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 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.
As a travel agency catering to a range of clients, it's essential for us at Sea & Sun Travel to have the right support, tools, and training to deliver exceptional experiences. Enter Outside Agents: an absolutely incredible host agency that not only promises excellence but delivers on it, consistently and passionately.
One of the standout features of our relationship with Outside Agents has been their extraordinary training programs. While they offer a comprehensive suite of online tutorials and resources that are invaluable for quick insights, their in-person training sessions in Jacksonville are nothing short of transformative. The level of detail, industry expertise, and real-world application that goes into these sessions is extraordinary. You leave not just informed but invigorated and inspired, eager to serve your clientele with fresh, impactful offerings. It's like an invigorating blend of academics and practical skill-building, all designed to equip you to build your business!
Let's talk about support. Whenever we've had questions, whether about complex itineraries, client concerns, or back-office queries, the team at Outside Agents has been right there with timely and insightful assistance. This kind of support makes us feel like we're part of a larger family, all committed to elevating the travel experience for our customers.
Now, onto a point that everyone in the business world can appreciate: financials. Outside Agents really shines here, making commission payments on a weekly basis. This goes a long way in aiding cash flow and business planning. It's not just the frequency but the transparency and accuracy involved that make them a trusted financial partner.
If you're new to the travel world or an established outfit aiming to refine your services, I can't recommend Outside Agents enough. They offer a wide array of resources aimed at agent growth and client satisfaction.
So, if you're in search of a host agency that marries professionalism with a nurturing, supportive environment, look no further. Outside Agents is an investment in your business you'll never regret, but rather cherish and appreciate as you watch your business grow. Case in point: We started 2.5 years ago and in that time we've seen a 387% growth on average per year!
We wholeheartedly endorse Outside Agents for anyone who takes their travel business seriously and aims for nothing short of spectacular success.
Hiya! I'm one of the owners of OA, and I needed to tell you how much YOU and your review (of course) mean to all of us at OutsdeAgents.com. Michael, I'm sure you can relate as a business owner to the elation and joy you feel when your hard work is recognized. I wish I could take the credit, but it's our crew that makes the magic happen every day. I couldn't be more grateful for your review and the crew that made it possible. If you ever need anything, you've got my number :-)
I have been with Outside Agents for only 3 months but the education and help getting my business started has been outstanding. I feel they are giving me the tools I need to be successful. The best part is the Agent community which is always willing to answer questions or help with issues. I am truly happy I chose Outside Agents
So glad I made the decision to go with Outside Agents! So much educational material. The learning never ends! Helps with every step of the way through videos, webinars, and so much more! If you want to be a travel advisor, you owe it to yourself to check out Outside Agents! You won't be disappointed!
If you are interested in learning about the trade this is the Host agency to pick.
The learning Library is Huge!!!!!!!!! You a can submit qu's if you are confused. You can sign up with a mentor. It seems like they add more content every time that I log in. You can do Fam trips as well as learning on site.