October 31, 2023
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!  

Blue G

John Lavelle

Experience: 6-10 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

Outside Agents is our third or fourth host. Their support is second to none. Cost of "membership" is the best we've experienced. Top commissions, paid promptly and we feel more like family than revenue streams. Always the personal touch when we need support.

Brando Quinn

Experience: 1-5 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I had personally traveled to 21 foreign countries and 49 of the 50 United States (bet you can't guess which one I've never been to?, lol) before deciding to become a home-based travel agent in early 2013... When I got the invitation to join OutsideAgents.com I couldn't help but notice how terrific the website details were. The first thing that intrigued me was the ability to click on a few headlines and easily find some valuable information on many areas of the world I had never been to; this tantalized my senses and made me want to explore more options. I knew right away this was the right place for me!

I am happy the OutsideAgent mentoring program exists and relish the educational benefits available which enhance our knowledge and understanding of travel. I have already taken the initial steps to complete the Travel Institutes Agent programs and have already finished the AM Resorts and the Guadeloupe Islands Master Agent programs giving the confidence to book clients there today. I look forward to completing all of Outside Agents educational programs and am excited to learn about ways to improve service to my amazing world traveling customers. Thanks OutsideAgents!

Debbie McAuley

Experience: 6-10 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I have been with OA since 2007. After much investigating alot of host agencies, I kept coming back to OA. I called and talked with Chad and signed up immediately. They have been wonderful, patient, and were always available when I needed help.
I am reassured that I made the right choice whenever I speak with suppliers who have the utmost respect for Steve and Chad. They tell me what great guys they are and how professional they are. The office support is fantastic, so helpful.
They are the BEST!!!!

Mazie Middleton CTA, MCC

Experience: > 11 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

This, too, is my third host, and BY FAR, the best host agency out there. From training to having the OWNERS cell phone numbers - from NO FEES to earning over 80% of the commission! Support is second to none! Commissions paid on time - every time! New, experienced and seasoned agents will feel right at home here!

Gretchen Lobas

Experience: 1-5 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

This is my third host agency, and it is the BEST in the industry. Not only are they willing to help with any problems you may have with the general industry, they have your back in all circumstances. I had a big issue with airline tickets. There was a system glitch with an air consolidator, they said there was a glitch to me. Don't worry, your clients won't be charged twice, but they were. This issue has been going on for three months. Chad from Outside Agents has been with me through the whole ordeal, and he finally got my clients a refund. It is so nice to know there is still integrity and honesty in the this industry and the world in general. I would recommend this agency without any reservation to anyone searching for a good Host to work with. Also, never had any issue with receiving my payments in a timely manner. Chad and Steve (the owners) are the Best.

NEIL SACKS

Experience: > 11 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I WAS VIRTUALLY CLOSED OUT FROM MY PREVIOUS HOST AGENCY. JOYSTAR WAS CLOSED DOWN AND I NEEDED TO SOME PLACE TO PUT MY BUSINESS. I SPOKE TO SEVERAL HOST AGENCIES WHO WANTED LARGE FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS. AFTER SPEAKING TO CHAD (NO FINANCIAL COMMITMENT) I WAS SOLD. TALK TO CHAD YOU WILL GET ALL THE INFORMATION AND ASSISTENCE YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE A POSITIVE DECISION.

Lori Orchow

Experience: 6-10 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

After leaving my position with Avoya Travel I wasn't sure I even wanted to stay in travel because of the sour taste they left me with. I'm glad I found Outside Agents. I can work as I need to work and still have the systems to be professional and successful. I thought paying a monthly charge and a big name meant big leads, it didn't. Glad I am moving on and that I discovered Outside Agents!

Kim Taylor

Experience: 1-5 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I've been with Outside Agents since opening my business in 2007 and have been pleased from the very start. Help with anything I need is just a phone call away and I love the fact that my main contact is one of the owners. Training is readily available both live and on-demand. New technology is always being introduced and made available to the agents.

Anyone considering a home based travel agency would be doing themselves a favor to talk with Outside Agents. I'm sure glad they've been here for me from the start.

Summer Rockwell

Experience: 1-5 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I have done very well with outsideagents and I couldn't ask for better support group!!!!!

Karla Stauder

Experience: 1-5 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I just completed my fourth year as a home based agent with Outside Agents. Prior to joining OA, I searched for a few months and interviewed several hosts. One call to OA, and I knew I had found my home. :)

Everyone at OA is kind and knowledgeable. We are treated just like family and not just a "number" to them. Chad & Steve are always a phone call away to assist in any way. I can't imagine not being part of this wonderful team!