Frequently Asked Questions Due to the rigid regulatory climate in Canada, YTB is required to operate differently than it does in the United States. It is imperative that all YTB management, RTAs and Reps in the field know and understand the differences in order for YTB to adequately and legally conduct business in Canada. Accordingly, and in preparation for the upcoming YTB launch into Canada on February 8, 2008, the following FAQs were created for distribution.
This document is key to understanding the majority of these differences and consequently, the limitations imposed on RTAs in Canada: The current travel regulations are not equipped to handle the sale of internet travel as it is sold pursuant to YTB's business model. Consequently, if RTAs are considered to be travel agents, they will be subject to licensure and regulations. In Canada, it is important to remember that RTAs are directing their friends and family to a website where a customer can go to purchase travel, rather than selling travel directly.
The majority of the differences have to do with the way travel is sold. The network marketing component of YTB is virtually unchanged. The following FAQ highlights the similarities and differences our Reps and RTAs will notice.
Canadian Reps
1. Compensation Plan
Q: Is the compensation plan the same?
A: Yes.
The $50 Direct Sale Commission, $50 PowerTeam Commission, 6 Generation DreamTeam Commissions, Residual Commission and the 50% Match of these commissions remain the same.
And the qualifications to override remain the same as well.
2. Bonuses
Q: Are the $1,000 LeaderShip Bonuses earned the same way?
A: Yes.
Just like the US, a $1,000 LeaderShip Bonus is earned when the total PowerTeam enrolled RTAs grows by 6.
Q: Is the $10,000 Bonus?
A: Yes.
100 active PowerTeam enrolled RTAs triggers a $10,000 Bonus. And you can still earn as many of these as you can qualify for.
Q: Do the RTAs have to be from the same country to count?
A: No.
It doesn't matter where the RTAs live. You qualify for each of these bonuses with all RTAs enrolled by your PowerTeam, regardless of their country of residence.
3. Directors Program
Q: Do RTAs from other countries count toward Director?
A: Yes.
All RTAs count toward promotions for each Director level.
Q: Are the Directors Revenue Sharing checks the same?
A: Yes.
Level 1 is still $2,000 per month, levels 2 - 5 are revenue sharing with the same monthly minimums as are currently in place.
Q: Are the one time bonuses for Level 2 and above the same
A: Yes. These bonuses are paid in discounted stock options regardless of where the Director lives.
Q: Are the insurance benefits the same?
A: Yes and No.
Life insurance of $150,000 is awarded at Level 1 Director but the Blue/Cross Blue/Shield health insurance is not available in Canada.
4. Direct Sales License/Permit for Reps
Q: What is a Direct Sales License/Permit and what are the requirements?
A: Reps in six provinces of Canada,(Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories and Nunavut), must obtain a license/permit in order to participate in business involving direct sales. For example, in Nova Scotia the cost of a permit is $46.40 and must be renewed annually. More information concerning the other provinces, their fees and regulations are to follow.
5. YTB Identification Cards
Q: Are there any identification requirements for Reps?
A: Yes.
Reps are required to carry an Independent Marketing Representative (IMR) card in Alberta and Saskatchewan, which will be available for download in the back office.
6. Marketing Materials
Q: Can I use YTB U.S. marketing materials in Canada?
A: You may not use any U.S. marketing materials in Canada; however, Canadian marketing materials will be available in the back office for download and printing at no cost. Initially, we will have the Compensation Brochure and the Leader's Bulletin available. We are in the process of developing additional marketing materials for Canada.
7. Genealogy
Q: Will the genealogy appear differently when other countries are included?
A: All Reps will appear in the same genealogy with their U.S. counterparts.
8. Income Summary Disclosure
Q: What is an Income Summary Disclosure and when do I need to distribute it?
A: The Income Summary Disclosure document will be available in the Welcome Kit and from the web site. It contains information regarding income earned by RTAs and Reps. Although this document will be available on the company website, a hard copy must be provided to EVERY individual attending any meeting where YTB's business plan is presented in Canada.
9. Currency
Q: What currency will be used in Canada?
A: The Canadian dollar is the official currency of YTB Canada. All payments between YTB and its Canadian Reps will be made in Canadian dollars
Q: Will the YTB Paycard be used in Canada?
A: At this time, the YTB Paycard is not available for use in Canada. All commissions will be sent in the form of a paper check.
10. Provinces and Territories
Q: In which provinces and territories will YTB launch on February 8
A: YTB will launch in all provinces and territories on February 8th with the exception of Quebec. Because of the potential consequences of operating in Quebec relating to the travel industry and travel sales, YTB will not launch in that province initially. YTB will strictly enforce that there can be no Rep or RTA enrollment or activity, or sale of travel in Quebec. YTB will continue to pursue a legal course to meet the travel sales requirements of the Quebec regulatory authorities.
Canadian RTAs
1. Terminology
Q: Will the term "RTA" have the same meaning in Canada as it does in the U.S.?
A: We will continue to use the same acronym "RTA"; however, in Canada the term RTA will stand for Referring Travel Affiliate. The words "agent," "agency," "employee," "travel," and "store" must NOT appear in any website, literature, presentations, marketing or training materials.
2. Limitations on RTAs
Q: What limitations will be implied by the exclusion of using "agent," "agency," "employee," "travel," and "store?" How will this affect business practices in Canada?
