Selecting the Right FMO/IMO

[tnega]

I am new to the forum. I understand what an FMO/IMO is and does. I am going to be going full steam ahead into the senior market and selling MA and Med Supp products. I would like help in selecting a good reputable FMO/IMO. My choices are as follows;
Senior Market Sales
Premier Companies
Ritter
UHC as kind of a captive independent

I would like to know the hard questions that I need to ask each companies recruiter and I would like to know what are the correct answers that I should expect? I want the highest allowable commission that a single agent can get along with vesting. I would hope to get good training, co-op or reduced lead costs.
I would like to know if there are any listed above that I should shy away from and the ones that agents say are the best in all areas? Which FMO/IMO would be the best at getting me up to speed and ready to sell?

Lastly, is it a good idea to obtain one of the Wal-Mart or large shopping store locations to sell during the AEP?

Thank you all

 

[vic120]

Do you have experience in sales?

Do you have experience In Insurance Sales?

Do you have experience in senior market?

 

[tnega]

I have over 30 years exp in sales. I started selling P & C for many years before the service work for the return was not working out. I have sold to the senior market but, usually only a MA or Med Supp here and there. I had never concentrated my efforts in that area. I am at an age where I want to concentrate with seniors and mainly the MA/MED SUPP market while picking up a life or annuity now and again.

 

[cedwards]

Are you looking to just work in Washington? If so,you're going to want someone who is familiar with the backward ways of Washington state. I'd be asking if they have any agents actually producing in WA.

 

[vic120]

I have over 30 years exp in sales. I started selling P & C for many years before the service work for the return was not working out. I have sold to the senior market but, usually only a MA or Med Supp here and there. I had never concentrated my efforts in that area. I am at an age where I want to concentrate with seniors and mainly the MA/MED SUPP market while picking up a life or annuity now and again.

Then You should be able to get good contracts

I was going to say I have read good things about
Senior Market Sales & Ritter

But the last poster had mentioned Wash may be different
I am not lic in Wash and IDK if it makes a dif or not

 

[CALTCAgent]

I would like to know if there are any listed above that I should shy away from and the ones that agents say are the best in all areas?

There are no best in all areas. That makes this difficult. Call it fragmented.

 

[Josh]

There are no best in all areas. That makes this difficult. Call it fragmented.

Exactly. I think AgentPipeline has gotten some heat on here, but they really try to have reps that know the markets, same thing with Ritter. To some degree it's nice to have a FMO in the region that really understands the market, especially with things like MA that can be so volatile and change drastically. On the other hand, if you're an established agent that knows the market a lot of that stuff can matter less.

One thing I think more folks should do is reach out to IMOs and ask for local agencies to work with in the area. It would mean taking a haircut, but it'd be invaluable to be working with active producers. I don't know how much all of them would view it as competition, but it'd be worth asking.

 

[CALTCAgent]

Exactly. I think AgentPipeline has gotten some heat on here, but they really try to have reps that know the markets, same thing with Ritter. To some degree it's nice to have a FMO in the region that really understands the market, especially with things like MA that can be so volatile and change drastically.

With agent pipeline they said "local market" consulting. What that means is they can tell you about the MA product they have in your area. To be fair, that is all other FMO's do too. Some can't do that actually.

 

[Josh]

With agent pipeline they said "local market" consulting. What that means is they can tell you about the MA product they have in your area. To be fair, that is all other FMO's do too. Some can't do that actually.

Maybe it depends on the market; in some areas they've been very good I'm the past.

 

[tnega]

Thank you all for your replies. Do any of you that have replied represent an IMO/FMO and if so which one and are you happy? An agent cannot get all that he wants, I just want good market commission, good training opportunity, and contracts. Would anybody suggest SMS or Premier?