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 almost 8 years. I love this agency as there is so much information available to their agents. Plus you can reach out anytime for help or just for some answers. They are very responsive. And more than that caring and very friendly to all. My experience with them as my Host Agency is 100% a positive experience. Thank you OA for everything.
I started with OA because I was very green and needed a host agency that was affordable for me. I have watched as the company has grown, and I have always been happy with what the agency offers. They just keep getting better and better! The preferred companies I can present to my guests are very reputable, and I have always had a great selection to choose from. I have never felt like I was left stranded and without any help. I love OA and am very grateful to be a part!
The training, assistance and staff have been essential in the growth of my agency. I have been with Outside Agents(OA) since mid 2017 and my business is constantly growing. I was overwhelmed by the host agency options initially. OA began to stand out for multiple reasons. The staff's investment in our success is unparalleled. The training and knowledge is available to us, all we have to do is engage and apply it! If you want a host agency that is truly invested I would highly recommend joining OA!!
After several days of reviewing options I chose Outside Agents and I have never been disappointed with the choice. They work very hard to help new agents succeed. training, mentors, peer forums and so much more. The staff is friendly, but are not afraid to let you know your chasing your tail.
The training is outstanding with hour and hours of video training on nearly every aspect to running a Travel Agency Business. If you can make it to one of the live training programs, do it! It's worth much more than the price of admission and whatever it costs to get there.
I have recommended them to others I know, and will do so again, and again and again.
I’m into my sixth year with Outside Agents, and I couldn’t have chosen a better host agency. After starting with another host two years prior, I was looking for more support, more control over my own bookings, and a better commission split. I found all that and much more. OA provides its agents with all the tools necessary to get your business started, beginning with training on their state-of-the-art booking and technology tools, CRM, and website. Training options are plentiful, with virtual sales calls with suppliers, webinars, videos, FAMs, seminars and more. Optional “Boot camps” for new and seasoned agents at their FL home office help agents start their business or take it to the next level. Agent support is the best, and help is just an email, phone call or “help” ticket away. Owners Chad and Steve run a well-oiled machine, and Dan, our sales manager, is always ready and willing to help agents get the sale. Compared to my previous host with a mere 50% commission split, OA starts new agents with a generous 80%. With hard work and perseverance, agents are rewarded with a higher split, up to 95%. I find their fee structure to be fair, allowing agents to choose the plan that works for them. Best of all, there is a whole network of fellow agents to lean on when the going gets rough, when you need quick answers, or just need to vent.
I have been with Outside Agents for ten years. It has been a wonderful relationship! I have not always agreed with the owners, but we have a wonderful respectful relationship - and they have MY/OUR best interest at heart. If I don't make money - they don't make money. They want me to succeed. And that I do! I've hit $1M in sales annually and I couldn't have done it without the help of their entire team in the home office. I've been with one other host and also went out on my own - nothing compares with what we get here. Two thumbs up!
If you want to be a business owner with an amazing strong agency behind you join Outside Agents. They are the best! What I love the most is the family feeling, they have fabulous training continuously in Jacksonville so you really get to know the owners, Dan (best sales manager around), the office staff, fellow agents and BDM's. New agent bootcamp, advanced agent, luxury training, groups and more. We also have a forum and facebook page where your questions get answered right away. Commission structure is great and they pay weekly, wow. Great tools too. Highly recommended, would never go anywhere else.
We startered our agency with another host agency and they took 50% of our commssion but took that as part of doing business. When we thought we had enough time in the business we started lookinf for a host agency and found Outside Agents at the Home based travel agents convference in Las Vegas a while back. Out of all of the Host Agencies that we talked with at this conference, they were the only host that would allow us to run our business the way we wanted. With a few rules to follow, and they are only there to help us, we have now been with them for awhile and with no regrets. We get the training we need, the support when we need it, and a phone conversation about a challenge all the time. Although we had only one challenge that was not taken care of, and it was probably my fault, I would still recommend them highly as a Host Agency. If you join you will not look around for anyone else, but please don't blame them if you don't follow the legal rules
I have been with Outside Agents for over 10 years and it has been the right choice for me. Outside Agents have grown and continue to grow as a host agency. They are family own and it is still amazing to me how much they care about us. They listen and will help in any way needed or will answer questions/issue we may be having. Their technology and the back-office has significantly improved and continues to improve over the years. I have tried other host agencies, but no one company will equal up to the service that Outside Agents has provided. Thanks Outside Agents. We love what you do and thank you for being here for us.
Outside Agents was the best decision I made in 2017.
I began my business as a travel agent in August of 2017 and was so excited to get started. Outside Agents sent me information when I registered with them about where to access trainings, the group forum, access to travel leaders network etc. I took the time to quickly learn how to input my bookings into their systems so that I could stay organized and get my commission when booking customers.
They have always been available if I have an issue, our sales manager responds ASAP to emails or calls and their trainings are phenomenal. Without them, I wouldn't be doubling my commission from last year.
I have spoken with agents that were previously with another host and said they will never switch again; they are so happy with OA and so am I.
There is not a crazy fee (just a small monthly fee; which is totally worth it by the way) and they even provide you with a website!
If you're considering joining a host agency, this is the best there is.