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Understanding what is a non-commissionable rate at Marriott can help travelers save money on their hotel stays. When booking a room number, travelers often have a variety of rate options to choose from. One such option is exactly this one.
This article will in-depth explore Non-Commissionable Rate (NRC) at Marriott, and discover its benefits, conditions, and all the pitfalls. Let’s begin!
What Is a Non-Commissionable Rate at Marriott? Meaning!
A non-commissionable rate (NCR) is a special rate offered by Marriott hotels to partners, such as travel agents, that does not allow a commission to be paid to the travel agent.
This rate is usually lower than the standard rate and is not eligible for promotional discounts. You can use NCR when booking stays for large groups or corporate clients.
Beware of Free Breakfast Rates at Marriott
Marriott’s hotel’s free breakfast rate may seem like a great deal, but reading the fine print is essential:
- This rate often restricts which days you can access the breakfast buffet. For example, you may only be able to access the buffet on weekdays or only on certain days.
- Some locations may require you to book a minimum number of nights to receive the free breakfast rate.
It’s also important to check the fine print for additional pricing or restrictions:
- Some hotels may charge breakfast fees if you don’t book the free breakfast rate.
- Some locations may require you to book a particular room to access the buffet.
Are Non-Commissionable Rates Good or Bad?
Non-commissionable rates can be beneficial when a hotel is looking to fill rooms and offer low room rates to customers. However, they can also disadvantage travel agents who cannot earn a commission on these bookings.
Ultimately, it depends on the situation and the needs of the hotel. let’s look if non-commissionable rates are good or bad for the travelers and the travel agents
For the Travellers/Customers
Non-commissionable rates are good because of the following reasons:
- They offer customers lower prices, as the supplier does not need to pay a commission to travel agents or online booking sites. This can mean savings for the traveler.
- They can be more flexible than other rates, with fewer restrictions on when and how to use them. This gives customers more freedom to choose the date and time they want to travel.
- Non-commissionable rates can provide exclusive deals unavailable through traditional booking sites or agents. This allows customers to get the best prices for their travel.
For the Travel Agents
Non-commissionable rates are bad because:
- Lower profit margins: The travel agents make less commission from them. It makes it more difficult for agents to stay profitable and may lead to agents looking for other sources of income or even leaving the industry.
- More expensive for customers: This means that customers may be less likely to book through the travel agent, leading to fewer sales and less profit for the agent.
- Alarming for travel agents: They are often tied to certain hotels or airlines, limiting the agent’s ability to shop for the best deal for the customer.
- Challenging to keep track of commission payments: The agent may have to manually track expenses, which can be time-consuming and difficult.
What Charges Are Not Eligible for Earning?
Let’s look at eligible and ineligible charges for earning Marriot Bonvoy points.
Eligible Charges for Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points
Look out for eligible charges for earning Marriott Bonvoy points:
- Room Charges: You can earn points when you book a stay at a Marriott Bonvoy property and pay for your room charges. This includes costs for room upgrades, meals, and other services.
- Marriott Bonvoy Credit Card: Points can be earned when you use a Marriott Bonvoy credit card to make purchases.
- Marriott Bonvoy Events: You can earn points when you book and attend events at Marriott Bonvoy properties. This includes meetings, conferences, and weddings.
- Marriott Bonvoy Dining: Points can be earned when you dine at participating Marriott Bonvoy restaurants and bars.
- Marriott Bonvoy Shopping: You can earn points when you shop at select retailers.
- Marriott Bonvoy Experiences: Points can be earned when you book and attend experiences at Marriott Bonvoy properties. This includes spa treatments, golf lessons, and wine tastings.
- Marriott Bonvoy Partners: You can earn points when you book and use services through Marriott Bonvoy partners. This includes car rentals, flights, and cruises.
Ineligible Charges for Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points
It is important to be aware of the following ineligible charges for earning Marriott Bonvoy points:
- Taxes and Fees: Taxes and fees associated with hotel stays, including resort fees, are not eligible for earning Marriott Bonvoy points.
