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!
To be 100% honest I was skeptical to make the change for my previous agency to outside agents, but I had another agency friend who kept on me to make the change. Once I finally decided to make the switch, I was so upset that I hadn’t made it sooner OA is one of the best things that has ever happened to my Travel business. Even though there are so many of us, it truly feels like someone is always there for you. Someone is always in your corner willing to help you answer questions whatever it may be you feel like you have someone that has your back. OA is constantly updating things to help us make our business run better and market our business better and I am everyday so thankful I made the switch to this agency.
I reviewed several agencies and compared them side by side. I also talked with a few Host Agencies and I'm so glad I chose Outside Agents. The online training platform is very thorough, they have required courses and electives. There is always something to learn and/or rewatch. The support is also great! They pair you up with a mentor, and have Facebook groups for support, questions, etc. as well. I am very satisfied with my decision and very happy with my decision to choose Outside Agents!
Kara,
Thank you so very much! We are so glad that you have been enjoying your time here!
I have been with Outside Agents for right at a year. The amount of support available is incredible. The trainings start from the very beginning and can take you as far as you want to go. My first year has been far more successful than anticipated due to the support provided by OA. I would absolutely recommend OA as a host agency whether you have been in the industry for years or are just getting started.
Hi Alexis!
Thank you so much for the incredible feedback!
Changing host agencies to OA was the best idea for my career. My previous host agency charged me a lot of commission and gave me nothing in return.
With OA I have felt like I apart of a family, get any help needed and I can not even keep up with the amount of training they provide to us.
Thank you OA !
You feel like a part of our family because you ARE a part of our family. Thank you for the kind words Ginger!
I came to Outside Agents from a different host in 2015. It was one of the best business decisions that I have ever made. The owners at OA take an interest in every agent. The support is beyond great and there is wonderful training opportunities. The library of online and on-demand training is extensive. The best trainings are conducted in person at the home office. For a host with thousands of agents, it still feels like a family affair. Ever agent is made to feel at home in the office and we are treated like family. If you are looking for a host that will let you customize your business and support you every stem of the way then OA is the place to be.
We appreciate your good words, Drew! Thank you so much!
I’m so glad I found Outside Agents! The trainings are unmatched and always walk away feeling confident. They also have mentor opportunities you can take advantage of. The previous agency I was a part of didn’t have the training or support and was completely lost and was ready to give up. I gave it another chance and found OA. They’re always updating and adding to their training library.
Natasha, THANK YOU! We are always looking for ways to improve our learning management system to provide you all with legendary support!
I’ve believed Outside Agents was a host agency I would recommend to anyone wanting a host they could depend on to be honest, supportive, and act with integrity. I still believe they are honest and supportive to an extent. What concerns me of late is the amount of staff they have to support the number of new agents they brought into the fold. It appears they have grown from approximately 5,000 agents in January 2023 to over 8,700 (July 2023). New agents are provided the tools to learn the trade, but several do not appear to take advantage of the training and resources available. I believe it is a host agency's responsibility to ensure the ICs using the host's credentials to book trips for their clients meet a minimum training requirement. Enforcing minimum training before handling someone's hard-earned money to book their vacation is in everyone's best interest. Without some level of proficiency and knowledge of the industry is harmful to our industry. Harmful to our vendors/suppliers (who struggle to educate/train new travel advisors which clogs up the phone lines), to the reputation of travel agents, and especially to the people using an untrained TA who doesn't know what is necessary to book a trip or qualify a client. I no longer follow our FB Group as it is full of TAs asking the same questions repeatedly when they could have known the answer had they done the training offered by OA. This floods the FB Group with useless clutter. OA has the tools one needs to succeed; however, they won't require a new agent to do the training. I would advise folks new to the industry to find a smaller agency offering support and training so they get the knowledge they need to succeed.
A couple of months ago, I ran into a sticky situation with a client and his attempts to file an insurance claim with his travel insurance. I needed some advice and direction as to how to handle the situation appropriately. I first called Outside Agents and spoke to Debra in the office who was super helpful and supportive and suggested that I email both Chad and Steve (owners of Outside Agents). I immediately received an email back from Chad, giving some direction and wisdom and above all support. I was so appreciative of the response and felt so supported. I have never once regretted my decision to work with Outside Agents. I love the support, resources, software, training, and knowledge provided both within the staff and the community of other agents. This business isn't easy, but Outside Agents makes it as easy as possible. THANK YOU so much. I'm just sorry it took me a couple of months to get to my review.
I love everything about Outside Agents(OA). The company size makes it ver easy to get to know your support team, the mentoring sessions are invaluable, the training resources from the beginning are top-notch and are frequently updated with the latest information, even other agents go above and beyond with sharing their knowledge. It’s safe to say everyone wants to see you succeed and they are more than willing to play a role in your success if you’ll let them in. I would HIGHLY recommend OA to agents from all backgrounds.
I joined Outside Agents in June of 2020. I had been at another Host Agency and started researching other Host agencies. I decided that Outside Agents was the perfect fit. I am so glad that I made the move! Their training and support is amazing. My business is growing and I am super happy with my transition. Don't hesitate to join. Commissions are paid on a weekly basis and directly deposited to bank account. Incredible staff at Outside Agents. The owners treat you like family and very easy to talk to.
Karen Taatjes/ Magic Travel Genie, LLC