It has been a year since I signed up with OA. Now is a great time to share my experience with you if you looking for a new host ( like I was) or are a new agent looking to join the tourism trade.
OA is a GREAT host. No doubt. Before joining them, I simply picked up the phone and called them to speak with the owner. I had zero expectation of this actually happening but was pleasantly surprised when Chad Burt came on the line and spent a good half an hour speaking with me and answering all my questions. I signed up the same day. It didn't take me much time to understand their systems and if I had a question, the OA staff was very quick with their email replies. Best way to communicate with them. They have brilliant internal systems set up for just this purpose. Agency staff and higher-ups are almost always available for insight and help as and when needed. They are highly professional ( yet super funny on socials). I had a chance to meet most of the staff at one of their TA conferences and the vibe is that of one big family. For new agents, they have mentors for initial support. Though I have industry experience, I still set up a call with a mentor just to test the new waters. It was a lovely call.
They have great contracts with vendors, resorts, and consolidators across the world. Their payment system is top-notch with very little room for confusion. Payments have been on time on expected dates. The split is also one of the best ( that I know of) ( Ex host had a terrible split and I wish I had known of OA before).
All in all, I highly recommend Outside Agents. It has been a great year with them.
Happy Travel!
As a travel agency catering to a range of clients, it's essential for us at Sea & Sun Travel to have the right support, tools, and training to deliver exceptional experiences. Enter Outside Agents: an absolutely incredible host agency that not only promises excellence but delivers on it, consistently and passionately.
One of the standout features of our relationship with Outside Agents has been their extraordinary training programs. While they offer a comprehensive suite of online tutorials and resources that are invaluable for quick insights, their in-person training sessions in Jacksonville are nothing short of transformative. The level of detail, industry expertise, and real-world application that goes into these sessions is extraordinary. You leave not just informed but invigorated and inspired, eager to serve your clientele with fresh, impactful offerings. It's like an invigorating blend of academics and practical skill-building, all designed to equip you to build your business!
Let's talk about support. Whenever we've had questions, whether about complex itineraries, client concerns, or back-office queries, the team at Outside Agents has been right there with timely and insightful assistance. This kind of support makes us feel like we're part of a larger family, all committed to elevating the travel experience for our customers.
Now, onto a point that everyone in the business world can appreciate: financials. Outside Agents really shines here, making commission payments on a weekly basis. This goes a long way in aiding cash flow and business planning. It's not just the frequency but the transparency and accuracy involved that make them a trusted financial partner.
If you're new to the travel world or an established outfit aiming to refine your services, I can't recommend Outside Agents enough. They offer a wide array of resources aimed at agent growth and client satisfaction.
So, if you're in search of a host agency that marries professionalism with a nurturing, supportive environment, look no further. Outside Agents is an investment in your business you'll never regret, but rather cherish and appreciate as you watch your business grow. Case in point: We started 2.5 years ago and in that time we've seen a 387% growth on average per year!
We wholeheartedly endorse Outside Agents for anyone who takes their travel business seriously and aims for nothing short of spectacular success.
Hiya! I'm one of the owners of OA, and I needed to tell you how much YOU and your review (of course) mean to all of us at OutsdeAgents.com. Michael, I'm sure you can relate as a business owner to the elation and joy you feel when your hard work is recognized. I wish I could take the credit, but it's our crew that makes the magic happen every day. I couldn't be more grateful for your review and the crew that made it possible. If you ever need anything, you've got my number :-)
I have been with Outside Agents for only 3 months but the education and help getting my business started has been outstanding. I feel they are giving me the tools I need to be successful. The best part is the Agent community which is always willing to answer questions or help with issues. I am truly happy I chose Outside Agents
So glad I made the decision to go with Outside Agents! So much educational material. The learning never ends! Helps with every step of the way through videos, webinars, and so much more! If you want to be a travel advisor, you owe it to yourself to check out Outside Agents! You won't be disappointed!
If you are interested in learning about the trade this is the Host agency to pick.
The learning Library is Huge!!!!!!!!! You a can submit qu's if you are confused. You can sign up with a mentor. It seems like they add more content every time that I log in. You can do Fam trips as well as learning on site.
To be 100% honest I was skeptical to make the change for my previous agency to outside agents, but I had another agency friend who kept on me to make the change. Once I finally decided to make the switch, I was so upset that I hadn’t made it sooner OA is one of the best things that has ever happened to my Travel business. Even though there are so many of us, it truly feels like someone is always there for you. Someone is always in your corner willing to help you answer questions whatever it may be you feel like you have someone that has your back. OA is constantly updating things to help us make our business run better and market our business better and I am everyday so thankful I made the switch to this agency.
I reviewed several agencies and compared them side by side. I also talked with a few Host Agencies and I'm so glad I chose Outside Agents. The online training platform is very thorough, they have required courses and electives. There is always something to learn and/or rewatch. The support is also great! They pair you up with a mentor, and have Facebook groups for support, questions, etc. as well. I am very satisfied with my decision and very happy with my decision to choose Outside Agents!
Kara,
Thank you so very much! We are so glad that you have been enjoying your time here!
I have been with Outside Agents for right at a year. The amount of support available is incredible. The trainings start from the very beginning and can take you as far as you want to go. My first year has been far more successful than anticipated due to the support provided by OA. I would absolutely recommend OA as a host agency whether you have been in the industry for years or are just getting started.
Hi Alexis!
Thank you so much for the incredible feedback!
Changing host agencies to OA was the best idea for my career. My previous host agency charged me a lot of commission and gave me nothing in return.
With OA I have felt like I apart of a family, get any help needed and I can not even keep up with the amount of training they provide to us.
Thank you OA !
You feel like a part of our family because you ARE a part of our family. Thank you for the kind words Ginger!
I came to Outside Agents from a different host in 2015. It was one of the best business decisions that I have ever made. The owners at OA take an interest in every agent. The support is beyond great and there is wonderful training opportunities. The library of online and on-demand training is extensive. The best trainings are conducted in person at the home office. For a host with thousands of agents, it still feels like a family affair. Ever agent is made to feel at home in the office and we are treated like family. If you are looking for a host that will let you customize your business and support you every stem of the way then OA is the place to be.
We appreciate your good words, Drew! Thank you so much!
I’m so glad I found Outside Agents! The trainings are unmatched and always walk away feeling confident. They also have mentor opportunities you can take advantage of. The previous agency I was a part of didn’t have the training or support and was completely lost and was ready to give up. I gave it another chance and found OA. They’re always updating and adding to their training library.
Natasha, THANK YOU! We are always looking for ways to improve our learning management system to provide you all with legendary support!