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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 feel very lucky to have been referred to Outside Agents. I have been with them for 8 years and have been very happy. They have been making a lot of changes over the years to help us Agents. If you are looking for a company that cares come join us.
I love Outside Agents because they're always there for you. They know what they're doing unlike some other hosts whose names I will not mention. They get back to you in an eye blink or within 1 business day to help with your needs. Especially when it comes to login info for certain websites and tour operators. They just do a great job and it's great to interact with other Outside Agent TA's when you log in to your back office. It's just like Travel Professional Community but you have the access to all of the suppliers, wholesalers, tour operators and cruise lines. Bottom line, I couldn't be more happier. OUTSIDE AGENTS ROCKS!!!
We have been with Outside Agents for a year. We were with another host prior to joining. We know we have made the right decision. Communication is open, training always available, easy access to the owners, and a great commission rate paid quickly. There is also an agent forum that is a great resource. So glad we made the switch.
We decided to go with OA mainly because of the fact there is very little cash required up front. OA has tons of resources for learning too. We had no experience, and have learned so much already. They also give you a great list of travel suppliers.
I am working with Outsideagents for almost two years. They give us so many offers, trainings, suppliers, Travel agent insurance, website, travel agent communities with no annual and monthly fees!
When I asked the support through an email to Chad, Co-owner, he had reply my email in a minute.
They are really taking care of us!
The whole team at OutsideAgents.com are valuable partners to add to your team. From Steve and Dan, with there extensive group knowledge. Chad with his never ending quest to bring technology and new marketing strategies to the table. And you can't forget the most valuable piece of OutsideAgents.com, the accounting team, highly efficient and timely when it comes to invoicing and commissions
There are 2 main reasons we stay with Outside Agents:
1) Our commissions are paid on time and are accurately.
2) We get support when we need it and get answers quickly
We were with another agency for a short time. We nearly had to beg for our commissions payments and they were seldom accurate. We have never had a problem getting our commissions checks with Outside Agents.
We ever we have a questions or problem, someone is always just a phone call or email away. We get our answers quickly.
Outside Agents is currently my host and by far the best one that I have worked with over the past several years.
I am closing down commitments with a prior host because of the great support and outreach that outside agents have provided me. I will outline that I was skeptical at first when joining up with them and kept my options open with my former host. It just didn't seem to make sense to me that something without monthly fees and dues could work effectively. Happily I was proven wrong. I have received commissions in a timely manner and the staff is always there to support you and follow up in a timely manner. With OA you can be as productive as you want to be and make the most out of your business. That is what I really like about Outside Agents they don't make promises or imply you will bring in six digit figures over night, they are just committed to making you as successful as you want to be. This is very evident by the commission rate structure they have in place. Commission rates are great for anyone new to the business and even better for more seasoned agents that are productive. You will not be" nickel-ed" to death with small fees or transaction charges that happen at other hosts.
In conclusion, if your a self starter, love to learn independently and want to grown your own business this is your host. Outside agents has a very straight forward business and the support is great. You truly are given the tools to make YOUR business as successful as YOU want it to be without investing a great deal of your money. Money that can be used on YOUR marketing and not the hosts!!!
Outside Agents is everything you want from a host, and more. They are connected with the best suppliers at the highest percentages and offer so much training. It is a family owned business with exemplary staff. They pay on commissions twice a month, never an error or shortage. Their booking and reporting systems are not complicated at all. And they will take your calls and help, no matter how small the problem might be. I cannot think of one single reason not to work with them. Not a negative or weakness to comment on. I recommend them highly for new as well as experienced agents. OA truly rocks.
I have been with Outside Agents (Cruises & Tours Unlimited) since 2008 and LOVE them. They are always there whenever I need vendor support. I do not feel like a number and call and speak with the owners most of the time when I have a question. I highly recommend them!!!