Calling all Travel Agents. Do you charge a planning fee? Why or why not?

It depends on who the person is that is inquiring.  If it is a repeat client I don't as I know they will book with me.  But if it's someone I don't know and they are asking for a lot of information I absolutely will charge and take it off the booking.  I've spent many hours on research to have people book elsewhere.  That doesn't pay my bills!

As a new travel agent I was not sure about charging a fee because I thought I would lose potential clients. However, my mentor who had years of experience said it was the best way to prevent spending precious time researching a trip and then have the client book elsewere.  I let them know up front I charge a fee that if they book with me I’ll apply to their travel costs. 

Aloha Nui All: This subject of planning fees is not part of Moana Tours LLC. customer services we offer vital information to our clients, so they can make a excellent decision for their vacation, spending time and research will take time and money we like to express how beautiful a Hawaiian Vacation can be compare to other vacation destinations. We offer everything but the kitchen sink to ensure your vacation will be one you'll never forget. So if clients has question answer them and let them make a wise decision on taking your company or another company, knowing that you have given them the best price and vacation that Moana Tours has to offer and if they go with someone else its all good for our clients are happy and satisfied with our service knowing they will refer our company to friends and family

Mahalo Nui Loa - Travelmoanatours.com

 Kathy, this has always been a problem in this business. At our agency we try to qualify clients who require several hours of an agents time. We do this by asking questions as to what types of trips they have booked in the past. If we feel the client is shopping around we will limit the time we spend with the client instead of charging a planning fee.

Yes, we do charge a planning fee.  I agree with Kathy above.  I have 59 years of experience in arranging travel worldwide.  Our time is valuable as is our recommendations.  Airlines do not provide commissions, and many hotels also.  Our clients respect the work we do on their behalf for a marvelous trip experience.

Almost every personal tour that I plan requires a ton of research and my time. I do not charge a fee for planning. So far since 2006 I have not had any problem with any client wanting to book somewhere else after planning the tour with me.

I do not charge a research and planning fee if I am paid a decent commission from my providers which is for most vacations.  It is only on a rare occasion that the vendor does not pay commission that I would charge a fee.  If the Vacation is 10,000 and I am paid 10%, I would not charge the client an additional fee as I am already being compensated. Depending on the type of client that you are dealing with dictates how much time I spend with them.  You really have to read the client, sometimes you are right, sometimes you are wrong, but establishing a good rapport with the client can go a long way, even if they do not book this particular vacation with you. 

I don't charge a planning fee.  One of my major selling points is that I do all the work and they pay what they would pay to do it themselves or else do it on line without any extra service.  This has worked well for me over the years and my clients are very loyal... they return to me over and over and it is my pleasure to make sure their trips are wonderful.

Unfortunately that is what is going to make travel agencies dissapear..... People ask for itineraries on a destinations and then they book themselves based on that. When quoting never give the hotel names and try to be vague...