Summary
Yes, service fees are optional and allowed
You set your own fee structure
Fora's partners can process service-fee invoices for a 5% processing fee
Common use cases: flight bookings, complex itineraries, research-heavy trips
Service 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 work than a standard booking—and some categories (like flights) pay little or no commission (see Commission Rates by Category). Fees compensate you for that time.
Situation | Why |
Flight bookings | Most domestic and economy flights pay no commission |
Complex multi-destination itineraries | Hours of research and coordination |
Consultation-only | Client wants advice but may book elsewhere |
Frequent modifications | Scope creep on an existing trip |
High-touch luxury planning | Concierge-level service that goes beyond booking |
What advisors typically charge
There's no standard—you decide based on your market and the complexity of the work.
Structure | Common Range |
Flight booking fee | $25-$75 per booking |
Per-person planning fee | $50-$150 per traveler |
Flat trip planning fee | $100-$500 per trip |
Hourly rate | $50-$150 per hour |
Refundable retainer | Credited toward commission if client books |
Higher-end advisors working with luxury clients often charge $250-$500 for complex trip planning. Clients who value expertise expect it.
How to Collect Fees
You have two options:
Through Fora: 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.
Directly: You invoice and collect using your own payment system. You keep the full amount.
Either way, planning fees are paid at the time of service—not after 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 |
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 flight-only help | Consider a flat booking fee ($25-75) |
Client wants extensive research | 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.
What about clients who cancel after I've done work?
Non-refundable planning fees protect you. Structure fees to reflect work done, not just bookings completed.