Hi everyone,
We have engaged a private tour guide to show us Prague, whom we found online. He seems to have all the relevant certificates and experience. He has asked us to pay half of his fee now (several weeks ahead of our trip) and half after the tour. The total would be higher than what his website advertises. We are going to follow up with him about the amount discrepancy, but is this normal to pay ahead half for a private tour? Thanks.
I would suggest you ask if not stated on their website their cancellation and refund policy. Most instances where we have secured private guides or tours full payment is required ahead. They need some security if you are a no show or not really serious. Often guides need to purchase admissions to sites they plan to show you in advance. If you are using a credit card then you may have some recourse if the guide doesn’t provide you the promised service. We have never had a bad experience hiring a private guide or tour. I do check them out as best I can looking for reviews across multiple sites. Referrals by previous clients such as on this forum or ricks guidebooks have proven to be very reliable.
I’ve experienced a number of different types of payment terms. Some request a deposit then the final payments several days before the tour. For me no one has waited until the date of tour or after the tour for final payment. Some have requested the full amount up front. In all instances the price was clearly stated, the cancellation and refund policy was also stated. When I’ve have to cancel, modify or postponed there have been no issues. I would certainly obtain clarification of the price differences you mentioned.
Disclaimer: I am a guide. Two points to note here. Only people listed at https://mmr.gov.cz/cs/microsites/pruvodci/seznam-pruvodcu/seznam-zpravy are licenced to provide guide services so your guide should be on that list. What they then charge for a private tour will break down either to a basic hourly rate with no extras. Or its a schedule which details all costs required and hence what has to be paid in advance or what you'll have to pay extra on the day etc.
Already mentioned but the most important for you is the cancellation policy i.e. that the deposit is refundable or if you have to give clear calendar notice for a full/partial refund. Most refunds are 96% because the credit card fee is outside our control.
Personally I give a clear statement of cancellation responsibility if any part of the cost is paid by card. The bulk of the fee for me is settled on the day but everybody has their own feelings about payment. Many independent guides that were working at the time of the pandemic outbreak March 2020 were almost wiped out with all the refunds that had to be made so cash is often preferred and the guide takes the chance of a late cancellation or no show!
Thank you so much for the replies. We are now set up with a different guide and this one is from one of Rick's books. Communication has been clear and easy and we are looking forward to the tour. The website that Jason linked was also very helpful. Thanks!
