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 beginning year 3 of my dream job as a travel advisor and I am still SO glad I chose Outside Agents as my host agency! Not only do they still offer some of the highest commission splits of ANY host agency (up to 97%), but they continue to roll out new and improved tools and training programs ALL the time. There is a reason they are one of the fastest growing host agencies in the world - they are doing a lot of things right. And they still manage to maintain a small family culture despite having over 9,000 agents. How many owners of host agencies that large give you their personal cell phone number when you join? I can't recommend Outside Agents highly enough. You won't find better training anywhere in the industry!
I have been with Outside Agents since late 2019. I did not utilize what was available to me to be a travel advisor until early 2023. I then did the Kick Start Training and wow, did I find out a lot! I'm still learning and think this is an industry where learning is a daily thing. I am slowly getting business and I'm okay with that since I still work full-time elsewhere. I love the training and expertise available to me from all the other agents and the team at OA. I highly recommend OA if you are serious about being a travel advisor. It is a lot of work, but it is worth it.
Outside Agents is a phenomenal host agency! I love the fact they had a mentor available to answer any questions when I was first getting started. They have amazing trainings that were very helpful when I was first getting started. The trainings continue to be helpful and are top notch. The support from Outside Agents and the other travel agents in the Outside Agents community is amazing! The online platforms and CRM are easy to navigate.
Joining Outside Agents has transformed my approach to the travel business. Renowned for their unwavering customer service, they stand as a beacon for both budding and seasoned travel agents. What truly sets Outside Agents apart is their all-encompassing support system. From day one, they supply every tool an agent might need to embark on a successful career path. Their robust training programs demystify the complexities of the travel industry, empowering agents with knowledge and confidence. Moreover, their innovative marketing tools are designed to enhance your visibility and client engagement, ensuring your travel business flourishes.
With Outside Agents, you gain more than just a host agency; you secure a partnership that is deeply invested in your growth and success. Their commitment to providing top-tier support, comprehensive training, and cutting-edge marketing resources makes them the ideal choice for anyone serious about pursuing a career in travel. Outside Agents has provided unparalleled support in your my journey to becoming a travel professional. I am genuinely thankful for such a premier Host Agency!
I have been with Outside Agents since 2015, after being with a different host for seven years prior to that. Outside Agents gives you the tools you need to develop and grow your business by providing support, training, FAM opportunities, peer forums, and so much more! The ability to interact directly with the owners is incredible and a key differentiator from other large agencies. I appreciate the ability to belong to an organization with a large volume of sales (higher supplier commissions!) but still feel like more than a 'number' when it comes to interactions and support.
Being an independent travel advisor is hard work. Leveraging the tools, mentors (when needed), and the training opportunities (in-person and online) provided by OA will help you succeed as a business owner!
OA is a great Host, especially if you are unable to invest a lot of time / budget at the beginning of your Travel Career. You are given access to so many trainings, booking engines & support on the back end. You are given a TON of independence to do things "your way" in your own branding. No "average person" knows what OA is or does for you, and that's fine. You are the expert.
If you are starting in the industry, start here. The more time you invest in bootcamps and trainings, the better you will be at booking travel for your clients.
I only wish I had more time to do the in-person trainings - goals for the future though. For now I'll do my remote trainings.
I did a lot of research before joining Outside Agents in 2016. They have provided more features over the years that have made me happy with my decision. The monthly fees are fair and the commission payout is as good as it possibly can get. They have a huge training library and also offer in person training. The owners of the company are friendly and available to the agents.
Aaron,
Thank you for the kind words! We appreciate the support!
Benn with OA for 14 Years. Still the BEST decision of my career! Top notch technology, vast training library, support from peers and the OA community is second to none! Whether you are new to selling travel and need all the information and tools to get started, or are a seasoned professional looking for optimal income, a vast preferred supplier portfolio and the buying power that 10,000 peers and the Travel Leaders Consortia / OA bring to the table, there simple is NO better Host Agency out there!
Catherine, thanks so much for the love! We appreciate your continued support!
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!
Wow, thank you so much for the kind words, Blue!
We look forward to helping you grow your business. Thank you for the ongoing support!
Outside agents is an amazing host agency. They provide plenty of education and work with many different vendors. I love being assigned a mentor to answer questions about any topic. I also like the communities that can help individuals like me communicate about travel questions concerns and ideas. I came from another agency and am glad I made the switch.