It has been a year since I signed up with OA. Now is a great time to share my experience with you if you looking for a new host ( like I was) or are a new agent looking to join the tourism trade.
OA is a GREAT host. No doubt. Before joining them, I simply picked up the phone and called them to speak with the owner. I had zero expectation of this actually happening but was pleasantly surprised when Chad Burt came on the line and spent a good half an hour speaking with me and answering all my questions. I signed up the same day. It didn't take me much time to understand their systems and if I had a question, the OA staff was very quick with their email replies. Best way to communicate with them. They have brilliant internal systems set up for just this purpose. Agency staff and higher-ups are almost always available for insight and help as and when needed. They are highly professional ( yet super funny on socials). I had a chance to meet most of the staff at one of their TA conferences and the vibe is that of one big family. For new agents, they have mentors for initial support. Though I have industry experience, I still set up a call with a mentor just to test the new waters. It was a lovely call.
They have great contracts with vendors, resorts, and consolidators across the world. Their payment system is top-notch with very little room for confusion. Payments have been on time on expected dates. The split is also one of the best ( that I know of) ( Ex host had a terrible split and I wish I had known of OA before).
All in all, I highly recommend Outside Agents. It has been a great year with them.
Happy Travel!
Outside Agents is the best host agency I have had the pleasure working for! I started in this business back in 1998 after completing Sarasota Travel (which is no longer in business) but it definitely gave me the basics in what I needed to know to get started in this business! I have always loved to travel and thought what better way to learn more about traveling than to start helping others make their dreams come true and see the places they most desired to experience! So, after working in "store fronts" for several years I got a chance to work in Alaska(which is one of my favorite destinations) I decided to work outside the office, still using that company as my "host" agency!
Then I moved to Tennessee from Florida(born and raised in Florida) 4 years ago. The company at the time paid 50/50 always promising to up my commission but that never happened so I started some research on other "host" agencies and found Outside Agents! After talking with Steve and he was so nice, informative and when he told me the commission structure starting at 80%, all I could think was if only had know about them years ago!! Signed on immediately! Not for just the money but the support from them(Steve, Chad and everyone I've spoke with since I started with them! They are all there to help when needed to keep my business going strong! I highly recommend Outside Agents to ANYONE who is interested in getting in this business!!
The training, the ability to see your sales and getting paid weekly when our commission has been paid is amazing! And so many other features that they are implementing regularly is beyond anything I've ever seen!
I can't thank them enough for always being there when needed either by phone or email!
This is not just a job/career for me, it's my passion and being with them has made it so much better than any other travel company I've experienced! The opportunities for growth of my business and support is truly the BEST ever!
Great host agency. Lots of training available, help with my business with a mentor, outstanding customer service
I have doubled my business after starting with OA in September of 2018. The support, training and opportunities that are given to home based agents is amazing. You never feel like you're "going it alone" with OA, the staff are great to deal with and are always patient and willing to help with even the simplest questions.
After my first 2 years as a travel agent with a small, local agency I decided to look for ways to create my own identity and establish business that saw me at "the agent", not my former agency. Discovered OUTSIDE AGENTS at CLIA's Cruise360 event in 2018 and, after comparing them to several other hosts represented there, decided to give them a try. I signed up a few days later and have never looked back. The resources and personal networking provided by OA are superior and help me grow in my business efforts. The support tools provided are excellent and have already made my work more professional and efficient. My business sales have grown (over 200% since joining OA) and I fully attribute that to the quality of assistance OA provides. I'm a home-based agent, with cruise travel making 99% of my business and I use OA resources almost every day. Without the experience of the owners, support personnel and fellow agents, I would not be where I am today.
I highly recommend Outside Agents as a host agency! I was with another at first but it wasn't the right fit and as soon as I signed up with OA it was like night and day! I had a group to set up the first week with them and they walked me through it-being a new agent, this was so helpful! I truly feel like they all care and I am not just a number. Everyone I've dealt with is helpful and genuine! Training has been invaluable and anytime I need help or advice as a still newer agent, they are there to help. I feel like I really started my business once I signed on with Outside Agents. I've learned so much! I'm glad my path brought me to OA and I plan to be with them for many years to come!
I have been with Outside Agents since September of this year. The reason I chose them is the training. The training is laid out in a way for you to succeed. The team and the community are outstanding and very helpful. I am so glad I made the decision to go with Outside Agents!!
Best host agency to work with. Excellent service and support.
They are super reasonable as far as your membership fee and the support staff is very responsive as well as courteous.
Best Host agency! Very happy I shopped around before deciding on a host. I’ve had nothing but great experiences with OA. They help with anything I need. If your looking for a host that keeps you educated on the market, answers your questions, a close knit community and network, and great experience, then OA is the way to go
Could not have made a better decision to switch to this host agency. My sales have doubled in just a matter of months, the training, and support is amazing, office staff is always available to help!