Cancelling a CL booking at short notice.

It doesn't sound too unreasonable to me, Nicola. I have two thoughts - 1) I don't think a CL owner should hold on to site fees if he/she subsequently re-lets a pitch, and 2) extracting payment is unenforceable in the case of those who have not paid upfront unless the CL owner is prepared to enter into lengthy correspondence and resort to legal action, so those are empty words.

You'll find the club's cancellation policy by following the link below. There is no financial penalty as, again, it would be unenforceable.

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/uk-holidays/useful-information/how-to-book-a-site/cancellations-and-amendments/

I can understand the sentiment of the policy, but do not see how they could enforce the charging of the full price for the days of un-attendance, unless they ask for the full cost of the stay before arrival. If that's the case I can see that some members will not book the site and so the owners could well loose out on potential bookings. I agree that those that cannot turn up for should supply the site owners with as much notice as possible. I don't believe that the CC has a policy on last minute cancellations apart from a "rap on the knuckles" e-mail unless it becomes a regular occurrence by a specific member.

I personally have no issue with any of it as I'd not let anyone suffer any financial hardship on my account. I happily pay up front-in full. I would expect the CL to reimburse me for any dates filled. Trust is what it's about. I do see Tinny's point about getting money from folk who let you down. To most the wording is aggressive, but to honest folk who are honourable it won't worry them.

Had to cancel at short notice (48hrs) a 2 day stay last month.  I had paid up front, didn't expect a refund and didn't get one, owner never even mentioned that they wouldn't refund.  Will I book there again, can't say for sure.  

Another occassion on a different site said they would refund 1 day and keep 1 days fee.  I will definitely stay at their site again.

PS I think the policy quoted is a bit harsh as circumstances like ill health, death, breakdowns etc are a reality in life.  Perhaps the refund should be considered on an individual basis.  I probably wouldn't visit a CL who demanded the full fee upfront.  

. I would expect the CL to reimburse me for any dates filled....

How would you know? Having had my fingers burnt once when I lost a deposit, paid for months before hand & cancelled very soon afterwards, I just phone a CL a few days before my stay. If they're full, there'll be another nearby that's not.

That's the-'trust' bit MM. I trust folk to do the right thing as do I. If I find out I'm cheated in any way I will then not use them again. I see it as a learning curve. I've not been let down, nor have I let down others yet. I left 1 day early in 2015 at a CL, I was offered the day's cost as a refund, I declined. I've used them since-'trust'

When we had to cancel a week booking at 24hours notice because of a breakdown we voluntarily sent a payment of two nights fees. We felt that was adequate in view of the fact we wouldn't be using the electric etc. In cases of a longer stay being booked I don't understand why a deposit isn't taken. You would have to pay at other holiday accomodation.

I don't have a problem with rules pointed out by the OP but it does seem rather over the top to administer. Surely it is easier for a CL owner to charge a none refundable deposit per booking or in the case of a short stay booking, insist that it is paid for on booking.

peedee

I booked a week at a cottage through an agency -  the owner chose to let the agency handle all her bookings to avoid risk to her .   The agency procedures were very smart - payment was required in full six weeks in advance - "click here to pay by card, click here if you wish to take out insurance in case you have to cancel". I was able to decline that as I had an annual travel insurance in place. 

Agree with it in principle but an aggressively worded clause like that would have me looking elsewhere anyway, not because I might not turn up but just comes across as not a very friendly site/owner.

On a personal note I am a 100% turn up customer so far, and believe once a booking is made it is my duty to fulfill it or recompense the owner.