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INDUSTRY
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 am updating my review since I posted it a couple years ago. nothing has changed except I feel more as a family member than a number. I am here to stay. I have to say this was the best choice I made years ago to join Outside Agents. Through out my years here the staff and owners have been amazing, always in contact when needed and also just checking in to see if they can help grow my business. The reason I am writing this today is an encounter I had just the other day, I get up very early and at 6:05AM I sent a message about some commissions I couldn't track down, I wasn't expecting an answer until late in the day, BUT to my surprise Allison responded in less than 5 minutes at 6 in the morning with answers to my questions and resolved my issues. This is the type of team work and effort they go thru to help us as agents to grow our business. THEY HAVE OUR BACKS 100% (response time not typical but wow I was surprised ) This is the best decision I made for me and my business I started at a little over $125,000 now over 2.5 million a year, Thank you for helping me grow.
I have been an agent for 3.5 years. Outside Agents has been with me from the very beginning. The support that is offered not only by the OA staff but the entire community of agents is UNBEATABLE. I am a USAF veteran and I know a thing or two about camaraderie... the staff and other agents really are like a big family.
On top of that, I love the structure that OA has built. There is no pressure to hit a certain sales goal, no pushing to "recruit" (which I personally find recruiting to be an off-putting practice), and the training, tools, and events that help each agent be a better business owner are top notch. The knowledge that as a business owner, I can still reach out for help / problem solving at any time is just so reassuring!
On top of all of that, I loved starting out with one of the highest commission splits in the industry... 80/20! It took some time and hard work but now I am enjoying an even higher commission split. Plus we get paid weekly unlike some other hosts. We are a family of 6 so those weekly paychecks (when applicable) have been amazing!
I have done multiple FAM trips with suppliers and engaged with agents from many other host agencies... and to me it sounds like I definitely made the right choice based in my needs and the things I hoped to find with a host agency.
So happy I did my research before becoming a travel agent and joined the best host in the industry! Outside Agents has been amazing to work with and has allowed me to start a great career by working under them. Im just a year and a half in and I’ve already moved up a commission split level. They provide all the training needed to learn both their system and the supplier systems. I always get quick responses anytime I need help with something and receive on time commission payments.
I have been in and out of the travel industry for about 6 years now. I decided to join Outside Agents in 2021. And it has been so good for me. It is only recently I decided to take this and do it more full time. There is such a feeling of community within the agents with Outside Agents. I love the level of support within the management. The answer questions in a timely manner. They have great training. Easy to follow trainings online.
I joined Outside Agents in 2022 after using HAR to research my options. I decided on OA because of their training/support, low fees, and high commission split.
My goal was to make enough money to fund one cruise a year for my family. However, I quickly surpassed that goal with $500,000 in sales in my first full year.
The team at OA has been supportive and helpful whenever I contacted them and the in-person training is some of the best I've ever experienced regardless of the industry.
I highly recommend this Host Agency.
If you're contemplating a switch in your travel agency partnership, look no further than Outside Agents—my experience since joining just eight months ago has been nothing short of transformative. The unparalleled support from the owners and outstanding customer service has truly elevated my business. Their comprehensive training materials are a treasure trove of information, demonstrating just how committed they are to your success. In stark contrast to my previous host agency, where I often felt isolated and waited days for a response, Outside Agents has fostered a welcoming, collaborative environment. If you're seeking a host agency that prioritizes your growth and well-being, I wholeheartedly recommend Outside Agents; you won’t regret making this empowering choice!
This is my first agency experience, and I love it so far! It’s not an MLM scheme but truly a community that loves to travel and loves to help other people travel successfully! There is constant training and support, opportunities to get to know vendors, and resources available to easily book clients. It’s been a seamless transition into the industry, thank you!
I just started my journey as a travel agent this past year with no prior experience/training. Outside Agents provides every tool needed that I definitely wouldn't have thought of on my own, as well as SO many easy to use, thorough training opportunities/options at my disposal! Not to mention I have access to so many suppliers through them!! Best decision is for sure Outside Agents!
Partnering with Outside Agents was the very best career move I have made since is started on this journey nearly 6 years ago. I have access to amazing suppliers and have networked with top performing agents to learn from the best in the business. OA has provided all the tools I need and more to successfully run my business. My sales volume doubled when I made the move and I credit my rebranding, new website, and partnering with Outside Agents for my growth!
Since 2021, I've been with OA and have managed several businesses that use other host agencies. I can confidently say that nothing can compare to OA. The tools, help desk, owners, and managers are exceptional. Even test driving them as a host agency will blow you away. They offer continuing education, incentives for agents, website assistance, and even teach you how to prevent fraud in your business. OA is quick to provide support and helps any business, big or small, to grow!