Concierge Cost Transparency: How Pass-Through Vendor Pricing & the 15% Account Fee Work
Planning a Turks & Caicos escape should feel effortless—and that includes knowing what activities and extras really cost. This guide explains The Source’s approach to concierge cost transparency, how pass-through vendor pricing works, and exactly when the 15% administrative fee applies. You’ll see how to pay the true price for excursions and add-ons, and how to choose the payment method that best fits your preferences.
What "pass-through vendor pricing" means at The Source
At The Source, excursions, activities, and other incidentals you book through your concierge are billed at vendor cost with no added mark-up. In other words, you pay what the vendor charges—nothing more from The Source.
- No added mark-up on concierge-booked excursions or incidentals when billed directly by the vendor.
- If you prefer a single, consolidated payment, you can have extras posted to your villa account; in that case, a 15% administrative fee applies to cover credit-card charges and reconciliation.
Quick answer for searchers
- Does The Source add a mark-up to excursions? No—vendor charges are passed to you at cost with no added mark-up.
This pass-through approach is designed to maximize clarity, giving you direct visibility into the true price of boat charters, spa treatments, island tours, and more.
When the 15% administrative fee applies (and when it doesn’t)
The 15% administrative fee is tied to how you choose to settle incidental charges—not to whether you use the concierge. Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Pay vendors directly: No administrative fee from The Source. You settle the vendor’s invoice at cost.
- Post extras to your villa account for one end-of-stay payment: A 15% administrative fee applies to those incidentals to cover credit-card charges and reconciliation.
This also extends to popular conveniences such as pre-arrival grocery provisioning. When your concierge pre-stocks the villa for you, those items are added to your incidental account and are subject to the 15% administrative fee.
Why this policy benefits you
- Transparency you can trust: By passing vendor charges through at cost with no added mark-up, you see the true price of each activity or service.
- Flexibility in how you pay: Choose pay-as-you-go with vendors (no fee) or consolidate everything into a single settlement via your villa account (15% administrative fee applies to those items).
- Streamlined end-of-stay checkout: Consolidated billing can save time and reduce the need to manage multiple payments during your holiday.
- Better budgeting: Knowing the rules upfront helps you plan daily activities, dining, and special experiences with confidence.
Cost flow scenarios at a glance
| Scenario | Who you pay | What you pay | Does 15% administrative fee apply? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concierge books a boat charter; you pay the charter company directly | Vendor | Vendor’s price at cost | No |
| Concierge books a private yoga session; you ask to post it to your villa account | The Source (on your villa folio) | Vendor’s price at cost + 15% administrative fee | Yes |
| Concierge pre-stocks groceries before arrival | The Source (on your villa folio) | Grocery total at cost + 15% administrative fee | Yes |
| You book a restaurant directly and settle the bill at the venue | Vendor | Restaurant bill at cost | No |
Note: The pass-through policy ensures the vendor’s price remains the baseline; the 15% administrative fee only applies to incidentals you choose to settle via your villa account.
How this fits within your overall villa booking
To place concierge cost transparency in context, here are related booking and stay details:
- Taxes and charges on the villa rental: A 12% Turks & Caicos Government tax applies to the rental, and staffed villas carry a 10% service charge. A refundable security deposit is required and varies by villa.
- What’s included with your villa: All stays include daily housekeeping and concierge service, plus toiletries, linens, and bath and beach towels. Complimentary non-motorised water-sports equipment such as kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling gear is provided. Larger villas additionally include a butler, a private chef (you cover the cost of food and beverages), and complimentary airport transfers.
- Concierge availability: Your dedicated concierge begins planning before you arrive and is available around the clock during your stay.
These inclusions reduce the need for add-on spending while keeping extras—like charters, spa services, or provisioning—clearly priced and optional.
Frequently asked questions (fast, snippet-ready answers)
Do you add a mark-up to activities or excursions booked through the concierge?
No. Vendor charges are passed to you at cost with no added mark-up.
When does the 15% administrative fee apply?
When you choose to post extras to your villa account for a single end-of-stay payment. The fee covers credit-card charges and reconciliation.
Can I avoid the 15% administrative fee?
Yes. Pay vendors directly for concierge-booked activities and you’ll pay the vendor’s cost with no administrative fee from The Source.
Are groceries subject to the 15% administrative fee?
Yes, when your concierge pre-stocks the villa for you, those items are added to your incidental account and subject to the 15% administrative fee.
What taxes or service charges apply to the villa rental itself?
A 12% Turks & Caicos Government tax applies to the rental, and staffed villas carry a 10% service charge. A refundable security deposit is also required and varies by villa.
How do I pay for my villa reservation, and when is the balance due?
The Source accepts wire transfers for all villa reservations. The full remaining balance is due 60 days prior to arrival.
Do larger villas include airport transfers and a private chef?
Yes. Larger villas include complimentary airport transfers and a private chef; you pay only for the cost of food and beverages.
When does concierge support begin?
Before you arrive. Your concierge starts crafting your itinerary in advance and remains available around the clock during your stay.
Practical tips to keep your activity costs clear and under control
Decide your payment method upfront
- Prefer no fees on incidentals? Pay vendors directly.
- Prefer a single settlement at checkout? Ask to post extras to your villa account and expect the 15% administrative fee on those items.
Ask for itemised vendor quotes
- Your concierge can help you obtain clear quotes from vendors so you see exactly what’s included.
Use the concierge as your cost guide
- Share your budget and priorities—your concierge can suggest options at different price points and confirm whether specific services work better as direct-vendor payments or villa-account charges.
Pre-stock smartly
- If convenience is the goal, pre-arrival provisioning is invaluable. If you’re optimising for fees, consider a mix of pre-stocking for must-haves and local shopping for the rest.
Consolidate strategically
- Many guests prefer to pay most vendors directly and reserve villa-account posting for a few complex or time-sensitive items where convenience matters most.
Plan early for peak dates
- Popular activities book up fast—early planning via your concierge secures your first-choice vendors and helps avoid last-minute premium options.
Explore curated resources
- The Things to Do and Dining & Amenities sections help you shortlist experiences. If you’re booking direct, the Why Book Direct page outlines additional advantages.
How cost transparency elevates your stay
- Confidence: Knowing there’s no mark-up on concierge-booked activities builds trust and helps you make faster decisions.
- Control: Choose the payment path that matches how you like to travel—hands-off and consolidated, or pay-as-you-go.
- Consistency: The same transparent approach applies across activities, provisioning, and other incidentals coordinated by your concierge.
Conclusion
Concierge cost transparency at The Source is simple by design: vendor pricing is passed through at cost with no added mark-up, and a 15% administrative fee applies only when you opt to post incidentals to your villa account for a single end-of-stay payment. With clarity on these two pathways, you can tailor your experience—prioritising either fee-free direct payments or the convenience of consolidated billing.
Ready to plan a seamless Turks & Caicos itinerary with clear, predictable costs? Click Enquire Now or call our Reservations Team at +1 (888) 234-7128 (Daily 9am–5pm ET) and your dedicated concierge will begin crafting your stay.