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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 joined Outside Agents (Cruise and Tours Unlimited) approximately 5 years ago after my last host closed their doors without warning. Prior to that, I was hosted by a brick and mortar agency in my city. After joining outsideagents.com I realized how much I was missing from my old hosts. Outsideagents stands by their agents, offers the best training available, has no monthly fees, gives the best support and advice when needed and the owners are always there when you need them.
Their commission rates are much better than my old hosts (i was making 30-70% before moving to outsideagents).
While at Outside Agents, I have completed my CLIA ACC, booked numerous group cruises and other trips, and had much more support than the other 2 hosts I was previously with. I highly recommend OA to anyone who is looking for a host agency.
This is the second host agency I have used, and I think Outside Agents is wonderful. They provide superior tools for their agents to utilize. They have great relationships with suppliers which equal higher commission rates. Plus, OA gives a terrific commission split with no monthly fee. The ONLY possible negative is the last of training when you join in. But if you have experience in the industry, it doesn't matter--even if its just a little. I was with my first agency for 6 months and had no problems learning the ropes with OA. I am very happy I switched.
I have been with this agency since we began our business over 6 years ago. If you are looking for a good place to start, this is it. They don't charge any monthly fees so if you don't do well neither do they. All the back office paperwork is handled for you. The booking procedures are much more straight forward and less cumbersome than most that I have seen. Since they are a large agency you are in the top tier of commissions with the cruise lines. 15% or 16% compared to 10%. It takes work on your part to get anywhere. I am a Princess Commodore, HAL White Star agent, RCI WOW Expert, Celebrity 5 Star agent, and am still working on the others. I am a CLIA ACC and have my IATAN card. I have made more money each year I've been in business in a large part because this is a host that lets me run my business with as little or as much help as I need.
I am so very happy to have made my travel home at OutsideAgents.com It was so comforting for me to be able to talk to a real live person quickly if I should ever have any questions. As a new agent in the travel industry that ability was priceless. I never had a notion of being to much of a bother and always was greeted with welcome and kindness. Outside Agents for me is not just my host agency but my family!
I love this agency, i was unfortunately affiliated with YTB prior to signing with OA. Now everything is different, they have wonderful training, helpful owners and great affiliates. I would reccommend them to anyone wanting to be in the industry, they are by far the best
After being with my host agency for more than 8 years and leaving due to poor management and unpaid commissions, I was very wary of joining a new host. I met Chad and Steve at a Trade Show and was very impressed with openness, their concepts and their business plan. I have been with them now for over two years and I love them. It's wonderful and reassuring to be able to call direct and speak with those operating the company. They continually offer new ideas and innovations to improve our performance as travel consultants.
I have been with Outside Agents for almost 3 years and would encourage anybody looking for a host agency to join. You can't beat the service that they provide, plus the price is nice.
After being with an agency that I had to pay to join at the beginning and work my way up the commission scale......and then have them go out of business-it was a no brainer to choose Outside Agents as my next agency. You won't regret it:)
I am very happy that I decided to work with OutsideAgents.com. It is a very professional operation. The staff is the greatest. They are very efficicient, I never have to wait to receive paperwork. When I have questions or need assistance they are right there to help out. The owners Steve and Chad are very approachable and are willing to do whatever it takes to help you succeed.
There are no sign up fees required to get started with OutsideAgents.com. There are no surprise or hidden fees. You receive an 80% commission split to start and can work up to a higher split based on volume. Commissions are paid monthly and I have never had a problem getting paid.
I would highly recommend OutsideAgents.com to anyone looking for a host. For new agents you will have all the mentoring you need. For experienced agents you have all the tools you need to succeed.
If you are looking to get into the travel business and don't know where to begin, give this host a try. I am a home-based travel agent and I love the help these guys give. They have training to put you on the right track. The have all the tools necessary to jump start your business and keep you current in the industry.
AND IT'S ALL FREE!!!!!!
What more can you ask for. You guys are GREAT!
I have been very happy with Outside Agents. The back office support is very strong and they respond quickly. Vendor access, training and documentation far exceeds what is available with many other hosts out there. If you are new to the industry there is plenty of training to get you started and if you are an experienced agent they have all of the tools that you need to promote your business and increase sales. I have been impressed with the direct contact with BDMs and their appreciation of the agents being a part of an outstanding team.