I'm going to ask for a commission for charters I personally book and need some advice

[Captain Michael Buffington]

How much should I ask for on a 350$ half day charter? Thanks in advance guys

Mike

[giantfan]

When I saw the title I was thinking 10% but after looking at your post, how much is really left out of $350.00 after paying for everthing?

Boy that sounds cheap. It's cheaper then a 1/2 day bass charter up here that doesn't even leave the bay.

[Captain Michael Buffington]

on a half day trip and the price is based on two people. It goes up in increments of 50 dollars per person up to six after that. I was thinking 10% also. Every little bit helps.

Mike

[giantfan]

If there is money there, I don't think that 10% finders fee is out of line.

If the owner is going to make a couple of bucks that he wouldn't have made if you didn't bring in a client, how can he complain?

If I were you i would just ask the question to the owner what he thinks would be fair. With the new job and all, it may tell you a lot about him and weather he is going to be a fair guy when it comes to things like this.

Just my .02

[capbob66]

on a half day trip and the price is based on two people. It goes up in increments of 50 dollars per person up to six after that. I was thinking 10% also. Every little bit helps.

Mike

I would want ten percent if I brought someone to the table it's a very fair commission good luck with the job.

[broadminded]

350 for a half day? Thats un heard of ... are you guys fishing from the dock? haha... half days are 750-850 here in S.FL. am I misunderstanding what your asking? Are you saying you personally make 350 for a half day trip or the customer pays 350 for a half day trip. I dont mean to sound out of place but if your charging 350 for a charter I just cant see how your going to break even... much less turn a profit. Maybe I read something wrong just curious... At 350 ill stop running my own boat and fish with you... with the price of fuel its probly cheaper.

[frankypettolina]

Mike what type of charters are these? I think you are doing something shallow water correct? That may clarify what you are doing for everybody.

I don't know what your pay scale is, but if you are getting paid by the trip you may not be due an extra percentage, but if you are salary you might be, it all depends.

10% booking fee might be a bit high on a 350 trip- if it were your boat would you be willing to pay an agent 10%? Being an owner operator myself, I know I am not willing to pay a booking agency fee- profit margin is too slim in what we do up here in the Mid Atlantic-things might be different down where you are.

In my opinion part of a hired crew members job was to bring in trips. When I was traveling, working on someone else's boat, it was part of the job description- no bonus for booking trips other than I got to fish more, and consequently made more tips.

Let us know how you make out.

[Captain Michael Buffington]

Mike what type of charters are these? I think you are doing something shallow water correct? That may clarify what you are doing for everybody.

I don't know what your pay scale is, but if you are getting paid by the trip you may not be due an extra percentage, but if you are salary you might be, it all depends.

10% booking fee might be a bit high on a 350 trip- if it were your boat would you be willing to pay an agent 10%? Being an owner operator myself, I know I am not willing to pay a booking agency fee- profit margin is too slim in what we do up here in the Mid Atlantic-things might be different down where you are.

In my opinion part of a hired crew members job was to bring in trips. When I was traveling, working on someone else's boat, it was part of the job description- no bonus for booking trips other than I got to fish more, and consequently made more tips.

Let us know how you make out.

and yes thats tarpon and mutton snapper fishing. The billfishing is 475$ and its really no run to where I'm fishing. I am paid per trip. I'm billfishing a mile and a half off the beach and tarpon from the marina to 2 miles at the most. I'll think on it some more. Thanks for the input fellas!

Mike

[DropinBack]

It depends. When you ask the question, how do you think he is going to anwser?

[shoefish]

Gut reaction Mike- it may not be worth it. I know that every dollar counts, but for $35 extra, you're going to have to have the conversation with the owner about which folks you brought in and which he brought in every time. That could cause you guys to butt heads from time to time I'm sure as you are sure to disagree about where a customer came from. I'm not sure if that hassle would be worth it- it just seems like a lot of potential friction for a fairly limited return. Easy to say from this side though. I'll be curious to see what you decide.
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