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 not a full time travel agent but one day want to retire and supplement my income as a travel professional - outside agents is a great host agency, great training and great support - one day I hope to make the top ten list
I have been with OA for more than a year and I cannot imagine being with any other host. The positive comments they've received here really are true. The support in place is outstanding (from fellow agents to OA staff) and opportunities for training and development are as numerous as the time you're willing to put the work in and learn. They encourage you to grow your business and offer insight on how to do so. Questions are often easily answered in the agent forum or by direct contact to OA staff members. This is not a "card mill" but if you put in the work you will certainly see rewards (through your business growth, training certifications, increased commission levels, etc). This is an amazing host with great knowledge and guidance to help you be the best you can in the travel industry. I would certainly suggest them to anyone seeking to begin working as a travel specialist.
Outsides Agents gets five stars for their program but the get negative 4 stars for their lack of communications. What they don't tell you is if you don't make x number of sales per year you are dropped with no warning. No explaination. Nothing. This shows a lack of respect on the part of Outside Agents for their agents.
Hi Robert,
As always, we appreciate feedback from our agents as we are always looking to improve.
First, I want to thank you for your 5 star rating of our program and to express my regret that you felt our communications fell short of that mark.
Let me address, this, the most important point you raised, a lack of respect for our agents. The fact is that every single one of our agents have direct access to the Owner's of the company, including their personal cell number. With 3100+, why would we do that? Because we're absolutely committed to our agents. We're their business partner and we're here to help.
Next, let me address the catalyst of your disappointment. The sales requirement of selling something, anything, every six months to someone other than yourself is clearly stated on our website, in our contract, and on the welcome email that was sent to you. We make no effort whatsoever to hide the fact that we want agents that, at the very least, sell something more than once each year.
To be clear, this requirement is one of the reasons that we're receiving industry accolades for our training. We want new agents to succeed. All they need to do is take advantage of all that we offer.
Finally, let me just say that, prior to hitting the 6 month mark or even posting this review, I wish you had called me. I could have helped. Heck, give me a call anytime. I'm still eager to help.
This is my first host agency and I have to say, thank goodness I picked the best the first time around. The forums are the best and their On Demand training library is awesome.
I had no experience in the travel industry before this and everyone has been great helping answer my questions and pointing me in the right direction.
You may not have live leads like with some hosts, but OA gives you the tools and the confidence to go out and find your own bookings. Other members will give you tricks and tips of the industry. If you don't make it with OA, you have nobody to blame with yourself, because the tools and support are provided.
I did a lot of research in finding a host agency that would not require a lot of start up funding, but would provide me with training and experience that would quickly help me expand my business. After signing up with another host and finding they were not at all what I expected, I signed up with Outside Agents. I have been nothing but completely pleased. There is a wealth of training available and updated constantly; the network of other agents is a wonderful resource for a new agent starting out; they have a great list of suppliers they work with and the Business Development Managers are very resourceful. I think the thing that impressed me the most is the accessibility to Chad and Steve the co-owners as well as Marty, Dan and the other staff members.
They provide mentoring for new agents, as well as TONS of on-demand as well as webinar trainings. The only thing that would prevent you from being successful with this host is YOU!
I originally joined, thinking that once I learned the business more, I'd move on to a more exclusive host that deals with experienced agents, but I honestly don't feel the need to change hosts anytime in the future. The fit was a great one and I'd recommend Outside Agents to other new agents seeking to learn the business with a great host.
I recently just signed up with Outside Agents to be my host. I was having issues signing up due to my own errors with my internet provider. I emailed one of the Owners, Chad Burt and even on the weekend, he answered my emails with no problem at all. I am also amazed with the amount of support you get from your mentors and everyone else. I mean when they say they will hold your hand and direct you through something, they ACTUALLY will do it. This is one stop shopping for all your travel agent needs. The webinars that i have watched so far, teach you so much and are not boring at all. I will update anyone who reads this in a few months. I have a great feeling about this company. I feel right at home with this company. FYI for anyone considering joining this company, no they're are not making me fill this out or compensating me in anyway. If you don't believe me, just give them a try.
The support you get from Outside Agents is great! Not just Chad and the rest of the OA staff members, but all the independent agents are very helpful with any questions you may have. I have only been wit affiliated with them since last year, but my bookings have gone up with all the suppliers we have to offer. With the low startup cost and great tools and support this company has to offer, it's perfect for those who want to start off.
I get great support and tools with Out Side Agents.
Love all everyone. Chad is very supportive.
Annieya
I have been with Outside Agents for the three years I have been an independent travel agent. When I started, the thing that impressed me the most was that there were no up front fees, and no monthly fees. If you made some commission, they made some money, if not, it didn't cost you anything. In my three years, I have made the Top 20 List (out of 2000 agents) one month in each of two years.
I'm not sure what could be done to improve. They pay commissions TWICE a month, have tremendous online support, and the owners are both approachable by either phone or email.
Great agency with which to be affiliated, emails and phone calls get quick response.Commissions are paid promptly. Training available.
Very happy to be selling with this host agency.