About the Company

Points Panda is a travel blog and award booking consultancy launched by Freddy Lansky in August 2019. Based in Mexico City, the company reviews credit cards, flights, airport lounges, and loyalty programs. Additionally, it offers consultancy services to help clients maximize their credit card points and miles for travel.

The company operates with a small team of five employees and generates approximately $3,800 in monthly revenue. Points Panda has steadily grown over the years, expanding its services and client base. Lansky’s passion for points and miles has been a driving force behind the company’s development.

Points Panda not only provides valuable reviews and consultancy services but also partners with affiliates to promote credit cards. This diversified approach has allowed the company to create multiple revenue streams and establish itself as a reliable resource in the travel industry.

Idea Behind Company

Before starting Points Panda, Freddy Lansky was already involved in the points and miles world through his previous business, iChess. He frequently booked business class award flights for himself and his business partner to Europe and South America. This experience helped him understand the value of transferring points to airlines for better deals on long-distance flights.

As more people sought his help with booking award flights, Lansky began charging a small fee for his services. This side hustle eventually made him realize there was a significant market for his expertise. Many people had unused points and needed guidance on how to maximize them.

Recognizing the potential, Lansky decided to turn his passion for points and miles into a legitimate business. He aimed to become a go-to consultant for people looking to optimize their credit card points and miles, offering personalized advice and booking services.

Creating the Company

Initially, Lansky ran Points Panda as a one-man operation, offering three consultation packages: one-time consultations, an annual basic plan, and an annual premium plan. His first clients were mostly referrals from friends and family, which provided a solid foundation for the business. He also reached out to niche Facebook groups about points and travel to establish himself as a thought leader.

Despite the initial success, Lansky realized he couldn't handle all tasks alone and decided to hire like-minded individuals. He focused on hiring people passionate about travel and willing to learn about points. This team helped with content creation for the blog, allowing Lansky to concentrate on consultations and strategy.

Weekly meetings and collaborative idea generation sessions became a regular part of the Points Panda workflow. Over the years, this approach led to a fine-tuned content creation system and a steadily growing business. Although it wasn’t easy, the team’s shared passion for points and travel played a crucial role in the company’s development.

Launching the Business

When Points Panda officially launched, Lansky already had existing clients, making the transition smoother. However, he faced challenges in establishing an online presence in a competitive industry. To overcome this, he hired writers and an SEO specialist to increase web traffic and even created YouTube videos to build the brand's credibility.

Building a team was difficult due to the niche nature of the points and travel industry. Lansky's hiring criteria focused on passion for travel and willingness to learn about points. He provided guidance and training to new hires, understanding that they wouldn’t excel immediately but would improve over time.

Collaborating with industry partners became a key strategy for acquiring new customers. Lansky worked with other blogs, podcasts, and YouTubers to promote Points Panda. This approach helped build relationships and attract high-quality leads, turning casual visitors into loyal clients.

Earnings

Points Panda faced significant challenges during the pandemic, as the travel industry was severely impacted. The company had to adjust its business model temporarily, relying on income from YouTube videos and credit card affiliate partners. This experience underscored the importance of diversifying income streams.

Despite these setbacks, Points Panda has been doing well since travel started to resume. The company’s social media presence has grown organically, with about 1.5k followers on Facebook and 3k subscribers on YouTube. The slow and steady growth reflects the team's dedication and consistent efforts.

Future goals for Points Panda include expanding the team to reduce Lansky’s direct involvement in consultations. Lansky emphasizes the importance of having a plan B and being prepared for unexpected challenges. His advice to other entrepreneurs is to diversify income streams and be consistent in providing value to clients.