Frequently Asked Questions
Q: As an ATOC Agent, what rail products can I sell?
A: ATOC Agents can sell the full range of National Rail Products which are made available by all
Train Companies.
Q: What Rail Products can I NOT sell?
A: Season Tickets, local promotions, short term promotions, certain types of tickets which include
entrance to Theme Parks or exhibitions and special fares introduced by Train Companies from
time to time.
Q: How will I obtain Ticket Stocks
A: When you are appointed as an ATOC Agent, you will be given an account code which will
entitle you to request rail ticket stock from ATOC's approved suppliers.
Q: What costs are involved?
A: There will be an initial set up fee of £300 plus VAT. This is a non-refundable charge. The costs
for most Ticket Issuing Systems if appropriate, are shown in appendix 2.0. A Bond or Banker's
Guarantee might be needed in which case your bank might raise a charge for this service. If you
need to send members of your agency sales staff on a course for the Quality of Service certificate
you will need to pay the fees raised by ATOC's Approved Training Suppliers.
Q: How long does the licensing application procedure take?
A: A completed application, where you have two members of staff with Quality of Service
Certificates, appropriate financial security and a robust Marketing Plan could be complete in
around four to six weeks. All applications are referred to Train Companies for their endorsement. If you
have to send staff on training courses or apply to other organisations for qualifying factors, then
the procedure will be extended and could take a little longer.
Q: What level of Commission will my agency earn?
A: Currently, the basic rate of commission is 5%. This may be changed from time to time. Any
incentives over and above the basic rate of commission must be negotiated with individual Train
Companies who may agree a specific proposal, based on their company's level of sales at your
agency.
Q:? Is there a minimum level of rail sales turnover needed before a licence will be
granted?
A: As a guide the minimum requirement in the first year's trading should be between £25,000 and
£50,000. Consideration may be given by ATOC if the circumstances were that the agent was in a
rural area and revenue expectation was less than £25,000.
