Tour Desk Discounts

[GiantFan]

Friends in last week and even though they have been here many times, went down to a tour desk in Patong to see what was new and what sort of prices they were charging. Typical stuff like Cabaret show, Phi Phi day trip, Extreme Adventure, etc...

After a bit of talking about how I was a resident, was recommended by a Thai friend (a lie) and that I wasn't prepared to pay tourist prices we got down to brass tacks. On the few things that I was interested in, I was quoted a discount of between 30 - 50% off the published price. This was a bit surprising to me.

Did a Similans snorkeling day trip for THB 1900 vs. published THB 3800. Included transfer and food. Had a great time. Well worth it.

Didn't realize that such discounts were available with very little effort on my part. No idea what discount would have been offered if I went directly to the tour operator. Probably would have been closer to the published price. I assume the tour desk has a contract that gives them a preferred discount.

Just thought that some would be interested.

P.S. Don't know any tour desk operators personally. How much commish do they get?

[keestha]

The price quoted in the brochure is always hogwash, it is the price they reckon the most expensive agent would take, like the tour counter in a 5 star hotel. Of course you can haggle about the price, they will lower their profit a bit in order to make a sale.

[GiantFan]

I've been here almost 10 years, but don't do the touristy things all that often. I didn't think they would drop it by 50%. Good to know for the future.

[taninthai]

Not many of the tours will drop by 50% a more normal figure is usually 2-300 bht commission per tour per person if you are in a group some agents will drop there commission to 100 bht per tour per person.