A: RTAs should not represent themselves as travel agents, nor can they act in a way that implies they are agents. For this reason, all business must be conducted solely through the travel website. An RTA is not allowed to take any direct action on behalf of the customers, this includes the following:
a. RTAs may not deal directly with suppliers;
b. RTAs may not take payment or payment information of any kind (including group sales, which are referenced below);
c. RTAs may not distribute itineraries, tickets or any other travel-related documents;
d. RTAs' business cards must include the term "Referring Travel Affiliate".
3. YTB Identification Cards
Q: Will RTAs receive an identification or credential card?
A: RTAs will not be issued an YTB identification or credential card.
Q: Will RTAs in Canada be eligible to receive a CLIA card?
A: An RTA may apply for a CLIA card independently once he or she meets specific sales volume requirements that are determined by CLIA. Please see www.cruising.org for additional details.
4. Websites
Q: Why does my Canadian website look different than a U.S. website?
A: RTA sites MUST not contain the words "agent," "agency," "employee," "travel," or "store." Further, they must not include the Travel Store Name, URL, any forwarding URL, etc.
a. RTAs websites may only contain a RTAs individual name, his/her affiliate status, and a phone number (John Doe, Referring Travel Affiliate, Phone#).
b. It must be clear to consumers that they are purchasing travel from YTB and that the RTA is an affiliate who directed them to the travel website.
5. Marketing Materials
Q: Will I be able to use the Automated Travel Marketing System (ATM) in Canada?
A: Yes. Registration will be available for the "Deals and Steals" newsletter.
Q: What programs will be offered in Canada at the time of the launch?
A: YTB is diligently working to provide valuable programs for our Canadian RTAs. Upon launch, we will be offering exciting programs such as YTB Flowers, vendor sponsored trips, and RTA training.
Q: Will I be able to order business cards in Canada?
A: You may order business cards from the back office. These cards are specifically formatted to meet the regulatory requirements in Canada. Please do not use business cards other than the formatted cards available through YTB.
6. Conference Calls
Q: Will YTB offer conference calls for Canadians?
A: Yes, these will be available shortly after launch date. More details are forthcoming.
7. French Support
Q: Will YTB offer support in French?
A: Yes, YTB has French speaking support staff who are accessible by calling the main support line. You can be confident in knowing that all of our support staff will be well- versed in the differences between the U.S. and Canadian business practices.
Q: Will documents be available in French?
A: Yes, documents in French will be available shortly after launch date. Documents can also be translated online by Google.
8. RTA Training
Q: Will YTB be offering any RTA events in Canada?
A: RTA event dates will be announced shortly after the launch date.
9. Industry perks
Q: Will Canadian RTAs have the opportunity to take advantage of travel benefits?
A: Vendor specific packages are currently being developed.
10. Terms and Conditions / Policies and Procedures
Q: Are the T&C and P&P the same for Canada as they are for the U.S.?
A: YTB Canada must operate under a different set of Terms and Conditions and Policies and Procedures than its U.S. counterpart. Please note some of these differences by downloading these documents from your back office.
11. Income Summary Disclosure
Q: What is an Income Summary Disclosure and when do I need to distribute it?
A: The Income Summary Disclosure document will be available in the Welcome Kit and from the web site. It contains information regarding income earned by RTAs and Reps. Although this document will be available on the company website, a hard copy must be provided to EVERY individual attending any meeting where YTB's business plan is presented in Canada.
12. Currency
Q: What currency will be used in Canada?
A: The Canadian dollar is the official currency of YTB Canada. All payments between YTB and its Canadian RTAs will be made in Canadian dollars
Q: Will the YTB Paycard be used in Canada?
A: At this time, the YTB Paycard is not available for use in Canada. All commissions will be sent in the form of a paper check.
Q: Where can travel commission percentages be found?
A: Commission percentages are available in the Travel Portal.
13. Provinces and Territories
Q: In which provinces and territories will YTB launch on February 8
A: YTB will launch in all provinces and territories on February 8th with the exception of Quebec. Because of the potential consequences of operating in Quebec relating to the travel industry and travel sales, YTB will not launch in that province initially. YTB will strictly enforce that there can be no Rep or RTA enrollment or activity, or sale of travel in Quebec. YTB will continue to pursue a legal course to meet the travel sales requirements of the Quebec regulatory authorities.
Noteworthy Items:
The following items will not be available at the time of our Canadian launch. These items are the result of several years of implementation and may be available for use in Canada in the future. Some of these items are not allowable by Canadian provincial regulation or the term Referring Travel Agent is used in the context of the material.
RTA Advantage Program
Associations/Passport to Giving Program
YTB Cars
"Success From Home" Magazine
$6,000 Guarantee Program
Bill of Rights
Health Insurance for Directors
Limited Medical Insurance for RTAs
Company Presentation Link from ytb.com web site (video is being revised)
Tool Box Links
"Coach's Playbook"
Circle of Champions
Marketing Materials Created by RTAs and Reps will not be allowed in Canada
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Regina Osei is a successful mentor and coach who teaches her YTB Team members and other business owners how to succeed in business and how to market their businesses using diverse strategies and approaches both online and offline. If you are interested in starting your own online travel business and want the benefit of a mentor who is committed to your success, join our team today at http://regina.vacationmedia.net. If you have questions, e-mail me at: reginaosei@gmail.com or call 901-221-1630(1)