- Third-Party Payments: Payments made to a hotel or other third party, such as a travel agency, are not eligible for earning Marriott Bonvoy points.
- Gift Card Purchases: Purchases made with Marriott Bonvoy gift cards are not eligible for earning Marriott Bonvoy points.
- Non-Qualifying Rates: Special discounted rates, such as AAA and government rates, are not eligible for earning Marriott Bonvoy points.
- Non-Marriott Properties: Purchases made at non-Marriott properties, such as participating airlines, cruises, car rentals, and tour operators, are not eligible for earning Marriott Bonvoy points.
- Other Services: Purchases of services such as laundry, spa, and retail purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties are not eligible for earning Marriott Bonvoy points.
Types of Rates Wholesalers Provide to Travel Agents and Tour Operators
In particular, wholesalers typically provide the following types of rates to travel agents and tour operators:
- Net Rates: These are rates given to the travel agents or tour operators that the wholesaler pays the supplier before any additional markups. Discounts usually apply and are non-commissionable to these rates.
- Commissions: They is a percentage of the total revenue, usually between 10-15%, that the wholesaler will pay to the travel agents or tour operators to incentivize bookings.
- Bulk Discounts: Bulk discounts are discounts given to the travel agent or tour operator when they book a certain number of rooms or packages. These discounts are usually based on volume and can be used to incentivize larger bookings.
- Bonus Offers: Bonus offers are special offers from the wholesaler to the travel agent or tour operator. These offers can include extra amenities, discounted rates, or other perks.
- Special Deals: The wholesaler offers special deals that are typically discounted or include additional amenities. These deals are usually promotional and intended to drive bookings.
What is the Marriott Fam-Tastic Program?
The Marriott Fam-Tastic Program is an exclusive program designed to offer Marriott Rewards members special discounts and benefits.
You can book a stay at any of over 5,000 Marriott family hotels worldwide. Benefits of the program include discounted rates, free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and exclusive offers and promotions.
Marriott Travel Agent Rate vs. Fam-Tastic Rate
The Marriott Travel Agent Rate and Fam-Tastic Rate are two different rates offered by Marriott hotels. Rates offer customers discounts compared to the standard rate, varying prices, and percentages depending on the type.
Let’s compare the Marriott Travel Agent Rate and the Fam-Tastic Rate to help customers determine which rate is best and interest them.
Fam-Tastic Rate Requirements
Marriott’s Fam-Tastic Rate Requirements are a set of terms and conditions that offer discounted net rates for families who book Marriott hotels. To be eligible for the discounted rates, guests must have at least two adults and one child in the room and book a minimum of two nights in the same room.
Additional requirements may vary by property. To qualify for the Marriott Fam-Tastic Rate, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a minimum of 4 people traveling together.
- Book your reservation at least 14 days in advance.
- Staying for a minimum of 2 nights.
- Stay at Marriott property in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, or Latin America.
- Be a member of the Marriott Rewards program.
- Book your reservation using the Fam-Tastic Rate code.
- Pay for your reservation in full at the time of booking.
- Provide proof of family relationship upon check-in.
How to Book a Marriott “Fam-Tastic” Travel Agent Rate?
Let’s look at how to book a Marriott “Fam-Tastic” Travel Agent Rate.
- Contact a Marriott Sales Representative with your travel agent credentials.
- Ask them about the “Fam-Tastic” Rate and the available commissionable rate.
- Provide your client details, including the dates and number of hotel rooms required.
- Ask if any additional benefits, such as complimentary breakfast or Wi-Fi, are included with the rate.
- Request that the Marriott Sales Representative provide a commissionable room rate and offer a discount on the total price of the hotel rooms.
- If both agree on the rate, Marriott Sales Representative will provide a confirmation number and reservation details.
- Follow the instructions to pay for the hotel rooms and provide the confirmation number to your clients.
How to Book a Standard Marriott Travel Agent Rate?
