I'm five months into my journey with Outside Agents. I chose them because they were the best value as far as I could tell, and the woman who inspired me to pursue this career recommended them after doing her research after having started with another company that was an MLM that she doesn't want to be affiliated with. I'm taking her to lunch tomorrow in appreciation for the recommendation, I feel like OA was a good fit for me. So far they've been pretty hands off with me, but that's kind of what I wanted while I got the business parts completed ... setting up the business, figuring out how to organize things, getting the inital training done and getting familiar with everything, getting my website set up, the whole nine yards, dang no wonder I'm tired, lol. I kid. Not really but OA made it so much better than it could have been. They will not hold your hand, don't expect that, I didn't even want that and suspect you don't either. But as you have questions, they will answer the ones related to their business. If it's related to YOUR business, that's all you. You are assigned a mentor after your initial training and because I'm still pretty early, I'm trying to get a feel for how that works. It's pretty incredible what a great system they have set up, for so many agents from so many backgrounds with such different levels of knowlege and experience. And they make it work. Oh, you need to know, they have a great system for handling pretty much any question you have that you can't find yourself. MOST of it is already documented and it's pretty easy to find your way around after you get the hang of it. But when you can't find the answer or you need something, you just submit an SOS ticket. Their SOS team is on top of it, they're quick with a response! I'm coming from a corporate background and am super impressed with their SOS team in comparison to the responses I've seen in the corporate world. I'm super early in and will come back and update later on. My advice so far would be to bet on OA and go for it!
I love this host agency. I feel very supportive by the staff at OA and have really enjoyed getting to know other OA agents. The in-person trainings are high-quality and packed with helpful information. When I was a new agent, I felt lost at first and I could ask questions always receiving the guidance I needed. I feel very grateful I found Outside Agents.
Still with OA and still love it!
Outside Agents is a solid choice for travel agents seeking a supportive and resource-rich environment to grow their business. The combination of affordable fees, competitive commissions, extensive training, and a strong community makes it a compelling option for both new and experienced agents. However, it's important to be aware of the potential learning curve associated with the numerous tools and resources offered.
Would I Recommend?
Yes, I would recommend Outside Agents to travel agents looking for a supportive and affordable host agency with a strong focus on training, technology, and community.
I was hesitant to start with Outside Agents because they seemed too good to be true - excellent reviews, no startup fees, minimal monthly dues, and 80/20 commission split to start, with the possibility of getting up to 90/10 or even 95/5. The other hosts I was looking at wanted an initial investment of $500+, had higher monthly dues, and started at only 60/40 commission split. I decided to go with OA because if it didn't work out, at least I was only out $21. That's been the best decision I have made since deciding to become a travel agent! Everything they advertise and all the good reviews are true. Plus, they have excellent support, not only from their office staff, but from their network of 8000+ other agents as well! You'll be an independent contractor and they treat you as such; run your business exactly the way you want to. They have lots of different types of training: on-demand, live webinar, video instruction, and in-person. I highly recommend OA and can't imagine a better host.
Outside Agents has been a wonderful Host Agency to work with, and I highly recommend them to anyone wanting to enter into the world of travel and become an Agent. There are many opportunities to learn, share and have a dream job working for yourself. Great agent support provided by the Outside Agents Team! ... Elizabeth Carlson
The best host agency!
They give quick payment of commission, they give quick responses to questions, they organize many FAM opportunities and educational opportunities … I have been with 3 host agencies and never had the support that Outside Agents gives to their agents. If you are looking for a Host agency, look no further!
I've been with Outside Agents for a little over a year. As a brand-new agent I've found OA to be a perfect host agency for new agents. The library of courses is incredible! Any and everything that you need to know can be found in their Learning Management System. From marketing to execution to home-office assistance I found everything I was looking for with Outside Agents!
Outside Agents is the second Host agency I've been a part of and my experiences have been great so far! They have everything you need to start your own business and if you're new, they have a huge library of courses you can take to get started. Your monthly subscription gives you a CRM, free website, travel mentors, and so much more. I definitely recommend splurging and signing up for the unlimited plan ($41 a month). Outside Agents is great because you also have a back-office team where you can ask any questions and get the help you need no matter what the topic is. If you're new to the travel industry START WITH OUTSIDE AGENTS and if you're a veteran in the field this is a one stop shop that will benefit you greatly.
I joined Outside Agents last year and have been so pleased! The amount of training is tremendous and it is so helpful and interesting. The management is so helpful and motivating and all the agents are so supportive of each other. What a great host agency! The value is definitely there, especially considering what I pay each month and the commission split plan! Do your research and end up with Outside Agents.
I have now been with Outside Agents for a few years and absolutely love the amount of support they offer. Between training and mentoring, they provide everything I need and in a top notch manner!! The network of agents you can connect with via their FB page and website is so helpful as well! I picked the perfect host agency!
Outside Agents is an outstanding host agency for travel professionals. Their reasonable monthly fee offers exceptional value, complemented by unparalleled support, training, and benefits. From responsive assistance to top-notch training, Outside Agents fosters a welcoming community that equips agents with the tools they need to thrive. Access to exclusive supplier deals, generous commissions, and awesome platform further elevate the experience, while their marketing resources aid in business growth. Overall, Outside Agents is the ideal choice for any travel agent seeking a supportive, enriching partnership. Highly recommended for those looking to excel in the industry.