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!
OA has everything you need to be a successful independent agent, as long you are willing to put the work in and ask for help! They provide and regularly update educational materials, provide live sessions with suppliers, clearly display supplier preferences and commissions, offer custom mentorship, and constantly update marketing materials. Their agent portal is a powerful tool including all of the above plus a network forum, CRM, and personalized webpage. It's fairly easy to achieve a bump in commission structure in your first 1-2 years.
Outside Agents is an amazing host. I have been a TA since 2019 but with OA for 2 years now. They have amazing support, agents helping agents, and their training is top-notch. They bring industry people to train agents. They supply tools like a CRM. Their commissions are great and they pay weekly and fast! If they get paid, you get paid. Highly recommend.
I joined with Outside Agents and started actively selling travel less than 5 months ago with no travel industry experience other than personal travel. I have to say that without the help and guidance from the Outside Agents community I would be lost. Outside Agents isn't just a host agency it is a network that includes the owners to everyday agents like you and me. The training is top-notch, not to mention the endless numbers of suppliers that you get access to after you join. There aren't enough positive words I can say about Outside Agents and all they offer to help new agents feel welcome, educated and ready to enter the travel industry.
I began very part time with Outside Agents over 2 years ago. After months of researching the different hosts I landed on Outside Agents. The commission structure, the minimally priced plans, ongoing training and the support services were the perfect mix for me. I have to say I am thoroughly impressed everyday with the guidance and level of support we receive. I attended boot camp last May and my travel business has grown immensely and is now a full time career. If you are uncertain with all the host choices, just know you cannot go wrong with Outside Agents as they have our best interests in mind always.
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.