YTB Travel Franchises

YTB Travel Franchises: Company Facing Serious Lawsuits

Traverus Member Trips!

YTB California Lawsuit

Competition is always good for the market place and the end consumer always Wins when companies compete.

However there comes a time when you feel sorry for even your biggest competitor and that day is today for me regarding the California YTB Lawsuit.

Just as I was a manager for Wells Fargo Bank I taught and trained people how to help homeowners refinance thier loans over to Wells Fargo from Countrywide, Morgan Chase, City Group, and other lenders to make Wells #1. I could only feel sadness for all of the employees that lost thier jobs when the market began to go down. Even though the Wells portforlio and business model had done better than other banks through this real estate storm you want to see these other financial institutions continue.

Thats how I feel about YTB California Lawsuit today many friends and family members I know over there that are stressed out and looking for secure income are effected by this news.

Our CEO has asked us to be respectful as we come in contact with others about this sensitive issue which is the kind of Class I expect from all of our Traverus Family. Let's all go into prayer for all of the thousands of people This will Effect.

California is the 2nd Largest state for YTB so this is very alarming to many.

YTB sued by California attorney general

WOOD RIVER - One of the city's largest employers and seller of online travel is being sued for $25 million by the California Attorney General's Office for operating a "gigantic pyramid scheme."

Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced Tuesday that he filed suit against YourTravelBiz.com, a subsidiary of YTB International Inc., for recruiting tens of thousands of people with deceptive claims that they could earn huge sums of money through its online travel agencies.

"YourTravelBiz.com operates a gigantic pyramid scheme that is immensely profitable to a few individuals on top and a complete rip-off for most everyone else," Brown said.

Brown stated in a news release that the lawsuit seeks to shut down the company's unlawful operation before more people are exploited by the scam. He said the company and its affiliates, YTB Travel Networks Inc. and REZconnect Technologies Inc., operate an illegal scheme that only benefits members if and when they find enough new members to join the scam.

Brown is charging YTB and the company's founders, J. Lloyd "Coach" Tomer, J. Scott Tomer and J. Kim Sorensen, along with the company's chief operating officer, Andrew Cauthen, with operating an "endless chain scheme."

The lawsuit is the toughest one filed so far against the company since it started operations seven years ago. YTB runs Web sites for referring travel agents, or RTAs, online agencies that sell flights, cruises and vacation packages and earn a commission.

The RTAs pay a one-time cost of $449.95 for the company to set up their online travel agency and monthly fees of $49.95 to maintain the site.

In the lawsuit, Brown claims that the "defendants make untrue or misleading claims that consumers can become millionaires and receive special travel discounts offered only to professional travel agents."

The suit claims that consumers paid more than $103 million to the company for Web sites, but made only $13 million in travel commissions.

"Of the more than 200,000 consumers who purchased or maintained defendants' Web sites during 2007, 62 percent failed to earn a single travel commission - not even on their own personal travel," the lawsuit claims.

Under California's business practices statutes, the company is liable for $2,500 per violation of the law.

YTB employs nearly 300 people at its headquarters at 1901 E. Edwardsville Road in Wood River and is spending $25 million to expand the facility it purchased more than two years ago.

Critics of the company say YTB is a hoax because so few people break even selling travel, and the majority of the company's profit comes from selling to new RTAs. Critics and investigators have looked at YTB for the past several years; however, there has been no action taken against the company.

One of YTB's top sales representatives was investigated by the Florida attorney general for "deceptive business practices" last year, but the state did not file suit.

YTB officials said other states have looked at the company's business practices and found nothing illegal.

A report that YTB filed Tuesday with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission states that a civil action was filed against the company by the state of California. The company said the complaint alleges that it violated California's unfair competition and advertising laws.

The filing states that the company believes it has operated in full compliance with California law and will defend the case vigorously.

"The complaint was filed after 18 months of dialogue, initiated by the company with the attorney general to discuss the implementation of the new California law's potential effect on the company's business model. Throughout these discussions, which broadened over time, the company has consistently cooperated with the state's information requests and provided detailed evidence in face-to-face meetings explaining how and why the company's business model is in full compliance with the California law."

The filing says the parties recently came to a standstill and that Monday's complaint, or lawsuit, is a result of the standstill.

