In 2024, I was searching for part-time jobs on ZipRecruiter. I found that HappytoGo was hiring for booking services, with no experience required. I responded and was directed to a Meet and Greet Zoom meeting with Edwin Sarkisian, Chief of Operations, minutes later to establish a meeting time. I attended the meeting and found that I was suddenly linked to BWJ Travel, also known as Book with Jacob, with no mention of HappytoGo. During the meeting, I inquired about the status of HappytoGo, but received no response from Edwin — my first red flag. There were about 200 people in the Zoom meeting. About half of the participants dropped out during the meeting. I knew that all host agencies charge an upfront fee for training, suppliers, a support team, and the use of their license. So, it was no surprise that BWJ offered a monthly or annual membership. I did not sign the IC agreement right away. I wanted to read it first, and so did my attorney. Since BWJ offered leads/clients to people who passed The Travel Academy, I started training at my own pace. I was certified and began accepting leads. During one prerecorded training session, Jacob, Edwin's brother, mentioned that BWJ pays for their leads, and they are expensive. That was a second red flag. I encountered many leads who did not appear to be legitimate, would-be clients.
Was BWJ paying leads to act as clients? After six months of my devoted attention and resources, I decided to leave BWJ with absolutely no bookings. Both Jacob and Edwin are very convincing and claim to have been in the travel industry for 30 years. They are both in their mid-thirties. BWJ has only had an LLC for three years and is not accredited with the BBB. The training is excellent, and their support team is also very good. It is a family-run business. However, you should expect to bring in your clients. BWJ claims to have a commission split of 80/20%, which is more than most hosting agencies. But the question remains, will you ever get a booking? Based on my determination and attentiveness to clients' wishes over the past six months, I am inclined to doubt whether you'll achieve anything. I have a lengthy and successful career in many areas: your decision, and your choice. BWJ Travel has multiple locations, and the HappytoGo site has been set up. You may want to correspond with BWJ at 1731 W. Glendoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91201, their last known address.
