CLs instead of Club sites

We are similar WN. Primarily CL users, yet to stay on one with metered electricity. We did find an absolute beauty of a new CL this year, and it gives you the option of with or without hook up. We only found it in July, but since then been back and had three stays now. It’s popular as well. Difference in cost is £3 per night. You know exactly what you are getting. 

As for Club Sites......we feel priced out now as well. Used three this year, Ferry Meadows back in April when it had just reopened and is below £20 per night. Then Exeter Racecourse, which is always reasonable but we took advantage of the VAT reduction. I cancelled Moreton In Marsh, as I found the above CL instead. That took our weeks stay down to £72 instead of the £180 that the Club wanted! Marazion Club Site did us fine for a week as we needed the location for an event. But this Site might not be there next time we need it, apparently not earning enough income, not enough to satisfy HQ anyway.

So, we very much pick and choose our Club Sites now, all depends on time of year and any discounts. We are canny enough to use other options. 

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The main advantage club sites have for us is it takes no effort to identify and book one

Those together with the "sameness" which gives security to many people, are the main reasons they are successful.

if  all commercial sites advertised in one directory in a standard format, then the Clubs would have some proper competition.

I don’t think you would have any problems finding a nice CL with a lot of things you prefer AD, huge range of provision nowadays, and many still well below the prices the Club charges with nicer facilities often. We enjoyed a lovely CL in Cornwall a few years ago, showers and loos, had its own indoor swimming pool and spa pool. HS pitch if preferred. It cost us £12 per night, with access to pool a separate but very reasonable payment. Admittedly that price was for October, but still a lovely Site in a lovely coastal area. Recommended, so we had no qualms on what it would be like.

I am therefore puzzled as to how CG can state "many" when talking about CL owners installing them. There may well be a few more than there used to be but, many? I think not. Let's not overhype the situation

I agree with you WN. Over the many years that we have caravanned we have stayed on well over 450 different CLs and none have had metering. This last year we've stopped in 30, (100 in the last 3yrs) plus a couple of Commercial sites and a single CC site at an average cost of £14:80 per night. There may become a time when metering becomes so common that we will have to resort to using those sites occasionally but for now we can manage very well without having to do so.

 

which gives security to many people are the main reasons they are successful

Well Arthur I haven't seen the timid approach reason used for a long time, I'm not sure it's true in any way for many and perhaps a little offensive, maybe people just like club sites for the standard they give?  

if all commercial sites advertised in one directory in a standard format...the Clubs would have some proper competition.

What standard format? the site directory books or the websites? Does anyone use the directory in making a choice or a website?

Is this really the big secret to both club's success? Then why don't other providers use the same tactics? Perhaps it is not that but maybe the high quality of sites? Also one might be 'tricked' into a club booking once by the directory but as there is so much repeat business the sites must offer something? 

Proper competition?  What does that mean? You appear to be saying that the club users some underhanded methods of getting people to book. There is plenty of competition for both clubs, lots of it. And if the sites weren't good people would not go back in such large numbers?

 

 

 Does anyone use the directory in making a choice or a website?

 Indeed I do Corners, - map first, then directory, to decide on which site or CL followed by Google maps, arial view, to check it out.

That way I have a fair idea of what I might expect - (except for the rare aggressive warden.) 

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David, I used to use the website but now I use the CC app which can be filtered to show sites or CLs...useful with map option that can be zoomed in and out, confirming exact locations..

I have the CCC version too which is also great for their temp holiday sites...

im sure the background data is all the same, the app just gives a slightly different (better?) way to drill down.

I usually know where we are going (or the area where next stop might be) so starting with the map on the app is less cumbersome than opening out the paper map that came with the directory.

agree that for route planning, a big map with overall view can be useful but when looking for something once a location has been selected I prefer the app.

works well on an iPad and very convenient...all price and review data all available at a click...

in fact, all my site/overnight searching has now switched to apps...the clubs, searchforsites, aires etc...my payload has increased dramatically since I ditched the books.....(yes, I know they're great for back up when no signal etc.....but my first call is to the iPad these days..)