ssb Franchise Consulting

WHO ARE WE?

Expedia CruiseShipCenters allows Franchise Partners to own a retail travel agency that’s connected to their community – backed by the largest travel brand in the world. As a full service travel agency specializing in cruises, each franchise can offer customers Expedia prices AND the personal service and advice that people expect from a locally owned business.

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Why US?

20 years of consistent growth attracted Expedia Group®, to invest in our franchise system in 2007. They knew that cruise vacations were more complex to book than other travel products being sold through their other online subsidiaries like Expedia.com, Hotwire, Travelocity, and Hotels.com. They also knew that cruisers felt more comfortable booking with a trusted professional; a cruise specialist who could help guide the way. So In 2007, Expedia Group formed a partnership with CruiseShipCenters to tap into our network of brick-and-mortar locations and our travel agents who could offer personal service to cruise customers.

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Expedia CruiseShipCenters is a leading seller of cruises in North America. We’ve been recognized as a top seller with every major cruise line and have been named a Top 50 franchise by Franchise Business Review and in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise500. In 2010, we were inducted into the Canadian Franchise Association’s Hall of Fame for our continued excellence in franchising. With a dominating market share in Canada, our franchise opportunity is now expanding rapidly throughout the United States, with plans to add 300 locations in the next 5 years.

Support

Six key areas of expertise are provided to your client—before they even open their doors: 

• Studio Design and Construction

• Demographic and Market Research

• Lease Negotiation and Site Selection

• Professional CAD Drawings and Equipment Purchasing Support

• Marketing and Client Acquisition Strategies

• Digital marketing and media buys are managed on behalf of the franchise owner to maximize buying power

• Step-by-step Grand Opening Planning

Ongoing Corporate, Field, and Website Support

At their Denver based Franchise Support Center, a helpful staff of 50+ stands ready to assist your client with regular site visits, phone calls, email, and their online EM Message Board.

Communication, communication, communication… that is their goal and it's one of the most challenging aspects of building a customer-driven organization. They provide their franchisees with many ways to reach the franchise support center.

Ideal Candidate

Initial Training takes 3-5 months prior to store opening. Franchise Partners will complete the Consultant training modules through the International Cruise Academy to learn the cruise sales process before attending our 5 day Cruise Management Academy training in Vancouver, BC. The start-up team at corporate office will guide new Franchise Partners through the process every step of the way.

On-going Support will come from their 140+ Corporate Support team and a dedicated Franchise Performance Coach. Their culture of Stronger Together is encouraged through networking opportunities with their executive team, travel suppliers and fellow Franchise Partners. Regional meetings are held semi-annually, while an annual National Conference is held each year aboard a 7 day Carribean Cruise