A news release issued by CEO Scott Tomer said company officials were disappointed that California's attorney general decided to take action. Tomer said the company would defend the matter vigorously and is looking forward to having the court decide the merits of the case.

Proponents of the company said the timing in which Brown filed the lawsuit is somewhat suspicious, noting that YTB is hosting its annual convention at the America's Center in downtown St. Louis this week. A person who did not wish to be identified said that close to 20,000 people were in attendance at the convention.

During the past several years, YTB has grown significantly and was ranked 26th in a survey last year by Travel Weekly magazine, selling $414.5 million in trips. Nearly three-quarters of its revenue came from selling new agencies.

The company announced last month that it is contemplating the replacement of its referring travel agent business model with a franchise operating system, potentially in 2009. The model, if adopted, would be similar to other franchise businesses; however, details about price and product offerings remain under consideration.

The Associated Press contributed some information for this article.
Cynthia Ellis at http://www.thelegraph.com/

You can take your family with you on Traverus Member Trips Vs Fam Trips

YTB Travel Franchises

YTB Travel Franchises

The more YTB reps I speak to the more people are starting to really see why the Change in business Model to YTB Travel Franchises and why they are announcing it now if its only a Consideration. Think about it. You want to increase retention and reactivation so you speak about a mysterious coming Change 6 months from now. Folks I know there are some loyalist that are angry at me talking about this public announcement and question my integrity and motives as a marketer because I make it plain I want to let people know it does not Cost $500 to get into the Travel Industry. It cost $500 to fund a compensation plan for big bonuses for the upline leaders. That is the Truth.

That is why Traverus is a Good Alternative. YTB Franchises is going to cost more and they will tell you that you must be active to get involved and that it is an option. However all company directors and others are going to be pushing the new Franchise Period. YTB Franchises will be good for the top dawgs again the the little guy not seeing much success with the $500 RTA program in this economy will not see much more results selling a Franchise.

what really saddens me is that People are afraid to look at an opportunity that will be better for their families because of upline and peer pressure. I am myself was called everything but a man of God because I quit YTB and started Marketing my new business.

People who are doing research on the travel industry always run into information about YTB and Traverus and they want to know the difference. I decided to put the information in writting because knowing what it different is in High Demand and growing.

If you don't know what I am talking about These comments were made in an online Chat Forum.

YTB Agent 1 Said:
know the answer is in here somewhere.

I know the promotion has been extended.

I know there are 2 options RTA and CRTA, correct?

Fee's to join please as well as low end and high end(all the bells and whistles) monthly fees.

I really love travel. I really love the idea of booking travel and having my own travel agency so to speak and I need a Plan C in the event the changes at YTB do not work for me and my family.

I don't want a company that is more focused on recruiting than pushing their product, kwim? I would expect that most everyone recruits and books travel.

YTB REP 2
I'm interested also in case I need a Plan C.

YTB REP 1
I hope YTB folks don't get mad at me

But I am in this industry to provide for and make money for my family. In the event these changes are not a fit for me and my family I need to be prepared. There is a chance that the changes will not work for everybody. There will be winners and there will be losers, nothing wrong with that, that's life. I just want to be prepared.

Networker Reading the forum
I keep up with Traverus by their Sunday call.
(218) 486-1400 pin# 44023 At 9:45 EST. Someone can correct me if i'm wrong. If you do listen in get in early. I usually call in at 6:30 PST and wait for the call to begin.

For those who may feel a need to pm me, let me say I have made a committment to Pastor Brewer that if I ever decided to go with Traverus I would contact him.

I'm not in the travel industry, but I try to stay up to date on what's going on. Let me just say I did also look at YTB, but I didn't agree with the director requirements/limitations. That's not a shot at YTB, it was just something contractual I couldn't live with.

YTB REP 3
I totally agree with where you're coming from. I have a 4 week old and a work at home job with a zero tolerance background noise policy so needless to say I'm needing to replace my income in a decent period of time and don't really have the option of "waiting things out" for months on end (not to mention my hubby is not exactly keen on increased upfront cost or even the $500 lol)
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I am so glad that YTB reps one and Two decided July 21st to Give Traverus a Try (silently) You will hear how different it has been for them real soon.

I come across so many people that like the Idea of Travel and cannot afford the YTB price. I just don't want to see people sitting in free rep positions not doing anything when they have an opportunity to get in the Game with Traverus.

