New booking system with deposits

There seems to be quite a change in how quite a few are booking(or not) since the cost of living is affecting families, ,,two families in our area(not a hard up residents) have told me they are now holding back on booking sites as often ,  just to try and work out what they will be able to afford ,compared to a few months ago and one has curtailed a UK tour they were going to do during the summer holidays

Put a thread on recently re a conversation I had with a warden re deposits not being refundable, and cmc recommendation to seek money back from your insurance policy. This seems to have been quickly blocked so must be sensitive or something, another reason why  this will probably be my last membership year.

Add the massive increase in site fees, wifi cost and membership not a lot going for what was when I first joined in the 1980s a customer oriented members at heart club.

I just wish there was more information. I don't seem to get many emails and have checked my settings which says I should get them.  I've seen nothing, except on here, to say June 2023 bookings wouldn't be available to book until later this month.  I've half a week booked as it falls in the Spring Bank Holiday week and would like to try and get the other half booked.  It's a members club yet the members seem to be the last to find out!

Deposits don't bother me assuming they can be transferred to another booking or ultimately refundable. You would have to pay a deposit for any other type of holiday but sites are getting very expensive.

I seem to recall that this was originally a topic of discussion earlier this year, and there were some informative links around how it might operate, but as with much on this website, that discussion, and more importantly, those links are very difficult to find. They will be there somewhere, but blowed if I can find the centre of the maze🤷‍♀️

I have located the centre of the maze😁 It’s in FAQS, at the top right of the page, then click on new booking system, which gives drop down boxes to a variety of questions. I will try and post a link

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/faqs/uk-booking-experience#general

I see one comment in the FAQ's that grass pitches will be £1 per night cheaper, a small saving but in my 35 years experience grass pitches tend to be in the worst locations! Also many non awning pitches are sited in the gloomiest pitches.

I think it will take more than £1 off to convince many that grass pitches are a value for money alternative. We like them in Summer, and some Club Sites have very nice, still sound grass pitches, even after a bit of rain. 

I think it’s an indication of the Club’s lack of understanding in terms of the growing MH ownership. Few MH owners, particularly those with big heavy outfits, are going to opt for grass as first choice at the front or back of touring seasons, when the weather might be less predictable (if it ever is in UK) £1 per night is no incentive whatsoever. Different if you book a few days in advance, but months ahead? We wouldn’t, but we might swop to grass on arrival if weather is good. But I’d want to save more than £1 per night.

Had a conversation yesterday with friends who are staying at a site the site manager told them the new system was starting at the end of the month, strange it wasn't mentioned in any shape or form in this months club magazine I wonder how we will be informed of the start date and thd actual facts of the system.

I’d start conversations with site managers. . .They know stuff👍🏻

 Thanks TDA. Oh dear, it shouldn't be hidden away like this it ought to be right out there in the site bookings section, this will be so confusing for many and should take priority on the sites booking page. Some of us have never received any communications about this, I hope it will go out to all asap! Just imagine new members trying to work round this information. 

The magazine has carried some details but they won't be up to date.

(I only read the details previously when David Klyne posted on another thread.) I would like to thank members for the updates but we really should be hearing it from the club even if the launch date hasn't been decided it's obviously on the horizon now.

There will be people who want to book ahead and it would surely be helpful if they have an update.

There’s certainly more information there than I can last remember brue. Including opting in or out in terms of having final payment taken day before arrival electronically. Mind, you still have to go into reception by the sound of it to get pitch information, then traipse back to disclose pitch number and be allocated a security card.🙄

Reading further on, they have covered those who don’t use electronic payments, or indeed those who don’t have a Bank account. They can call in and pay at Site if it’s local🤣

Making payments
How do members without internet access place a booking in the new system?
The vast majority of bookings take place on the Club’s website or booking app. However, some bookings still do take place within the contact centre and also over the phone or in-person directly at one of our Club campsites. For those members without website access, they will still be able to book in the same manner, however, they will be asked to pay a deposit by card.
How do members without a credit or debit card pay a deposit?
For members without a credit or debit card (or those without a traditional bank account) there are many ‘pre-payment card’ solutions available to them within the UK. These solutions are designed specifically for customers without bank accounts and therefore without access to traditional credit and debit cards. 

Alternatively, for members living nearby one of our Club campsites, they will be able to directly visit the campsite and pay a deposit in cash.

Having tried numerous times to contact a Club Site direct over last year, good luck to those who try to get a response from busy onsite staff.