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 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.
This is my second agency and I can honestly say I will never be leaving OA. They are the most professional and helpful folks I have ever had the pleasure of working with. The training and support is awesome, commissions are always paid on time, and the social network they have built is wonderful! If you're looking for an agency that will help you grow professionally, OA is the one you're looking for!
Hi I am new to travel industry. I like the support, webinars, the quickness of email replies, suppliers- plenty, also I feel the independence of working for myself yet the feeling of working for a company with local support. That's great.
I LOVE Outside Agent /Cruise and Tours Unlimited. I am a brand new travel agent and have done a lot of research trying to find a host agency with no idea where to start. I knew that I loved to travel and wanted to invest in something that would give me the most pleasure in helping people fulfill their dream vacation without breaking the bank. Outside Agency by far is the best in a host agency with tons of training, no monthly fees, and a very generous commission split. I have been with Outside Agent for 3 months and the wealth of experience from all the agents within Outside Agents agency is phenomenal. Everyone is willing to help giving great advice. The commission is fantastic and the owners are great.
This is definitely the best choice I could have made and a GREAT company.
You will not go wrong with Outside agents just read all the reviews there is not one person that is unhappy. They must be doing something right! I have been with them for 8 years I was lucky to have been referred to them by someone that worked with them on their website. They told me they are family owed and they make you feel like family. TRUE TRUE TRUE. They have only gotten better over the years I have been with them. Come join us you will be happy you did. See you on the Message boards!
I feel very lucky to have been referred to Outside Agents. I have been with them for 8 years and have been very happy. They have been making a lot of changes over the years to help us Agents. If you are looking for a company that cares come join us.