Question 1

Do Outside Agents hold any Airline Validation Plates?   I tend to book a lot of  U. S. business travel for clients.

Accepted Answer

Hi!  While we do offer our agents the ability to book travel, ticketing is done by a 3rd party.  We are a non-ARC agency.

Question 2

Can anyone offer the benefits of switching to OutsideAgents as a Host Agency?

Accepted Answer

That depends on who you're with and why you're looking to change.  Please give me a call to discuss.  My direct extension is 210.

Question 3

As a non-ARC agency is there any future plans to obtain the ARC credential?

Accepted Answer

Hi!  Thanks for reaching out.

We have no plans to obtain ARC as we provide air services through a 3rd party consolidator partner.  While we give you the ability to book air, it is a very low margin product that doesn't really warrant the expense, hassle, and risk of ARC credentialling.

Question 4

What sort of training to you have available for new agents and what is the additional cost (if any)?

Accepted Answer

We are an established leader in agent education with numerous industry awards including 6 Magellans and many lifetime achievement awards.

All of our training is free except for our live in-house events which have a nominal fee to cover your meals and other basic costs.

Question 5

Would be newbie to you agency starting from ground zero, are we able to do weekend getaways in the US? Like hotel only.

Accepted Answer

You can start small and work your way up.  In fact, that's what most agents do and one of the things we're focused on for our agents.

Question 6

I am shopping for a host agency right now but I want to know can I use another name for my website???

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.  You can use your own name and domain.

-Chad

Question 7

I have been booking for 8 years. Do you give support to your agents when they have a client that needs a vacation where I have never been?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.  We have myriad resources including social groups, destination experts, and more.

Question 8

Are your training modules updated regularly to reflect industry changes and keep agents on the cutting edge of any new technology??

Accepted Answer

I really apologize for the delay. 

Yes, our training is updated very regularly.  We have Virtual Sales Calls with our BDM's, live webinars, and the most active agent community in the industry.  We have a team dedicated to helping you learn and stay current.  Education is our top priority.

Question 9

Is your agency a good fit for someone just starting out?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.  We are the most award-winning agency in America for our training, technology, and support.  We love new agents.

Question 10

As someone completely new to the travel agency market what are all the fees I would have to pay to start up and maintain

Accepted Answer

We have 2 programs.  One is $21/mo and the other is $41 per month.  Please see our website at outsideagents.com for details.  The only other fees you may need to address would be $50 for a Florida exemption, a late fee for submitting bookings outside a 72 hour period, and a $5 per ticket for consolidator error.

Question 11

Do all leads I work on stay in my own personal book of business?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.  Your business is your business.  Our entire program is designed to build you and your company.

Question 12

When a Home Based Agent sign-up  are the allowed to use the Company's CLAI & IATAN to book travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  You'll be using our credentials to book travel with vendors.

Question 13

Please elaborate on the leads program as I am new to the industry and consider this crucial to a successful jump start.  TIA

Accepted Answer

We offer lead generation through Travel Leaders in addition to extensive marketing support, training, automated marketing systems.

Question 14

I’m in wa state, do I need business license and seller of travel ?

Accepted Answer

You are covered under our seller of travel license.  Business licensing is a county by county basis but I'd give us a call at 866.208.5604 x 210 for more information.

Question 15

I’m in wa state, do I need business license and seller of travel ?

Accepted Answer

You are covered under our seller of travel license.  Business licensing is a county by county basis but I'd give us a call at 866.208.5604 x 210 for more information.

Question 16

Does your program offer hotel booking as well as air and cruises?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  We sell all types of travel.

Question 17

Do they offer a website for free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, websites with live booking engines are included in both of our packages.

Question 18

Which suppliers do you currently have access to?  FunJet?  Apple? Southwest? ETC

Accepted Answer

Hi!  Thanks for your your inquiry.

We are top producers with every major vendor in the industry.  You'll have access to every vendor you could possible need/want.

Thanks,

Chad

Question 19

How much commission do you really see working 40 hours a week? 
When do you get your commission? 
Do they offer a website for free?

Accepted Answer

How much you earn is entirely up to you.  Let's look at it this way:  the average transaction is worth around $400-$500.  How many sales do you think you can make per week?  I can tell you this, it takes about a year to start getting up to speed, just like any new business.  

We pay weekly via ach.  

Yes, we offer highly customizable, content rich websites that are included in our low monthly fees.

Question 20

Do you provide leads like ASTA?

Accepted Answer

We have a lead program through our consortia that works remarkable well for those agents that really leverage the platform.

