CLs reluctant (understandably) to forward book

Liz

I am not sure I would want to go there either after that experience!!! The Club always remind us that CL's are independent businesses and providing they abide by the rules of the Certification they have little jurisdiction over them in terms of what they charge and how they organise themselves. I can understand the frustration of CL owners if they are constantly being let down by people. A deposit is probably not a sufficient deterrent, especially on the lower priced CL's. 

David

No shows have become a big problem for many businesses this year especially in the leisure industry and I have a lot of sympathy with those unfortunate owners who have been let down. I do hope and think that this year has been skewed somewhat with lockdowns and covid preying on peoples minds never mind those that have been laid low by it.

I have heard of block booking at various CLs, as some sites are very popular, then deciding nearer the time which one to go to.

Restaurants have had a torrid time with cancellations.

This poor behaviour is just going to lead to deposits being requested by more and more owners and the same with table bookings. 

I do hope and think that this year has been skewed somewhat with lockdowns and covid preying on peoples minds never mind those that have been laid low by it.

If you really want to go to the CL then maybe offer to pay part of your stay as a deposit and make sure he knows it is non refundable. That is what I would do but I don't know your financial circumstances and understand if you don't want to go down that route.

I was completely on board with his frustration and it’s a shame that members seem to do this with no come-back. I think it’s reasonable to charge a deposit - my hairdresser does now (no shows have disappeared …) The CL owner said he’d book us in if we paid the whole lot now (a year ahead). 

I think what really got to me was not the message but the manner of expressing it to someone who wasn’t phoning to let him down or anything. I was trying to be a customer!  ‘We’d never do that!’ I said sympathetically. ‘They all say that,’ was his reply. 

Anyway, I’m feeling a bit more settled now after a cup of tea and have decided not to go there despite the nice reviews. 

As you say, perhaps it will calm down next year and people will behave mot decently. 

If we want to book a particular CL we just fit in with the way the owner runs it. We've paid the whole pitch fees twice in advance this year, plus two or three deposits. It doesn't cause us any problems. If I was running a CL I might consider doing the same, fees or at least a deposit in advance.

I definitely would charge a deposit  if running a CL. We paid three this year I think. I don’t mind paying the whole amount either but I did mind being shouted at for others’ sins.

Perhaps deposits should become common practice if owners can manage the records. 

As we only tend to book a month or so ahead it wouldn't bother me paying a deposit or probably the full amount as that is what you often have to do with commercial sites. Not sure I would be keen on sending cheques off in the post, much prefer to pay by BAC's which is a no cost option for the CL owner.

David

I'd have put the phone down in the first 30 secs rather than stick around for the full 5 min argument.

I agree, but maybe they paid for the five minute argument?

In full or left a deposit?

lol