A useful DMC quotation should let a travel agency see exactly what it is buying, which assumptions affect the price and when commitments become binding. Compare the same service scope before comparing totals. This checklist is for commercial briefing and proposal review; the signed booking documents govern each operation.
What is the difference between net and commissionable rates?
A net rate is the supplier amount on which the agency can build its selling price under the agreed arrangement. A commissionable rate uses an agreed commission calculation. Neither term is complete without a written definition of the base, applicable taxes, excluded items and settlement method. Ask whether the commission applies to every service or only specific components. Do not assume that commission and markup are interchangeable.
Which inclusions should be itemised?
Break the programme into components that can be checked against the itinerary. A single description such as “full service” leaves too much room for misunderstanding.
- Accommodation: nights, room type and meal basis.
- Activities: duration, guide or coordinator and language.
- Transport: routes, service windows and luggage assumptions.
- Meals: menu basis, drinks and dietary arrangements.
- Tickets: named attraction and confirmation status.
- Support: named contacts and agreed operating scope.
- Optional services, taxes and supplements as applicable.
How do changing participant numbers affect a quote?
Separate costs that change with each traveller from costs shared by the group. A vehicle or coordinator may be costed for the whole departure, while admissions or meals may vary per person. Ask for the headcount used, the minimum billable number if any and the deadline for revisions. A lower final headcount can increase the per-person share of fixed costs even when the programme is unchanged.
What should be said about rooming and single rooms?
Specify whether the accommodation assumption is shared occupancy, single occupancy or another arrangement. Request the supplement basis and deadline for the rooming list. Confirm how late name changes, additional rooms or reduced numbers are handled. An indicative rooming assumption should not be treated as confirmed hotel allocation.
Which dates matter before an agency sells the trip?
Distinguish quotation validity from an option expiry and from a confirmed booking. A quote may be valid for discussion without inventory being held. Ask for payment milestones, supplier release dates and the cancellation schedule in the booking documents. If the agency promises its customers a deadline, make sure it is compatible with the supplier’s actual deadline.
How should changes be approved?
Use a written change record with the requested amendment, operational effect, price difference and approval. Examples include extending a transfer window, changing a restaurant, adding a guide or moving an activity. Identify who at the agency can approve additional expenditure. Avoid relying on a verbal request made by an individual traveller when it changes the contracted group service.
What is the simplest way to compare two proposals?
Build one row per service and compare the same dates, headcount and inclusions. Mark every unconfirmed item. If one quote excludes drinks, admissions or an essential transfer, add that difference before judging value. Use operational detail, communication and suitability alongside price; the lowest total can represent a different programme rather than a more efficient delivery.
How do we request an Andalusia DMC quotation?
Send a structured brief with the target programme, dates, participants, rooming assumptions, budget and priorities. Granada Alternativa prepares tailored proposals for agencies and corporate groups. Commercial conditions are agreed for the particular operation; this article does not establish a standard commission, credit arrangement or cancellation policy.
Plan with a local team in Andalusia
Granada Alternativa is a local receptive agency and DMC with bases in Granada and Nerja. Explore our related services or send your brief to discuss a programme adapted to your clients.
Prepared by the Granada Alternativa team. Planning guidance; service availability, capacity and commercial conditions must be confirmed for each programme.
Related guide: How to choose a DMC in Andalusia: 12 questions for travel agencies