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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!
After leaving my position with Avoya Travel I wasn't sure I even wanted to stay in travel because of the sour taste they left me with. I'm glad I found Outside Agents. I can work as I need to work and still have the systems to be professional and successful. I thought paying a monthly charge and a big name meant big leads, it didn't. Glad I am moving on and that I discovered Outside Agents!
I've been with Outside Agents since opening my business in 2007 and have been pleased from the very start. Help with anything I need is just a phone call away and I love the fact that my main contact is one of the owners. Training is readily available both live and on-demand. New technology is always being introduced and made available to the agents.
Anyone considering a home based travel agency would be doing themselves a favor to talk with Outside Agents. I'm sure glad they've been here for me from the start.
I have done very well with outsideagents and I couldn't ask for better support group!!!!!
I just completed my fourth year as a home based agent with Outside Agents. Prior to joining OA, I searched for a few months and interviewed several hosts. One call to OA, and I knew I had found my home. :)
Everyone at OA is kind and knowledgeable. We are treated just like family and not just a "number" to them. Chad & Steve are always a phone call away to assist in any way. I can't imagine not being part of this wonderful team!
I was unhappy at my previous host for a variety of reasons (hard to receive commissions, "office" demeanor was never pleasant, etc) and I was anxious to find a new host. I stumbled upon Outside Agents, and it sounded too good to be true! No fees? Great commission split? I asked many, many questions, thinking there had to be some kind of catch. But there isn't. The bottom line is that the owners understand that successful agents bring success to the entire company. It's a basic principle, but I don't think there are really any other hosts out there with this same outlook. The owners are completely accessible, and there is a great forum for agents as well. With no fees to join up, I figured I'd just give it a shot...it's about 2 years later, and I'm not leaving them any time soon!
I have been with OA for over 1 year. Chad, Steve, Marty and Staff are wonderful to work with. No monthly fees, The Best website in the industry, and fantastic support. They are simply the best. Between the courses and the partnerships that they bring to you this is by far the best host agency I have been with. Read through all the comments here and you will understand why.
Industry Experience: I have 4+ years industry experience
Affiliation: I am currently hosted by this host agency
Did you find this review helpful? Yes
OA was my 3rd host agency and the best by far. The team at head office are top notch, friendly and helpful. They respond with urgency to request. I mean I get to call the owners and they answer or call you back for even what you think might be the dumbest newbie question and they never make you feel like you are a idiot for asking. the knowledge sharing is great, the forum that is set up for other agents to communicate, learn, help and advise has been one of the best tools to have. OA really wants you to succeed and will help you in any way they can.
Loving it
I have checked all the other Host Agency,but now-one is like OA,I am happy for being part of this Host Agency.
I have been with OA for 2 years now and it has been a great experience! I came from another travel-supplier where the service was not as good and things kept changing. The people in the home office are 2nd to none, and the support they give us is top-notch in every aspect. Forms, payment reminders, forums to interact with other agents, people that are easy to get in touch with-it has been a very rewarding time for me as a travel-agent. I have paid out less money, earned more money, gotten more support and learned more in the time I have been with Outside Agents than ever before. I highly recommend them to anyone.
I have been with OA for 1 year, and everyone is so helpful, and dedicated to providing you with the necessary tools to have a successful business. THEY ARE AWESOME !!!