MOORESTOWN, N.J. -- Performance Media Group here is setting up a
Web-based system that enables suppliers to pay incentives to
front-line agents.
The program, called Modern Agent, is on line at www.modernagent.com.
Mark Murphy, company president and chief executive officer, said
participating agents receive their payments in the form of credits
to MasterCard debit cards, eliminating the need for multiple
checks.
Agents report their bookings to Modern Agent, which verifies the
data monthly with suppliers.
Participating suppliers pay a fee for each booking of 20% of the
incentive amount, or $10, whichever is larger.
In return, Murphy said, the company will promote the bonus
programs and distribute payouts to counselors. He said 30 suppliers
loaded offers within 24 hours of the program's introduction earlier
this month.
He said 36,000 agents at 22,000 locations have expressed
interest; on April 22, they will be asked to opt in again.
Murphy acknowledged some managers are nervous about direct
pitches from suppliers, but added, "We are committed to working
with owners and managers."
If a supplier wishes, Modern Agent will provide a disclaimer
reminding agents they must have management approval to accept the
incentives. Also, Murphy said, a manager could set up a master
account for the agency and collect the bonuses for the
business.
He also said he plans to launch education programs in June for
participating agents.
Murphy, former publisher of Travel Agent magazine, co-founded
the company last year with David Lovely, former director of
marketing at Lowestfare.com and owner of a Florida agency, and
Scott Whitley, founder of the MailPound Web-based fax-delivery service.