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!
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!
I’ve believed Outside Agents was a host agency I would recommend to anyone wanting a host they could depend on to be honest, supportive, and act with integrity. I still believe they are honest and supportive to an extent. What concerns me of late is the amount of staff they have to support the number of new agents they brought into the fold. It appears they have grown from approximately 5,000 agents in January 2023 to over 8,700 (July 2023). New agents are provided the tools to learn the trade, but several do not appear to take advantage of the training and resources available. I believe it is a host agency's responsibility to ensure the ICs using the host's credentials to book trips for their clients meet a minimum training requirement. Enforcing minimum training before handling someone's hard-earned money to book their vacation is in everyone's best interest. Without some level of proficiency and knowledge of the industry is harmful to our industry. Harmful to our vendors/suppliers (who struggle to educate/train new travel advisors which clogs up the phone lines), to the reputation of travel agents, and especially to the people using an untrained TA who doesn't know what is necessary to book a trip or qualify a client. I no longer follow our FB Group as it is full of TAs asking the same questions repeatedly when they could have known the answer had they done the training offered by OA. This floods the FB Group with useless clutter. OA has the tools one needs to succeed; however, they won't require a new agent to do the training. I would advise folks new to the industry to find a smaller agency offering support and training so they get the knowledge they need to succeed.
A couple of months ago, I ran into a sticky situation with a client and his attempts to file an insurance claim with his travel insurance. I needed some advice and direction as to how to handle the situation appropriately. I first called Outside Agents and spoke to Debra in the office who was super helpful and supportive and suggested that I email both Chad and Steve (owners of Outside Agents). I immediately received an email back from Chad, giving some direction and wisdom and above all support. I was so appreciative of the response and felt so supported. I have never once regretted my decision to work with Outside Agents. I love the support, resources, software, training, and knowledge provided both within the staff and the community of other agents. This business isn't easy, but Outside Agents makes it as easy as possible. THANK YOU so much. I'm just sorry it took me a couple of months to get to my review.
I love everything about Outside Agents(OA). The company size makes it ver easy to get to know your support team, the mentoring sessions are invaluable, the training resources from the beginning are top-notch and are frequently updated with the latest information, even other agents go above and beyond with sharing their knowledge. It’s safe to say everyone wants to see you succeed and they are more than willing to play a role in your success if you’ll let them in. I would HIGHLY recommend OA to agents from all backgrounds.
I joined Outside Agents in June of 2020. I had been at another Host Agency and started researching other Host agencies. I decided that Outside Agents was the perfect fit. I am so glad that I made the move! Their training and support is amazing. My business is growing and I am super happy with my transition. Don't hesitate to join. Commissions are paid on a weekly basis and directly deposited to bank account. Incredible staff at Outside Agents. The owners treat you like family and very easy to talk to.
Karen Taatjes/ Magic Travel Genie, LLC
Hello to the all the Outside Agents present, future, soon to be, and or just on the fence of ready to make that move to becoming an Outside Agent. My name is Richard McDonald, I am a new Outside Agent and very proud to be one. When I first thought about becoming an agent I had to do my research, and when I say research I mean real research.
What is an Host Agency going to do for me? What do I really want from my Host Agency? How will it benefit me educational wise verses anything first?, Second what will the support look like? How much is it going to cost me to start? Will my new Host Agency Outside Agents be there for me in the long run? How will my business grow with Outside Agents?
Well, I am going to put to you in short form, Outside Agents has been a God send for me and my wife in the travel agency business. I am currently with Outside Agent as my Host Agency and I will not change a thing. Now, second my wife is with another Host Agency but is not happy. As for me my experience and research of Outside Agents is absolutely been a blessing. Why? first is Chad, the support team and all that they do for every single agent and agency that is a part of Outside Agents.
The Educational training is unmatched, I mean that from deep down. When I first say a invitational video of Chad my mind was made up. Chad has to be one of the most valuable gold nuggets to Outside Agents.
If you are on the fence of joining Outside Agents, well open the gate and come on in because you will not regret one moment. I have not had one problem with Outside Agents since I have been an agent. I want you to know that I have not sold one booking of anything yet, well I'm not mad about it because I am soaking up all the Educational benefits that Outside Agents has for its agents so that when I do get my first customer tears will probably be coming down my face because I'm from the old school I believe in getting the education first and then branching out. So it will make my first sale as if it will be a million bucks if you can understand what I mean.
If you take a look at my profile you will see that I have over 20 educational badges and I am so happy about that. Because Outside Agents did not charge me a dime for what they have taught me and I am very appreciative for all that Outside Agents do for there Agents. I probably can go on and on but I won't take up too much of your time, I hope that I have help or inspired you to take the next step in joining Outside Agents team of fantastic business owners alike. I look forward to seeing you aboard, and thank you for taking the time to read this review.
Richard, thank you so much for the kind words! It is an absolute pleasure being your business partner, and we are happy you have found your home here at Outside Agents
Outside Agents has been the only HOST Agency I have been associated with. Since I started the business back in 2015, I researched many host agencies before selecting Outside Agents. The reasons were numerous. The people who run Outside Agents make it the perfect host agency. I pay a nominal monthly fee to access a CRM, have my own website, E&O insurance, training both online and in-person, and fair commission to name a few. Their cutting-edge technology, tools, and commission rates surpass those of other host agencies. Their hands-free marketing has boosted my client bookings. Their training resources are consistently accessible and straightforward to follow. The support they provide is second to none.