Question 21

Do you provide some marketing material ie: graphics and posts we can easily share?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  In fact we give you massive amounts of content from Fodor's, vendors, and custom content too!

Question 22

Does Outside Agent use Uplift?

Accepted Answer

We don't use uplift at this time.

Thanks,

Chad

Question 23

Hi, I'm training to be a Disney focused agent, are you 'earmarked'?

Accepted Answer

While we are one of the top Disney agencies in America, we are not earmarked as Disney doesn't allow hosts to be earmarked.

Question 24

Can you tell me the difference between Online Lead Capture and Lead Program?

Accepted Answer

Online lead capture, in our program, referes to capturing leads from speacials, bookings, and inquiries from your website which our platform is exceptionally good at.  Lead Programs typically refer to programs whereby hosts route leads to you.  At our up to 95% commission split, we cannot offer this program to our agents...no host can.

Question 25

Your site states 5000 in commission to non-agent for CLIA and IATAN.  What is a non-agent? What happens if I already have a CLIA card and number?

Accepted Answer

A non-agent referes to  someone other than your self or another travel agent.  If you already have a CLIA card, you should be able to use it until it expires.  Then, as long as you meet the commission requirements, you can get it reissued under us.

Question 26

So if Gross Comm is $80.00, OA will keep $25 and agent will get the remainder even though it is less than 80%?

Accepted Answer

No, we just reserve the right to impose a $25 minimum.  Frankly, we've only had to do it once in 27 years.  We reserve that right in case an agent is netting bookings to frequently or deeply.

Question 27

Are there any sales minimums to meet? I will be doing this part time to start with and am worried that I would not be able to meet any sales quotas.

Accepted Answer

Our only requirement is that you sell something, anything, to a client at least every 6-12 months.

Thanks,

Chad

Question 28

I read about the education and training you offer. How often do you offer boot camps, where are they held, and what is the cost?

Accepted Answer

We offer 12 live on-site trainings per year in our 12000 square foot dedicated agent development facility in Jacksonville Florida.  The typically run $99-$199 for 3 to 5 day trainings.  Topics range from New Agent Bootcamps to Advanced Agent Workshops and everything in between.  This is in addition to offering the most awarded online agent program in the industry, live one-on-one mentoring, over 100 live webinars per year, and much more.

Question 29

I have not spoken to anyone yet, why should I send in my cc information? What if I'm not a good fit with your agency?

Accepted Answer

You're always welcome to call us at 866.208.5604.  We're happy to answer any questions you may have.

Question 30

Can I book travel packages for clients using their airline miles and still earn commission?

Accepted Answer

While you can use AMEX points and get commission after qualifying, you cannot do the same with airline miles.  For the most part, they must be redeemed with the airline.  Of course, you could book part of the trip, air for example, with points and do the rest on their card and still get commission on the latter part.

Question 31

besides the 21/m fee, is there a startup or annual fee? Is the 21/m required?

Accepted Answer

There is no startup or annual fee.  Yes, the $21 or $41 fee, depending on the package you choose, is required.

Question 32

If I'm unavailable and my customer has an emergency while on their trip, is there a support desk they could contact to receive help?

Accepted Answer

With todays technology including smart phones, cell service, wifi, and the like, we've found most successful agents simply use their devices to stay connected.  To be honest, in nearly 20 years of business spanning thousands of agents and millions of transactions, we've never seen a circumstance that was so urgent it couldn't be dealt with remotely or directly with the vendor.  Naturally, we're here to help you so, in a pinch, we can assist your clients with actual emergencies.

Question 33

Is it best to set up an LLC before joining as an agent?

Accepted Answer

It's entirely up to you.  Generally speaking, we recommend that newbies hold off a bit as the risk exposure is very low, we cover all of our agents with E&O, and, frankly, it's a distraction to people just starting out.  For more experienced agents with higher volumn, we recommend speaking to a CPA/Attorney about your specific circumstances.

Question 34

Hi, do you all work with mission/religious trips? 
And there are no extra fees for your education/training for newbies? Thank you!

Accepted Answer

Yes, we work with all major religious trip groups.  Missionary groups are a challenge as typically they want the trip at cost.  We don't charge any fees for our online training or one-on-one mentoring.  There is a nominal charge for live events at our Florida facility and other locations around the country.

Question 35

I am just beginning my course.  Do I have to create my own agency name or do I work under my host agency name?

Accepted Answer

You need to build your brand.  We always try to be invisible to your client as we want you to be their hero :-)

Question 36

How long does it take to become “trained” ?  For commissions and fees associated do I as the agent control that? 

