JohnM20 replied on 18/07/2017 16:50
Posted on 18/07/2017 16:50
With so many people complaining about the frenzied booking when the system opens in early December I thought I would try to suggest a solution for those not able to book so early due to work or other restrictions. Whilst I don’t fall foul of the system so much now, I have done in the past when works holiday dates could not be booked until well into the new year and especially when trying to include a weekend.
Would it work if every site allowed only 50% of their pitches to be booked at any time from the December booking date with the remaining 50% not being bookable until no more than 2 months before the planned visit date? Most people, I think, should be able to work around this for planned main holidays. This should accommodate those that must fully book their year in advance and those that cannot.
I’m sure, (he says, tongue firmly in cheek), that the IT department could tweek the online booking program to accommodate this.
Whether it is a workable solution I don’t know, it’s just a germ of an idea to solve what is a problem for many members but remains fair to all. There may be an obvious reason why it wouldn’t work that is staring me in the face but I haven’t seen it. I’m sure someone will point it out if there is one.
Contrary to what some are against and reject out of hand, I think deposits would be a good idea. I cannot understand why some people are so against them unless they are seriously worried about losing them. The site fees have to be paid at some time so why not spread the cost? There are many things in life that require a deposit, caravans and motorhomes being a good example.
With the current system there must be some members who book very early but know that they may well change their mind closer to the date, although I doubt that any would admit to this. I personally know one couple who regularly cancel bookings, not necessarily at the last minute but nonetheless may have deprived someone else from being able to book and they have to consequently look for an alternative site. Non-refundable deposits would reduce this sort of behaviour I believe.
I guess I will receive some flak but it would be nice to have a sensible debate.
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My perception is that bookings are down this year and what with mebership numbers being static that surely must be bad news for the next set of accounts.
JohnM20
Caravanner