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!
About 5 years ago, my partner and I decided to becaome travel advisors. We spent over three months researching all the various host agencies. By he way, finidng Host Agency Reviews was wonderful. After many hours of reading, talking to a number of hosts, and many spreadsheets, we decided Outsdie Agents was the best combination of fair pricing, good training, and great support. We have never regretted it. In fact, when we went to a very reasonably priced in-person training at their HQ, about half the agents I spoke to were refugees from other hosts.
The support and training has gotten better and better. Their commission structure is far better than others we looked at. You start at 80% and can rise fairly quickly to 90% and even 95%. The monthly fees are low and you can quit any time. During the pandemic, OA provided all sorts of support. I can't say enough good things about OA.
The best in the business. The owners are people of integrity and this is a host agency you can be proud to be part of. Outstanding commission levels, booking tools, education programs, and support of all kinds. I was with another host for 3 years prior to joining -that was a mistake. Joining OA was the best business decision I've made.
This is my first year and they have been very helpful with the trainings and availabilty for help with things. I think the training alone has helped fill in so many gaps with trying to learn how to be a credible and professional travel agent. After a month I got my first client and I believe a big part of that was because of the training.
Before launching my business, I did a lot of research and purchased an entire training program from somewhere else. The only reason I am not angry about having spent all that money is because that training program ended with host agency recommendations, and one of those recommendations was Outside Agents. I am so impressed by the available resources, training, marketing, etc. that are included in the very small monthly fee. Outside Agents is ideal for any travel agent, as their commission split is one of the highest, if not THE highest, in the business. But especially for someone who wants to create a brand for themselves, not use another host's brand, Outside Agents is the best. Seriously, they keep adding, or I keep finding, new resources available to me, for training, suppliers and marketing. This has been an exciting year, and I could not have had this kind of success without Outside Agents!
OA has been my host agency since I started my business...just before the pandemic. They offer automated training as well as in person trainings in Jacksonville, FL. The support is great, but you are a true Independent Contractor. You decide how much or little you choose to take advantage of with their training and support. Although I would love to see updates with our CRM, it is still a very good tool. One of many that are included in the monthly fee.
OA is excellent in so many way-the staff is very well trained and very helpful, & personable too. The owners are always adding new training for us - complimentary online as well as in person at their office, and seminars at sea. Frequent emails are welcome to keep us in touch with what's new. I highly recommend them for all advisors - your business will grow quickly.
Joining Outside Agents has been such an incredible journey of growth for my travel business. Their extensive resources, training library (both live and in-person events) strong industry partnerships, and supportive community of other agents have propelled my success. This is truly a family atmosphere, where the owners and other agents are here to help each other grow! Outside Agents offers everything and more to ensure the success and growth of your business and I feel so lucky to be a part of this amazing team.
I am very new to the travel industry but had done a vast amount of research. I came across Outside Agents via a recommendation from a credible travel agency owner who highly recommended OA. So far, I love the community, the training, and the tremendous support. Super eager and happy to be partnered with them!
Outside Agents has been super supportive of my new start into the industry. I worked 30+ years in the corporate world and it's a blessing to know that I have such an organized and responsive support to my own business!! Training, escalated issues, accounting, CRM, sales tools and so much more. It's all there. I would give them 10 stars if I could.
I have never regretted switching from another Host Agency to Outside Agents in 2019. Their support "family" is outstanding. They are always looking for ways to keep us informed and trained with industry changes and technology. All while be aware of our budgets as TA's. I highly recommend Outside Agents.