Thank you!

Accepted Answer

As the recognized leader in agent education among hosts, we believe training is a lifelong pursuit.  That's why we created the most robust learning management system in our industry today.  Having said this, the nuts and bolts needed to start working with us takes less than 2 hours to complete.

Question 37

How many vendors are you associated with?

Accepted Answer

Hi.  We are recognized as a top producer at the national level with virtually every vendor in the industry.  We work with pretty much every reputable vendor available.

Question 38

Can we charge fees for our services? Can they be paid seperately from a booking? Does an agent's fee structure have to be approved?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you'll just charge them through our merchant account.  All agent fees are charged seperately from actual travel costs as required by law.  While we don't restrict your fee structure, many vendors restrict fees to a percentage of the total trip cost (typically around 10%).

Question 39

Do you have a process for me to register 3rd party bookings as per InteleTravel?  Or, do I need to start using 1099s per each vendor?

Accepted Answer

Absoultely.  We have relationships with every majore vendor in the industry and clear instructions on how to register and work with each of them.

Question 40

How does OA differ from MLM host agencies? What are the requirements to keep your CLIA card if you currently have one before joining OA?

Accepted Answer

We are 180 degrees from a MLM model.  We offer no upstreams, downstreams, or any other types of pyramid revenue.  We are 100% focused on helping you build your business, your brand, and your bottom line as a travel agency.

Question 41

should I get a website domain name and email before signing up with Outside Agents?

Accepted Answer

I apologize for the delay.  You don't need to do either prior to signing up with us.  It is, however, strongly recommended that you get a domain and associated email sooner rather than later.  In today's world, having a domain and email is a bare-minimum requirement for success in business.

Question 42

When booking a trip for a client, do they have the ability to set up a payment plan or do all costs have to paid up front?

Accepted Answer

Yes, depending on the vendors policies.  Most will accept deposits and additional payments up to the final payment date.

Question 43

Can your agents use suppliers who aren't in your preferred list?

Accepted Answer

Hello Emily! 
Thank you for your question. 
Yes agents are allowed to use suppliers that are non-preferred. Please note the list we have on here is only a fraction of our preferred suppliers, we have over 200 to choose from!

Question 44

if you are a non arc host agency, can we still become ARC certified on our own?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you could pursue and ARC accreditation but it's a very arduous process that's seldom worth it from a business perspective.

Question 45

Is it possible to pay for the whole year up front instead of monthly?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we only bill on a month to month basis.

Question 46

Where can I find a list of your preferred providers/suppliers? I want to see if they match my niche.

Accepted Answer

Hi!  We are top producers with nearly every vendor in the industry.  If you have specific "ultra-niche" vendors you'd like to work with, you can work with them using our creentials.  If you need further information, please give us a call at 866.208.5604.

Question 47

what is arc and non arc agents?  What does ARC do to help be a travel agent as opposed to not using it?

Accepted Answer

ARC accreditation is for agencies that focus on selling air.  We are a non-ARC agency as we focus on more lucrative products.  As one of the top 2 hosts in America, we have found that being non-ARC allows us to focus in on "the good stuff" as we offer web-based tools that do all a GDS (the primary tool used by ARC agencies) does and more.

Question 48

What is your starting commission, and how can I earn a higher commission?

Accepted Answer

Hi!  I apologize for the delay.

We start nearly everyone out at 80%.  You get 85% at $10k/yr in received commission and 90% at $40k.  We also offer a 95% tier on a case by case basis. 

Thanks,

Chad

Thanks,

Chad

Question 49

If I leave, are my pending commissions paid to me? Is that in writing in the agreement?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  In fact, we make it easier for you to leave than it was to sign up.  Look, we know we're really good at what we do.  At the same time, what we do may not be what you feel you need.  Why would we hinder you from leaving?
So, yes, absolutely.  Per the terms of our written agreement,  you are paid pending commissions if you leave.

Question 50

I just open a travel agency which focuses on tours/trips for historical and religious sites/places. Does OA offers package tours/trips?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we work with wholesalers and tour operators that specialize in historical and religious sites and destinations.  In fact, we're hosting a FAM to Israel at the end of this year.

Question 51

Hello, do you provide detailed training for suppliers and automation?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.  We are the most awarded host in the industry for our training AND innovation in automation.  Please feel free to give us a call to discuss.

