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!
Outside Agents is a great host. I came to them about 3 years ago after having been burnt by a very unreputable host agency. I found Outside Agents to be awesome! They offer training weekly, offer a website for a minimal fee, support is readily available either by the main office or by fellow agents through the forum. They also pay on time which is the most important thing. They've been around a long time in the industry so they must be doing something right, plus they keep evolving and making their host agency better by giving us more tools to help us succeed.
I have heard some horror stories about other host agencies and have experienced one on my own. So I know that Outside Agents is one of the best, if not the best you'll find. Did I mention it's free to sign up?
I have been very impressed with OutsideAgents.com (Cruises Unlimited) as a host agency. I have had my own agency for 10 years and have been a travel agent for 25 years. As our industry changes, we must change to remain successful.
I like to sell all kinds of trips and it is great to have a host agency with top tier commissions with almost every single reputable tour/cruise company. I signed up with OutsideAgents.com (Cruises Unlimited) over a year ago and have been very happy with my decision! I use OutsideAgents.com (Cruises Unlimited) IATA for all the bookings I do with cruises or tour operators that I do not book often enough to make more than the minimum commission. I make more money!!!
Plus, OutsideAgents.com (Cruises Unlimited) has some great group cruise rates available on many cruises. My clients are always impressed that I can offer them lower rates and more amenities than they can get direct with the cruise line.
The staff at OutsideAgents.com (Cruises Unlimited) is friendly, helpful and professional. I have never had a hard time getting help or an answer to a question. They go above and beyond to help their agents be successful.
I have been working with this agency for the past six months and I think it was a GREAT decision to join forces with them. If you are an independent agent and are not clearing $30K or more a year,you are spinning your wheels -- you need the boost of a host agency. They do not charge you ANYTHING and give you top commission share! They pay for all the CLIA, etc that eats away at your profits. I highly recommend Outsideagents.com. Steve is ALWAYS available to answer your questions, and they offer so many assets to help you succeed; plus a chatline with your peers.
Excellent family owned host agency! They are real people whom you can talk to at any time. Their lines of communication are open consistently, as they are always willing to help. This host agency's profile allows you the freedom of being independent and branding your travel business. There are no bars to you getting to know your Business Development Managers and building your own working relationships with them. Training opportunities are limitless and offered daily, you need only call in to participate. No red tape or go between in all the accesses needed to be a true travel business owner. This host definitely lives up to and exceeds it's reputation.
When someone on a ship inspection about 4 years ago told me about a host agency that has no start-up fees, no contracts, I was in disbelief being with two other hosts that I had paid out $495 and $295 respectively, and didn't have the support, etc.
Well glad to say I called towards the end of my contract with the other host, and figured I had nothing to
lose and has been the best experience for the past three years. This host has integrity, and stands behind what is promised. The owners and the staff or most helpful...I often wonder how they have time
to get back to us within 24 hrs at tops, and sometimes can catch them on a first try...in emergencies, we
even have their cell phones. They truly are amazing to work with. We have direct deposits and get paid in a most timely manner...many times ahead of the scheduled middle of the month. We have a forum for our agents which I believe is over 3,000 and growing, where we can get help 24/7.
I highly recommend them.
This is my second year with Outside Agents, and I cannot say enough good things about them. I was a complete rooky when I started and the support and resources they offer are amazing. With no start-up fees and great commission splits it was a no brainer for me. They even contacted me about a $300 commission that I had missed.!
If you are looking to get started in the industry or just need a great resource to back up an existing business, I would highly recommend Outside Agents.
I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of Outside Agents.com. I was previously with another host agency and transferred to Outside Agents about 2 yrs. ago. Steve and Chad, the owners of the company, are wonderful and make themselves available to help you in any way they can.
They also have a Forum on the website which is a tremendous help. We can submit a question or request for help and other agents are more than happy to help each other.
If you are looking for a host agency, I would highly recommend them.
I would give them 5 stars.
Carol Woytus
Vacation Magic Travel
Greetings,
I absolutely love my host agency (Outside Agents). I've been with them for almost 2 years and they have been there for me every step of the way. I like the fact the Owners provide Agents with their personal cell numbers in case we need them (how's that for personalized service). There was a mix up with one of my cruises and the amenities for some reason were never applied to our booking and although it was too late to add them, out of courtesy, Outside Agents made sure we received it (how please we were to see it on our account when we arrived onboard). I left my last agency because they did not have access to all the cruise vendors and recently one of their Directors sent a text to me letting me know they were now onboard with all the crusie vendors again and I politely replied to her: "No thank you, I'm very happy where I am". Great job Outside Agents for your Integrity, Honesty, and Appreciation for your Agents!
I am very satisfied with the service provided by Outside Agents. The owners are friendly, helpful, and willing to help you beyond the normal scope of expectations. I switched over to their host agency after being with another, very difficult, agency. Outside Agents celebrates successes of everyone and thanks each agent for their part. Having personally met Chad and Steve a couple of times, I can say that they are down to earth and willing to help each individual agent with anything they can possibly do.
Over the last two years, my business has soared to new heights. I have had the opportunity to not only learn new things, but connect with colleagues throughout the country. I know that I can always refer to the agent forums to find an answer to something new. This has allowed me to become a more knowledgeable agent.
I would recommend any person interested in finding a host to give Outside Agents the opportunity to be their host.
I started up with this host agency about 3 or 4 years ago after my previous agency literally disappeared and took with it close to a $1000 of my commission and much more of other agents'. At first I was a bit nervous since this host agency is based out of Florida and I live in WA but I figured since my last agency was local and that didn't do me any good I might as well try these guys. When they say there are no fees for anything, they really mean it! I have not payed them a cent of my own money. I also really liked starting up at 80% split and not 50% like with my previous agency. Commissions are always payed in a timely manner and all of my questions get answered via email (my preferred method of communication). In short, this is a great host agency to be working with and I recommend it to anyone out there!