Summary
Yes, concierge fees are optional and allowed
You set your own fee structure
Fora’s partners can process fee invoices for a 5% processing fee
Common use cases: complex itineraries, coordination-heavy trips
Concierge fees are separate from supplier commissions
Fees are collected at the time of service, not after travel
When a fee makes sense
Commission covers your time on most hotel and cruise bookings. But some trips require significantly more hands-on service than a standard booking—and some bookings (like restaurants) pay no commission. Fees compensate you for that support.
A concierge fee might make sense when you are providing true concierge-level support that goes beyond what a client could do on their own or with AI. For example:
Handling bookings for non-commissionable services like restaurants or spas
24/7 support for last-minute changes or flight delays
Personalizing every detail
Meanwhile, if you’re putting together a quick itinerary or booking a straightforward accommodation that will already earn you commission, Fora recommends against charging a fee.
What advisors typically charge
There’s no standard—you decide based on your market and the complexity of the work. Concierge fees create an additional cost for your client, so consider how much you’re taking off of a client’s plate, itinerary complexity, your experience, and your relationship with that client.
Typically, advisors use one of the following fee structures.
Method 1: Flat rate
Set a flat rate based on the level of service you provide. This method is simple, predictable, and easy for clients to recall.
Method 2: Graduated rate
This method uses a tier system to match your fee to the level of support required. The higher the tier, the higher the rate.
For example, you might charge one fee for full concierge service—daily reservations, activities, and hotel coordination throughout the trip—and a higher fee for white glove concierge service that covers coordinating all of the above across multiple destinations, plus 24/7 in-trip support.
Method 3: Percentage-based rate
Charge a percentage of the total trip value based on the group size. This method is less common and best for groups or large corporate trips.
Higher-end advisors working with luxury clients often charge $250 or more for complex trip planning. Clients who value expertise expect it. Some choose to waive the first fee for new clients to establish the relationship.
How to Collect Fees
To get started, we recommend completing our concierge fee trainings to learn what a concierge fee is, how to determine your rates, and how to communicate a fee to your client.
You have two options: processing the invoice through Fora from start to finish, or managing the invoicing process directly.
When invoicing through Fora, clients receive a professional, branded invoice they can pay securely online via a link or email. Once your client pays, Fora processes the invoice and pays you after a 5% processing charge goes to our payment processor, Stripe.
Example: $200 fee → Stripe takes $10 → you receive $190.
You’ll receive payment within 3–5 business days via the same payment method you use to receive commissions. Clients will also receive a receipt once payment is complete.
Invoice and receipt emails are sent from travel@fora.travel.
Can you charge a fee AND earn commission?
Yes. They're completely separate. A $150 planning fee for a complex itinerary and an $800 commission when the client travels can both apply to the same booking.
Do you have to charge fees?
No. Many advisors run commission-only businesses, especially for simpler hotel and cruise bookings where commission comfortably covers their time. Fees tend to become more common as advisors move into complex itineraries, flight-heavy travel, or higher-touch client relationships.
When fees may not be appropriate
Situation | Consideration |
Simple hotel booking | Commission likely covers your time |
New client | May want to waive first fee as incentive |
Referral from another client | May want to waive for relationship |
Repeat loyal client | Consider relationship value |
High-commission booking | Already well-compensated |
Communicating fees to clients
Best practices:
Be upfront: discuss fees before starting work
Explain value: help clients understand what they're paying for
Put it in writing: document fee structure in your agreements
Be consistent: apply fees fairly across similar bookings
Common scenarios
If... | Then... |
Client wants high-touch service | Charge a planning fee or hourly rate |
Client books after consultation | Consider crediting consultation fee toward trip |
Client is price-sensitive | Be transparent about where your value lies |
Booking pays high commission | Fee may not be necessary |
FAQs
Are service fees common in the industry?
Yes, especially for complex trip planning and non-commissionable bookings.
Will clients balk at fees?
Some may. The key is communicating value clearly. Clients who value your expertise will pay for it.
Do I have to charge fees?
No. Fees are entirely optional.
Can I charge both a fee AND earn commission?
Yes. Service fees and commissions are separate.