To book a standard Marriot Travel Agent Rate you will need:
- Contact a Marriott representative to inform them of your requirements and ensure they understand you are looking for a standard travel agent rate.
- Request a net rate, a discounted rate offered to travel agents that is commissionable.
- Provide information on the number of rooms needed, the type of room, and the travel dates.
- Ask for an invoice to be sent to you that includes the final room rate and the commissionable rate.
- Negotiate the rate and get the best price for your clients.
- Once the rate is confirmed, ensure the invoice is emailed directly to you.
- Make the final booking with Marriott and provide the confirmation number to the client.
Marriott Hotel Excellence
The Marriott Hotels Excellence Program provides net rate discounts, special room rates, and rewards for travel advisors. Benefits include discounts on room rates, access to exclusive travel advisor promotions, and tips for referrals.
Additionally, Marriott offers perks like priority check-in, late check-out, complimentary Wi-Fi, and exclusive access to special events.
Marriott Travel Advisor Benefits
Marriott Travel Advisors can enjoy many benefits, including:
1. Net Rate
Marriott Travel Advisors receive exclusive net rates for their clients. This means that the rates are lower than what is offered to the public, giving customers access to better deals.
2. Travel Industry
They have access to the latest travel industry news and trends, allowing them to stay ahead of the curve when finding the best deals and packages for their clients.
3. Room Rate
Marriott Travel Advisors can offer discounted room rates to their clients, making it easier for them to find the perfect accommodation that fits their budget.
4. Travel Agents
Marriott Travel Advisors have access to a network of travel agents who can help them find the best deals and packages for their clients. This ensures that their clients always get the best value for their money.
The Truth About Non-Commissionable Rates
Non-commissionable Rates (NCRs) are special rates hotels offer to Marriott elites and other customers. They are exclusive and non-refundable and are not subject to commission fees. NCRs are generally lower than the published rates and are not available to the general public.
These rates are not advertised and may not be listed on the hotel’s website. However, they may be offered directly to Marriott members or customers through special promotional codes or other offers.
FAQ
What does a non-commissionable rate mean for a hotel?
A non-commissionable rate is a special rate offered by a hotel that does not require the hotel to pay a commission to a third-party booking agent or another vendor. This type of rate is typically more affordable than the regular rates offered by the hotel. Non-commissionable rates usually require payment when the reservation is made and are generally non-refundable.
How often does Marriott pay commission?
Marriott Hotels usually pay commissions to its sales team members every month. Commission payments are typically sent out to team members for the previous month’s sales on the 15th. The amount of commission varies depending on the hotel and the sales made.
What is the base earning rate for Marriott?
The base earning rate for Marriott hotels varies based on the specific hotel and its rack rate. Generally, Marriott Rewards members can expect to earn 10 points per US dollar spent on the hotel’s rack rates. Additionally, members can earn a bonus of up to 20 points per US dollar paid on their hotel stay, depending on their membership level.
Is it better to get paid commission or hourly?
For those who prefer to be rewarded for performance, the commission can be a more attractive option as it is based on sales generated. However, an hourly wage may appeal to those who prefer a more consistent and guaranteed income.
Can I Book Hotel Rooms at Marriott with Non-Commissionable Rates?
Yes, you can book a Marriott hotel room with a non-commissionable rate. This rate is generally for business travelers and corporate accounts, so you may need to contact the hotel directly to explore your options.
What is the 15 5 rule at Marriott?
The 15/5 rule at Marriott is a policy that allows guests to check in no earlier than 15 minutes before the standard check-in time and check out no later than 5 minutes after the standard check-out time. This policy is in place to ensure that guests do not arrive too early and that the hotel staff has enough time to clean and prepare the room.
Conclusion
In this article, we discovered What Is a Non-Commissionable Rate at Marriott and how it can help save your money. Marriott often uses these rates to promote their properties and attract more guests. So don’t miss your chance!
Have you ever been able to get extra discounts from the hotel? Please share your experiences in the comments.
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