If commission tracking feels like a full-time job, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not getting paid extra for the stress. Between juggling client bookings, managing suppliers, and running your business, chasing down missing payments can feel like one more thing on an already overflowing plate. 

The good news? It doesn’t have to be this way. With the right systems (and a few smart habits), you can take control of your commissions, get paid faster, and finally ditch the spreadsheets.

To help you get started, here are 10 tactics to take the chaos out of commission tracking and reconciliation and get you back to what you love: creating unforgettable travel experiences.

1. Create a Centralized System (Your Inbox Doesn’t Count)

Commission data should live in one place. Not in a spreadsheet. Not on a sticky note. Not buried in a supplier email chain. Whether it’s a platform like Sion or a highly organized manual system, centralizing your data is step one.

Pro Tip: Use a platform that syncs with your CRM or GDS to pull in bookings automatically. Less manual entry means fewer mistakes.

2. Track Commissions From the Day You Book

Don’t wait until the payment is due. Add commission details as soon as the booking is confirmed. That includes:

• Supplier name
• Booking reference
• Expected commission amount
• Payment terms (net 30, 60, 90…)
• Estimated payment date

Why it matters: You’ll always know what’s coming and what needs to be followed up on—no guessing required.

3. Know Your Payment Terms 

Not all suppliers operate on the same timeline. Some pay quickly. Others, no so much.

Action Step: Log each supplier’s typical payment terms so you can track when commissions are truly overdue—not just delayed.

4. Use Status Tags 

“Pending,” “Paid,” “Partially Paid,” “Overdue”—whatever you choose, keep it consistent and easy to update. This helps you see what needs attention fast, especially when managing dozens (or hundreds) of bookings.

5. Set Automated Reminders for Follow-Ups

You don’t need 87 sticky notes on your desk. Use a system that alerts you when a payment is due or hasn’t come in on time.

Yes, some suppliers need reminders—and no, you shouldn’t have to remember every single one yourself.

6. Reconcile Regularly—Not Just When Money’s Missing

Waiting until something goes wrong? That’s when things get messy. Set aside time weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly to reconcile commission records. Keep it consistent and treat it like a non-negotiable part of your workflow.

7. Stick to Clean, Consistent Naming Conventions

"Final-commission-report-v6-LATEST.xls" isn’t a system.

Whether you’re naming files, tagging bookings, or organizing supplier records, clarity saves time. Use simple, repeatable formats you and your team can easily follow.

8. Create Processes That Scale With You

Even if you’re solo now, you won’t be forever. Write down your workflows, create templates, and document how you track and reconcile commissions. Future you—and future teammates—will thank you.

9. Don’t Be Shy About Following Up

Suppliers can miss payments. It happens. But if your records are solid, you’ll have everything you need to follow up with confidence. Be professional, persistent, and firm.

You did the work. You deserve to get paid.

10. Invest in Tools That Save Time and Headaches

Spreadsheets were never built for commission management. Tools like Sion take the manual work off your plate by tracking bookings, calculating expected commissions, and flagging overdue payments.

You didn’t start your business to become a part-time accountant. Commission tracking isn’t just an annoying admin task—it’s the backbone of your revenue.

Stay organized, stay paid, and stop leaving money on the table.