Taking Deposits - OK for CLs?

BobnVicky replied on 30/05/2018 14:07

BobnVicky

Posted on 30/05/2018 14:07

I know that this has been discussed 'as nauseam' in the past, but I came upon a different twist on this subject. Whilst browsing for a CL, I came upon one which had the following comment on their website:

"We, along with many other CL’s, have suffered very badly in the past with no shows and late cancellations. Reluctantly therefore, following Caravan Club advice, we now take card payment in full at the time of booking. We apologise for this inconvenience caused by those members amongst us who are less considerate. Cancellations with up to 4 weeks notice will receive a full refund, cancellation within the last 4 weeks receive no refund, although if we manage to re – let the pitches we may offer refunds as a gesture of good will."

It's fascinating that the Club can provide this advice to a CL to limit the number of 'No-Shows' that they are experiencing, whilst refusing the use the same system for its own sites

5 people like this

54 replies

moulesy replied on 30/05/2018 16:07

moulesy

Caravanner

Posted on 30/05/2018 16:07

On the subject of no shows, would it be beyond the capability of the club to take similar action to that on main club sites? If CL owners were able to report it then some sort of record should be possible. Seems to me to be one way in which the club could effectively show support for CL owners.

1 person likes this

Fisherman replied on 30/05/2018 16:15

Fisherman

Posted on 30/05/2018 16:15

We are making the Cl system more difficult. Whilst I have never been "a non shower" I rarely book any time ahead and never let down a Cl. Would be wary of using any on line payment system(how do I know how secure any Cl owners system is?) and still believe in "cash is King" when I turn up.

PR1 replied on 30/05/2018 16:54

Member

PR1

Caravanner

Posted on 30/05/2018 16:54

We use lots of CL’s, and I always offer to pay a deposit or in full up front! Only one we use ever takes one nights fee as a deposit!

Cornersteady replied on 30/05/2018 16:59

Member

Cornersteady

Caravanner

Posted on 30/05/2018 16:07 by moulesy

On the subject of no shows, would it be beyond the capability of the club to take similar action to that on main club sites? If CL owners were able to report it then some sort of record should be possible. Seems to me to be one way in which the club could effectively show support for CL owners.

Posted on 30/05/2018 16:59

that would work better - a good idea

cyberyacht replied on 30/05/2018 17:37

Member

cyberyacht

Motorhomer

Posted on 30/05/2018 17:37

When I used to rent out my spanish apartment, I took a deposit with the balance due six weeks before the booking started. In the same way cancelled CL bookings can be difficult to fill at relatively short notice and can, as has been pointed out, have significant impact on an owners income.

JollyKernow replied on 30/05/2018 19:13

Member

JollyKernow

Motorhomer

Posted on 30/05/2018 15:23 by

We rarely if ever book more than a day or two ahead so by the time we get to making a booking the issue of prior payment is a moot point.

I know it has been addressed elsewhere but IMO the one thing that could really benefit both supplier and customer would be a system of showing last minute availability. Is it not time CC Ltd did something to earn the money they extract from CL's operators.

Posted on 30/05/2018 19:13

Pray tell us about "the money" the club extracts from CL operators?

4 people like this

Cornersteady replied on 30/05/2018 19:23

Member

Cornersteady

Caravanner

Posted on 30/05/2018 19:13 by JollyKernow

Pray tell us about "the money" the club extracts from CL operators?

JK

Posted on 30/05/2018 19:23

you mean there isn't any?

Wherenext replied on 30/05/2018 20:19

Member

Wherenext

Campervanner

Posted on 30/05/2018 20:19

Personally, I would like a comment from one of the Club's own staff as to whether the statement made by the CL is factual. Do the club give this advice out to CL owners. I use CLs quite a bit and have not heard of this advice coming from the CMC.

Can a staff member clarify please.

Edit - Can someone maybe report my post to get it noticed?

Cornersteady replied on 30/05/2018 20:57

Member

Cornersteady

Caravanner

Posted on 30/05/2018 20:19 by Wherenext

Personally, I would like a comment from one of the Club's own staff as to whether the statement made by the CL is factual. Do the club give this advice out to CL owners. I use CLs quite a bit and have not heard of this advice coming from the CMC.

Can a staff member clarify please.

Edit - Can someone maybe report my post to get it noticed?

Posted on 30/05/2018 20:57

+ 1 and done

nelliethehooker replied on 30/05/2018 21:31

Member

nelliethehooker

Caravanner

Posted on 30/05/2018 21:31

BnV, this is definitely the exception to to the rule. We've not been ask for or paid a deposit on any of the 11 CLs that we've used or have booked on our current trip. I have no objection to paying a relatively small deposit for a stay on a CL but would certainly shy away from any that ask for full payment up front.

I'll ask the owner of the CL we're on at the moment if he has been given this advice from HO when I speak with him tomorrow.

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