This week I made the decision to start charging a small retainer fee for my travel services as outlined below in my weekly newsletter. I hope it makes sense, but please let me know if you have any questions! By the way, you can sign up for my weekly newsletter here or just DM me your email address.

Hello subscribers,

I wanted you all to hear it from me directly here first before I post on social media. We are making a pretty big change to our services. Started June 1, most of my services will no longer be complimentary.

Let me give you a glimpse behind the Travel Agent/Advisory curtain. The reality is most of us are doing this for fun and our passion for travel because the financial incentives are not great. Clients want the perfect vacation, and we want to provide it for them. But here is the truth. Most of us make less than 10% commission on bookings which is paid sometimes months after you travel.

The truth is that many of you are well-intentioned and reach out with requests. However after we spend hours discussing your needs, answering your questions and researching for a client, many cancel or book something else on their own. Which means the travel advisor’s time, expertise and dedication were not being valued.

Starting June 1, 2025 I will be charging a $50 retainer fee for each booking. According to Travel Weekly, 71% of travel agents now charge a retainer and most charge at least $100. 50 dollars seems fair and provides you with the following;

• As many emails/calls/texts before, during and after a trip as needed
• Research to find properties that fit the clients’ needs and budget. This includes reaching out to colleagues and partners to ensure I am recommending something good. I do not just go on tripadvisor.
• Suggested itineraries, activities and restaurants that are all tried and tested by myself or a colleague
• Assistance with Flight research.
• Free Perks at all luxury hotels at no additional cost which usually included;
  • Free Breakfast for 2 (75 dollar value per day, if not more at most luxury hotels)
  • Early Check-In/Late Check-Out
  • 100 USD Property Credit
  • Free Guaranteed Upgrade to next level room
  • Free WIFI
  • Welcome Amenity
  As you can see, booking one night at a luxury hotel with me easily pays for my fee and then some. I started discussing this a few weeks ago with previous clients who have booked with me and they all supported this change. I was touched that they all said my services were well worth a retainer fee and they would happily pay. What they did not know is that I am exempting all previous clients from this new policy.

As a giant thank you to my earliest clients who have made this venture successful, you are all exempt from this new retainer structure. New Clients who book a minimum of 3 nights by 5/31 will also be grandfathered. All my clients have seen great value as Adam articulately noted in a guest blog post on my personal page.

Please reply if you have any questions, but I will provide additional information in my next newsletter.

Until then, please read the article below on why most agents now charge a fee
Why do Travel Agents charge Service Fees

Anyway, summer is approaching, let’s get you booked

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Bon Voyage,

Andrew Reiser |Travel Advisor

Website: https://www.foratravel.com/advisor/andrew-reiser

Instagram: @areiser86

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