Those who are interested in knowing more about Traverus and why so many people find it easier to make money with this complan Give me a call.

Pastor Brewer
515-277-6462
International Executive

YTB Franchises

YTB Franchises

Wow! This is one of the Hottest topics on the Internet! YTB company and Reps are Furious that anyone especially someone in Traverus would discuss their business model Change. They want to shut our mouths Big Time. It has been a Fued since the beginning when when the Brick and Mortar Traverus Changed its Business Model from a 22 year old Traditional Travel Agency to a Networking business model. YTB Franchises Transition will experience what Traverus and any other company that chooses to change it's business model will...attrition. That is a fact.

I have worked for Corporate America and Managed Sales Teams and Departments for 20 years. I know what happens when any organization makes changes. First thing is your communication and YTB Franchise is wise by spoon feeding information. You have to give people bits at a time to Digest. So you start with your Leadership and management to get them all on the same page first. That was done 3 weeks ago. Then you start packaging your message to the field about the YTB Franchise transition.

Now just because there was a Chat room discussion about YTB Franchise. They are doing all this damage control and spin sending Emails to the leadership. Im like WOW! Sensative!

Well for those who inquiry minds and want to know the facts without all the Drama here ya go.
YTB Franchises will help YTB introduce more YTB products into their business model.
YTB Franchises wants to be able to use the word "franchises in a Network Marketing Model" to get more acceptance in Recruiting.
YTB Franchises wants to get into the International markets.
RTA's do not have to Switch to the YTB Franchise model and can keep their downlines.
RTA's Will be invited to switch to the YTB Fanchise Model and will get an good deal to do it. But not required to switch to the Franchise.
RTA's who Switch to the YTB Franchise model will have access to everything in the RTA model as well.

More coming at Convention Folks. Have a Great one. and don't be so threatened and Call us so many names because we are both in the Travel Industry and we should both keep upto date on what other companies are doing in our industry.

I was with YTB and have nothing bad to say about them. I just saw a fresh Start with a Ground floor Company That was Already international and Cost Less Called Traverus. I felt more people could afford the program and I was was right. I am glad I made the change. and Glad for all of the people who are doing well in this Industry.

Pastor Brewer
515-277-6462
Traverus even People in Iowa Can do it!

Traverus Travel

Thank you Traverus I have had many First in my life thanks to joining Traverus. This is my First Home! Moving in Aug 1st. I joined Traverus in March of 07. In just 5 Short months I replaced all my Bonus income I was getting as the #1 sales manager in nation in the home equity division.. By the 11th month I had completely replaced my Full Time income from Wellsfargo Bank. Now I am able to focus on Full Time Ministry and no longer have to go through the Corporate Grind. Thank you Traverus for my first house.

My Wife and I took our first cruise to Jamaica again thanks to Traverus. a 6 day cruise all inclusive cruise on the Royal Caribbean ship called enchantment of the Seas. for only $285! The ship is like a City on the Sea. Yes it was our first but not our Last. We are set to Go on a 7 Day cruise in Nov.

We will be taking our children to Disney for the First time Thanks again to Traverus! The Prices to Vacation are Amazing. You can Take Friends and Family with you at the Same Prices. Best Part is that you don't have to Sell anything or Qualify. Everyone just for being apart of Traverus can go at these Prices.

All I can tell you is as a Pastor I am very comfortable sharing this company with others. It is blessing so many Peoples lives for only $145.00 to Join right now it is great. We have retired 33 people from their jobs on our Team alone. Our team spans to over 25 Countries. Traverus is in 98 Countries.

If you have not taking a Good Look at Traverus you need to. It pays the highest residual income than any other company in the industry. I have so many on my team that have never did anything like this before that are making money. Our slogan is: "Ordinary people making Extra Ordinary Incomes!"

Get your Questions answered Today!

Pastor Brewer
International Executive
515-277-6462

YTB Franchises

YTB Franchises

Sad Changes coming for many hard working Americans in YTB.

