Commission Is Just the Beginning
Yes, keeping 100% commission is a game changer—but smart advisors know that commissions are just one piece of a profitable business. To truly grow, you want to layer in multiple streams of income that reflect your expertise and the value you bring to every trip.
- Planning or Service Fees – Charge for your expertise, not just the booking. Think of yourself like a CPA, photographer, or personal trainer—your professional time, knowledge, and guidance deserve compensation.
- Markup on Custom Packages – When you curate a trip with tours, transfers, and experiences from your preferred suppliers, package them together and add your own margin. This positions you as the architect of the entire experience, not just a middleman.
- Premium Service Levels – Create “concierge” or “VIP” tiers with extras like 24/7 support, fast-track airport services, curated dining reservations, or custom event planning. Charge a flat or tiered fee so clients understand they’re getting exclusive access and priority care.
- Group Travel Management Fees – Coordinating large groups takes more work (and more time). Consider adding a per-person or flat project fee for handling reunions, weddings, or corporate travel events.
- Specialized Consulting – Niche expertise (destination weddings, luxury rail journeys, accessible travel, culinary tours) positions you as a consultant. You can charge for this specialized planning, even if the trip isn’t booked through you.
- Affiliate & Ancillary Income – Partner with travel insurance providers, airport lounge memberships, or even luggage companies to earn additional commission or referral bonuses.
Don’t undervalue your time. TRUE Accreditation gives you independence, and independence gives you the freedom to set your own business model, establish your worth, and keep more of what you earn.
Choose the Right Suppliers
Not all suppliers are created equal when it comes to commissions—and as a TRUE Advisor, you have the freedom to choose the ones that work best for you. The right supplier partnerships don’t just boost your earnings, they streamline your workflow and elevate your client’s experience.
Here’s how to make your supplier choices work harder for you:
- Work with TRUE Preferred Suppliers – These partners are already vetted, recognize your accreditation, and pay you directly. That means fewer headaches, faster payments, and stronger support.
- Negotiate When You Can – For group trips, repeat business, or large-volume bookings, many suppliers offer higher commission tiers, overrides, or added perks. Don’t hesitate to ask—your value as a producing advisor is leverage.
- Build Loyalty – Consistency pays off. The more you book with a supplier, the stronger your relationship becomes. That can lead to higher commissions, priority service, exclusive promos, and even access to private FAM opportunities.
- Leverage Overrides and Incentives – Some suppliers offer seasonal bonuses, marketing dollars, or co-op funds to help you promote their products. Taking advantage of these can increase your revenue without increasing your workload.
- Package & Upsell – Work with suppliers that allow you to bundle services (air, transfers, excursions, insurance). By creating all-in-one packages, you can build in markups or fees that keep more revenue in your pocket.
The Supplier Directory is your go-to roadmap for commission-friendly suppliers. Start there, choose wisely, and you’ll always be booking smarter, not harder.
Protect Yourself with Fees
One of the toughest parts of being a travel advisor is putting in hours of research, planning, and expertise—only to have a client book somewhere else. That can be discouraging, but the solution is simple: protect your time with fees.
Think of it this way: accountants, photographers, personal trainers, and consultants all charge for their expertise. Why shouldn’t you? Your knowledge is valuable, and clients respect professionals who put a price tag on their skills. In fact, setting boundaries with fees often elevates how clients view your work—they’ll see you as a trusted expert, not just a “free resource.”
Here are a few fee strategies to consider:
- Consultation Fees – Charge for your time and expertise in researching, designing, and presenting proposals or complex itineraries.
- Planning/Service Fees – Add fees for the behind-the-scenes work: securing reservations, managing payments, or handling special requests.
- Change & Cancellation Fees – Protect yourself against last-minute shifts that eat into your time.
- Retainer Fees – For VIP or repeat clients, consider an annual retainer that guarantees them priority access to your services.
As a TRUE-accredited advisor, you keep 100% of your commissions—so adding fees creates a powerful second revenue stream. Combined, fees + full commissions give you the freedom to scale your business and truly set your income potential.
Remember, fees aren’t about nickel-and-diming clients—they’re about placing value on your expertise and protecting the business you’ve worked so hard to build.
By packaging your value, you’re not just selling a trip—you’re selling peace of mind, expertise, and an unforgettable experience. Clients recognize the difference between a DIY booking and a truly curated journey, and they’re willing to invest in the advisor who makes it effortless.
Your time is valuable. Your knowledge is unique. Package it, price it, and deliver it with confidence—because your clients deserve nothing less, and your business deserves to thrive.