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INDUSTRY
I'm five months into my journey with Outside Agents. I chose them because they were the best value as far as I could tell, and the woman who inspired me to pursue this career recommended them after doing her research after having started with another company that was an MLM that she doesn't want to be affiliated with. I'm taking her to lunch tomorrow in appreciation for the recommendation, I feel like OA was a good fit for me. So far they've been pretty hands off with me, but that's kind of what I wanted while I got the business parts completed ... setting up the business, figuring out how to organize things, getting the inital training done and getting familiar with everything, getting my website set up, the whole nine yards, dang no wonder I'm tired, lol. I kid. Not really but OA made it so much better than it could have been. They will not hold your hand, don't expect that, I didn't even want that and suspect you don't either. But as you have questions, they will answer the ones related to their business. If it's related to YOUR business, that's all you. You are assigned a mentor after your initial training and because I'm still pretty early, I'm trying to get a feel for how that works. It's pretty incredible what a great system they have set up, for so many agents from so many backgrounds with such different levels of knowlege and experience. And they make it work. Oh, you need to know, they have a great system for handling pretty much any question you have that you can't find yourself. MOST of it is already documented and it's pretty easy to find your way around after you get the hang of it. But when you can't find the answer or you need something, you just submit an SOS ticket. Their SOS team is on top of it, they're quick with a response! I'm coming from a corporate background and am super impressed with their SOS team in comparison to the responses I've seen in the corporate world. I'm super early in and will come back and update later on. My advice so far would be to bet on OA and go for it!
I did a lot of research in finding a host agency that would not require a lot of start up funding, but would provide me with training and experience that would quickly help me expand my business. After signing up with another host and finding they were not at all what I expected, I signed up with Outside Agents. I have been nothing but completely pleased. There is a wealth of training available and updated constantly; the network of other agents is a wonderful resource for a new agent starting out; they have a great list of suppliers they work with and the Business Development Managers are very resourceful. I think the thing that impressed me the most is the accessibility to Chad and Steve the co-owners as well as Marty, Dan and the other staff members.
They provide mentoring for new agents, as well as TONS of on-demand as well as webinar trainings. The only thing that would prevent you from being successful with this host is YOU!
I originally joined, thinking that once I learned the business more, I'd move on to a more exclusive host that deals with experienced agents, but I honestly don't feel the need to change hosts anytime in the future. The fit was a great one and I'd recommend Outside Agents to other new agents seeking to learn the business with a great host.
I recently just signed up with Outside Agents to be my host. I was having issues signing up due to my own errors with my internet provider. I emailed one of the Owners, Chad Burt and even on the weekend, he answered my emails with no problem at all. I am also amazed with the amount of support you get from your mentors and everyone else. I mean when they say they will hold your hand and direct you through something, they ACTUALLY will do it. This is one stop shopping for all your travel agent needs. The webinars that i have watched so far, teach you so much and are not boring at all. I will update anyone who reads this in a few months. I have a great feeling about this company. I feel right at home with this company. FYI for anyone considering joining this company, no they're are not making me fill this out or compensating me in anyway. If you don't believe me, just give them a try.
The support you get from Outside Agents is great! Not just Chad and the rest of the OA staff members, but all the independent agents are very helpful with any questions you may have. I have only been wit affiliated with them since last year, but my bookings have gone up with all the suppliers we have to offer. With the low startup cost and great tools and support this company has to offer, it's perfect for those who want to start off.
I get great support and tools with Out Side Agents.
Love all everyone. Chad is very supportive.
Annieya
I have been with Outside Agents for the three years I have been an independent travel agent. When I started, the thing that impressed me the most was that there were no up front fees, and no monthly fees. If you made some commission, they made some money, if not, it didn't cost you anything. In my three years, I have made the Top 20 List (out of 2000 agents) one month in each of two years.
I'm not sure what could be done to improve. They pay commissions TWICE a month, have tremendous online support, and the owners are both approachable by either phone or email.
Great agency with which to be affiliated, emails and phone calls get quick response.Commissions are paid promptly. Training available.
Very happy to be selling with this host agency.
This is my second agency and I can honestly say I will never be leaving OA. They are the most professional and helpful folks I have ever had the pleasure of working with. The training and support is awesome, commissions are always paid on time, and the social network they have built is wonderful! If you're looking for an agency that will help you grow professionally, OA is the one you're looking for!
Hi I am new to travel industry. I like the support, webinars, the quickness of email replies, suppliers- plenty, also I feel the independence of working for myself yet the feeling of working for a company with local support. That's great.
I LOVE Outside Agent /Cruise and Tours Unlimited. I am a brand new travel agent and have done a lot of research trying to find a host agency with no idea where to start. I knew that I loved to travel and wanted to invest in something that would give me the most pleasure in helping people fulfill their dream vacation without breaking the bank. Outside Agency by far is the best in a host agency with tons of training, no monthly fees, and a very generous commission split. I have been with Outside Agent for 3 months and the wealth of experience from all the agents within Outside Agents agency is phenomenal. Everyone is willing to help giving great advice. The commission is fantastic and the owners are great.
This is definitely the best choice I could have made and a GREAT company.
You will not go wrong with Outside agents just read all the reviews there is not one person that is unhappy. They must be doing something right! I have been with them for 8 years I was lucky to have been referred to them by someone that worked with them on their website. They told me they are family owed and they make you feel like family. TRUE TRUE TRUE. They have only gotten better over the years I have been with them. Come join us you will be happy you did. See you on the Message boards!