Yes, we charge a planning fee.  We do this to avoid those people who are just shopping around.  I let people know up front that there is a "planning fee" - or whatever you want to call it - and that we will be sending them a Credit Card Authorization form for them to fill out and return by email or fax.  Once we receive the CCA we can begin planning their vacation.  We also tell them the fee is part of the trip cost and the CCA is a form they will ultimately need to fill out in order to pay for the vacation.  We do not do any business with anyone without the fee or the CCA, when it is over the phone especially.  If I am physically meeting with some one they can pay with cash, or check; and we give them toe CCA to fill out right then.  The CCA helps us avoid charge-backs.