15-Jul-2008

Regulation FD Disclosure

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
On July 15, 2008, Mr. Scott Tomer, Chief Executive Officer of YTB International, Inc. (the "Company"), announced that the Company is contemplating the replacement of its referring travel agent ("RTA") business model with the implementation of a franchise operating system, potentially in 2009. The Company expects that a franchising model, if adopted, would facilitate the Company's expansion into additional markets by providing more comprehensive training and a new proprietary e-commerce platform. Details regarding price, product offerings and the conversion plan are all under consideration, but the Company anticipates that its existing RTA base would be treated favorably under its forthcoming proposal. If a franchising model is adopted, its distribution is expected to be managed by subsidiary and current marketing arm of the Company, YourTravelBiz.com, also known as YTB.com.

The information in this report shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), or incorporated subject to the liabilities of that section or Sections 11 and 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and shall not be incorporated by reference in any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filings, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
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As a Pastor this is very sad to see. This Change to YTB Franchises is going to affect Hundreds of Thousands of Hard working YTB rta's. YTB has struggled with alot of battles with thier business model of recruiting for $500 and it's no secret for those in the know that retention is a problem. When you look at the income disclosure statements you see the real numbers in YTB behind all the flash videos and meetings.

This move to YTB Franchises confirms all of the rumors that YTB is going to start selling many products and not be a real travel company but a Marketing arm like Amway. YTB Franchises will have YTB Cars, YTB Flowers, YTB Mortgage, YTB Insurance, YTB, YTB, YTB- YTB Franchises what every product they want to sell to their massive downline.

People who are interested in continuing to have travel Perks will look for companies like Traverus. That has been selling Travel for over 22years as a Brick and Mortar Travel Agency that has no intention of selling anything but Travel, and the most of it. Traverus has a True Home Based Certified Travel Agent position. YTB business model of its YTB RTA and YTB CRTA postions have never been denied by the YTB Corporation as not being anything Close to a Certified Travel Agent. Only the YTB field directors and YTB power team leaders and YTB presentations would have people believe that is some how the same.

Those who are intersted in Traverus and our 22 year old Travel Agent Postions Give me a call.

Pastor Brewer
International Executive
515-277-6462

July 16, 2008YTB INTERNATIONAL CONTEMPLATES
IMPLEMENTATION OF FRANCHISES
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Company Considers Adopting Franchise Operating System in 2009

Wood River, Ill., July 15, 2008 - YTB International, Inc. (OTC BB: YTBLA) ("YTB" or the "Company"), a provider of Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives in the United States, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Canada, today announced that the Company is contemplating the replacement of its referring travel agent ("RTA") business model with the implementation of a franchise operating system, potentially in 2009. The Company expects that a franchising model, if adopted, would facilitate the Company's expansion into additional markets by providing more comprehensive training and a new proprietary e-commerce platform.

Details regarding price, product offerings and the conversion plan are all under consideration, but the Company anticipates that its existing RTA base would be treated favorably under its forthcoming proposal. Scott Tomer, Chief Executive Officer of YTB International, Inc. commented, "We have retained iFranchise of Chicago to consult in the planning and development of the franchise model and are excited about the potential impact on YTB's business." If a franchising model is adopted, its distribution is expected to be managed by the current marketing arm of the Company, YourTravelBiz.com, also known as YTB.com

The iFranchise Group, brings decades of experience to franchise development and implementation efforts. Their consultants have worked with over 30 Fortune 2000 companies and with 98 of the world's top 200 franchisors as rated by Franchise Times magazine. iFranchise has worked with clients such as Blockbuster Video, Ace Hardware, and McDonald's.

About YTB International
Recognized as the 26th largest seller of travel in the U.S. for travel sales reported in 2007 by Travel Weekly, YTB International, Inc. provides Internet-based travel booking services for home-based independent representatives in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Canada, Bermuda, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Company operates through three subsidiaries: YourTravelBiz.com, Inc., YTB Travel Network, Inc., and REZconnect Technologies, Inc. YourTravelBiz.com focuses on marketing online travel websites through a nationwide network of independent business people, known as 'Reps.' YTB Travel Network establishes and maintains travel vendor relationships, processes travel transactions of online travel agents and affiliates, collects travel commissions and pays sales commissions. Each RTA directs consumers to the YTB Internet-based travel website. The REZconnect Technologies division operates as a travel vendor relationship management company and offers franchises of brick and mortar travel agencies. For more information, visit http://www.ytbi.com/investor.

Statements about the Company's future expectations, including future revenues and earnings, and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange of 1934, and as that term is defined in the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time, and the Company's actual results could differ materially from expected results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequently occurring events or circumstances.