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 approx 1 year and couldn't be happier.
They offer so much support along with hosting the forum to allow their independant contractors to discuss various things amongst themselves. Plus the training is great!
They are my second host agency and I will be sticking with them!
After being burned by our first host and shafted by the second one, we finally found Outside Agents, honest, with unlimited support, all the right stuff, great suppliers, tools, training and technology, optional E&O Ins at group rates, consumer booking engine, a marketing program and group cruise space. With their motto, "we don't make money unless you make money", they are an easy 5 star host.
Awesome agency and wonderful support! The only host agency that I have been with and I have no reason to want to change. Outside Agents always has our best interest at heart and wants to help us grow! Support staff at OA is amazing...always helpful!
After coming from a bad host agency, I really looked around before finding Outside Agents. I really feel that outside Agents is the best host agency that any new or old travel agent could want.
The tools they provide are awesome. I would suggest if you are looking for a great host agency to sign up, you will not be disappointed. Everything is provided for you to help you start your own travel business, which is half the battle in succeeding.
Everyone in the office is professional, fun and knowledgeable. Chad and Steve give us all the tools we need to be a successful agent in this competitive industry. Looking forward to a LONG and profitable relationship with OSA
I have been a home-based travel agent with Outside Agents for almost 2 years and have nothing but good things to say about them. They pay commissions promptly and are quick to reply to any calls or emailed questions if I can't find my question already answered on the agent forum. With their volume, most vendors pay more than the standard 10% as well so I do much better running my business through OA than trying to go it alone on my own. Thanks OA for being there when I need you but not micromanaging me when I don't!
OutsideAgents is at the top tier as a host agency. I have worked with other host agencies, but none that allowed me to contact the owners directly by phone or e-mail and receive an answer! That in and of itself is worth being a member of our host agency. The training is unbelievable and there is never a charge. The owners created one of the most popular forums on the internet. New members are greeted on the forum and when there are questions, many of us jump right in to help give the best advice based on our travel experiences. We do have access to a website as well. Looking for a host agency? Look no further, you will have found the best at OutsideAgents....Five Stars!
I have had poor host agencies, and good agencies, but this is a great host agency. The owners are involved and responsive, the price is right and the split is generous. My questions and emails are always answered within a day. They encourage and enable participation by their agents without pushing. And they back us up when we need it. 5 stars isn't enough for Outside Agents.
for a few years I have been associated with another host agency and I has always turned up as a Dud for both the client and myself when I found cruise and tours I was a bit skeptical to take on another host since i had spent a great amount of time and money to get nothing, but as soon as i gave them a try i was floored with the assistance, prompt help and the friendly staff and fellow agents plus great commissions. within a matter of days I had renewed confidence and sales. for free had me worried but this is one truly awesome host to team up with!
No hassles clear directions, prompt service, excellent commissions superior organization and great co-agents to work with. I cannot count how many people that i have recommended Cruise and tours too but this is one amazing company! I give cruise and tours unlimited a 5++++ star rating
Outside Agents is one of the best Host Agencies to be apart of. When you sign up its free. The owners also are there to support you. You can give them a call or email them and they always there to help you. The tools they provide are awesome. I would suggest if you are looking for a great host agency to sign up, you will not be disappointed. Everything is provided for you to help you start your own travel business, which is half the battle in succeeding.
I have been an outside agent with this company for 6 months. I must say the host support is great. They respond quickly with helpful answers and sollutions. I work with alot of groups and the overrides they offer with the cruise line are very helpful to earn a higher commission. It has been a great transition from office to home base. I would recommend this agency highly.