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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!
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!
I have been with Outside Agents for 2.5 years and I still love it. The community is so helpful. No gatekeeping. Low starting costs. Some of these host agencies want outrageous amounts to start you off. This is a simple monthly plan and they provide training, marketing assistance and so much more. If you are looking for a host agency, this is a great place to start. Even the owners are accessible. At this moment, I would only leave them if I was going independent.
I only have been with Outside Agents since the first of this year, but I can't say enough good about them. The trainings are phenomenal. I don't even think I've scratched the surface of all the resources they offer. Great agent forums and support. Easy to use CRM and efficient payment of commissions. All this for only $26 per month. I feel like I'v'e found the perfect Host Agency for me!
OutsideAgents.com offers a wealth of connections and resources to support their agents. The staff is consistently friendly and helpful, creating a welcoming environment. Overall, it's a promising host agency with many positive attributes.
However, there are areas for improvement. The technology feels outdated and lacks fluidity, reminiscent of the mid-90s. Additionally, the training is exclusively video-based, which might not suit all learning styles.
Regarding one of the owners, my first impressions from his posts and responses leave a bad taste due to a lack of understanding and effective communication.
Despite these concerns, the agency shows great potential, especially given the rave reviews and supportive staff. With some updates, it could be even better.
I've been with Outside Agents for nearly a decade after leaving the storefront agency I worked with previously. They've been so supportive and helpful in the growth of my business over the years. The owners, Chad and Steve, are two of the nicest guys you'll meet and the commission split at Outside Agents is tough to beat.
I am quite happy with this agency. I am new to this type of business and have really enjoyed the videos provided. Everything is at my pace and the monthly payment is a good price for all support and resources provided. I continue to see how the company strives to provide service and growth. I did my research, chose this agency and I currently have no reason on leaving!
Outside Agents is there for all their agents! Their training surpasses other host agencies and they truly want all their agents to be successful. If you follow their plan, you will be successful! OA's relationship with vendors that help you through the learning curve and create the real training to allow you to be prepared for all the things that are required by a true Travel Advisor. We are not order takers and between the plans and the CRM that OA uses, gives you the basis to learn and assist your clients.
I have been with OA since 2019. By far the best choice I made when establishing my business. Tye support system and training is second to none. I get timely responses to all my inquiries and am so grateful for the in person training sessions they offer. The decision to join OA was a life changing decision for me. So grateful I did it!
I have been with OA since 2017. I really wasn't focused in the beginning. But the more and more I read complete the trainings the better I got. I do work a full-time job. Eventually i would love to make this my full-time job. I believe OA has all the tools need to make this happen. I could not have made a better host choice. I also refer anyone that ask! This is the best place to be.
I can't say enough positive things about Outside Agents! Their agent support and training is top-notch - - there is no better training available from any other host agency. The staff at OA are all very accessible and they truly care about their agents. Even the owners are available to chat or answer questions on a regular basis! What other host agency offers such accessibility to the top tier staff? I have learned so much from OA and continue to learn on a weekly basis - - their live webinars, monthly challenges, and a myriad of training topics in their Learning Management System make it easy to stay on top of current travel trends. You can't go wrong by joining the OA family!