.