Outside Agents

Here's my take on Host Agencies. Outside Agents is my 3rd host agency after the first one which was IMO a lot of "rah-rah-rah" let's sell travel, to the second which was IMO lacking in the technology to help me with my work, and now Outside Agents which feels like family, is on top of the latest technology, and offers the best service that I've ever seen. Here's the thing...If you want an agency that tells you the reality of the travel industry and offers a lot of support when needed. This is it. I've been an agent for over 25 years, and although I don't work full time, OA is always there for me.

I am so happy that I chose Outside Agents when I started in travel, one year prior to the pandemic. I have attended 4 of their on-site trainings in almost 3 years, which have been an awesome investment in my business. The online training and support from this family-owned and oriented business are top notch. You are not left out to dry, they always have your back as long. There are unlimited opportunities to learn more and to increase your knowledge base. After almost three years, I can look back and know that I have chosen the best host agency I could have. Their support is incredible. Thank you, OA for always being there for us!

This company is great!! There is so much training available (I will say that a lot of the training is self exploration). If you have a question you can always reach out to someone. The tools thst are available are a great value for the cost. There is no pressure to sell. I have reviewed other companies and found none to compare.

Outside Agents is the perfect fit for entrepreneurs considering a career as a home office-based travel advisor.
Outside Agents is a 5,000+ independent contractor ‘Host Agency’ with an extremely low cost of admission as opposed to a ‘Franchise’ with costs of admission in the $10,000+ franchise fee range.
OA and travel vendor ‘product knowledge training’ coupled with ‘marketing campaigns that work,’ helped propel this humble OA travel advisor into a top 2% monthly sales producer position out of 5,000 advisors twice this year. OA tools and support systems work.
A tip to newbies! Find a niche market that interests you – destination weddings, reunion groups, religious trips, or golfers, etc., and use the plethora of GROUP marketing resources provided by Outside Agents to build your business.
And you really do get to engage with the OA owners when you reach out to them for help or advice!

Outside Agents is my second experience with a host agency. Let me just say that not all host agencies are created equal. My experience with OA has been nothing short of phenomenal. A family owned business that treats everyone like they are part of the family. A great CRM, amazing SOS support and commissions always on time. During the beginning of the pandemic when most host and companies found themselves downsizing to cut expenses and stay in business, OA was offering it's agents extra commission and keep commission levels from the previous year to keep it's agents in business.

About a year ago, I found myself in a tough spot with my former agency. The owner had decided that she didn't want independent contractors anymore and if I wanted to continue in the industry I would need to figure it out on my own. I did extensive research into hosts and landed on Outside Agents. I was so impressed that the owner was the one who called me when I asked to talk with someone before coming onboard. I've had a wonderful experience and feel incredibly supported. The technology took some work to learn and I agree that the website isn't my favorite but I've doubled my sales from my former agency and I have access to so many learning opportunities. I cannot recommend OA enough!

I came into the travel industry not knowing a thing! Outside Agents provided all the tools, education, resources and support I needed to get started and grow my business. It's not just the staff, but also the community of agents that support one another. I highly recommend OA to new and seasoned agents.

I have been with OA for approximately 4 years now. Moving from another Host Agency to OA was the best decision made. The team is very supportive, responsive, engaging and care for their ICs. When ever I am in need of help, ideas, how too's, etc. Regina, Marty, Sheryl, Steve and of course Chad are the best. (to name a few I've worked with and come to love). I am very passionate of customer service and turn around times of response of satisfaction to my clients and it feels good to have the same. I must also mention Ron Doster, the CRM master. Training is always available, always looking for ways of process improvement and simplification. Commission is always paid on time (you know we all love that) but most of all, you get an "I belong" feel/family. One more thing to mention...during the pandemic crisis, we ICs were at a crucial and trying time like never before. (I been in this 20 years, never nothing like it). We were put to the test. OA kept us informed, providing webinars, training and keeping us in the loop of how to best handle the many situations that came across.
Yes, stressful times, but as Chad always say (not in the exact words but what I take from it) "know who you are in this business - own it, dictate the future of your business - grow it". I plan to be around for a bit longer, so OA is stuck with me. As always wishing success of the best. Lady V

Outside Agents has a wealth of options and information to help anyone starting in the business or with experience. The commission rates are more than fair. They don't charge penalties for mistakes or mailings like other host agencies do. Their in-house-developed CRM is fantastic. I struggled for years to find a CRM I really liked before OA developed theirs. Any time a commission is missing (which is very rare, but can happen with so many suppliers), I find out when and how it was paid and they are able to track it down and pay me immediately. They're always responsive, helpful and friendly. Their commission schedule is also very generous. We receive top commissions from so many suppliers, and give up so little of it to our host. There are enough training sessions, boot camps, FAM trip opportunities and supplier incentives to satisfy newbies and seasoned professionals alike. I belonged to a different host for one year before switching to Outside Agents. After more than a decade with OA, I see no reason to ever change hosts. They are honest, helpful, and generous, and allow me to work my business with freedom of choice, but plenty of support.

Outside Agents...simply amazing...I wouldn't have signed up for just anyone. I'm a high volume agent with my own agency and am sooooo glad I partnered with OA. As you all know, travel is a supply and demand business with the emphasis on "what have you done for me lately" by the suppliers. The more you book, the higher those commissions will go most times, right? The commissions are some of the best, but the people in the front office are freakin' incredible. I would hire any one of the people on their staff and I'm picky. Thanks Again OA. I wish I knew you 40 years ago and not just 10. A decade of not a single issue is refreshing. All the Best.