Question 52

Can you explain what an IC gets for $21 per month as opposed to $41 per month? Thank you

Accepted Answer

Hi,

You can find a list of the features at https://outsideagents.com/membership-options/

In a nutshell, the difference is in what you want to do with our tools.  If you want to have a strong online presence and advanced marketing functionality, you'll need to be on the $41 plan.  This having been said, roughly 50% of our agents are on the $21 plan.  Some agents don't do as much marketing and digital "stuff" as others.

Question 53

My wife and I were looking into this as a couple. would we each need separate accounts or could we both work under the same account?

Accepted Answer

Hi!  I apologize for the delay.
As a married couple, you could use one account.  There are, however, some drawbacks including:  1) The primary agent is responsible for the actions of their spouse, 2) Commission cannot be tracked individually for CLIA/IATAN, 3) You won't be able to see whose clients are whose, 4) You would share one identity in our extremely active FB group and internal forum, and 5) Our E&O won't cover the actions of the spouse that's not contracted with us.  On the upside, you save $12/mo.
Personally, I'd spend the $12, if only for the E&O.  But, I also understand that 12 bucks is 12 bucks, especially right now.  So, in a pinch, I might consider signing up and sharing an account until spending the $12 made sense.
Feel free to give us a call if you have further questions.
Thanks,

Chad

Question 54

Does OA offer access to Disney's College of Knowledge as part of training?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely.  As the recognized industry leader in agent education, we make every resource possible available to our agents.

Question 55

Do you offer an itinerary builder? Does it like Travefy?

Accepted Answer

We have a couple of platforms that provide similar functionality.  It is not, however, as robust in terms of destination information.  On the upside, though, it features live booking data and is extremely customizable.

Question 56

What is the deductible on your E&O insurance policy?

Accepted Answer

As of 11/5/21, it is $1500.  It may go down to $1000 in 2022 since our claim ratio has decreased over the past year and a half.

Our e&o is designed to protect you from the "big stuff."  It's like homeowners insurance.  It's something you always have and hope to never use.  For example, if my kids throw a ball through the window, I'll be at HomeDepot buying a new window.  If my roof blows off, I'm calling my insurance company.  I hope that makes sense :-)

Question 57

Do you provide an emergency after-hours service for travelers should they need assistance outside of business hours?

Accepted Answer

I'm not sure what "Emergency after hours service" for "assistance outside of business hours" to which you refer encompasses.  24 assistance on existing bookings is generally available.  24 hour assistance for new bookings is not.

Question 58

Do you recommend taking out additional E&O insurance, or an umbrella policy for coverage, or is your E&O sufficient?

Accepted Answer

This is a broad and potentially litigious question to which the answer really depends on your particular circumstances.  Please give me a call at 866.208.5604 x 210 to discuss.

Question 59

I live in the cayman island, can I use Outside Agent as my Host Agency?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately we can only work with US citizens residing in the US selling to North American residents.

Question 60

Can clients make payments directly through an online portal or do that have to provide the travel agent their CC information?

Accepted Answer

Clients can purchase most products 100% online, can make payments through an online portal, and directly with you the agent.  It's completely up to you.  We also offer the industry's only Fraud Protection Program to help deal with the inherent risks of new business from the internet.

Question 61

What is the benefit to joining a host agency that is also a travel agency (hybrid) as opposed to a host agency only?

Accepted Answer

This is a great question.  While some agents may see a host with a retail division as competition, we see it as a huge advantage to our agents.  We've been in business for 30 years with us operating as a traditional retail agency for the first 15 years.  We have two (yes, TWO) inside agents (out of nearly 7000 IC's) that have both been with us for nearly 20 years.  We do no retail advertising to speak of and we defer any agent clients that might contact us by accident to their agent.  They simply handle past clients.  Far more importantly, they give us and our agents insights based on their real-world real-time experience.

So, the biggest advantage to you in joining a hybrid is having access to the hosts retail agents as mentors and coaches.  It doesn't get any better!

Question 62

Do agents that use you as a host get access to the cruise line online portals for managing reservations such as Polar & Cruising Power?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide access to all major vendor portals and resources in addtion to our own proprietary booking and research platforms.

Question 63

when do IC get paid? I know bi-weekly but is it when the trip is booked, travel date, or when cust returns from trip?

Accepted Answer

We pay weekly via direct deposit.  We pay you on the Tuesday following our receipt of the commission from the vendor regardless of travel date.

Question 64

Do you work with travel agents with authorized work permits in the US but are not US citizens?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, due to the requirements of the IRS, we are only able to work with US citizens residing in the US and selling to North American clients.

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