Booking Fees for the Honeypots

The simple solution is the lodgement of card details with the club and then any fee/penalty can be deducted accordingly. It won't happen, of course, as the club don't do simple solutions as evidenced by this website.

I fear that would not work effectively, CY. Cards expire and can be cancelled as you well know. Admin would be a headache as would the ensuing arguments. 

Anyway, I don't want my card details held by CC's computerised systems. There's no point in inviting trouble!

Whilst that seems a fairly straightforward idea I expect the Club would be concerned about data security of such information. We hear all the time about such events where credit card details are compromised when systems are hacked. Perhaps the Club would not be worthy of such attention by the people that do these things but you never know!!!

Whilst I am sure many of the suggestions are made with good intent people do need to look at the administrative impact and the associated costs. 

David

If you store CC details then you have to adhere to a whole raft of security regulations and of course it is a risk of hacking or insider stealing the details.

I booked a ferry last week over the telephone and when it came to payment I had to input the number via my phone pad so the operator did not get to know the details which I thought was very secure.

There is no way I would wish my card details stored on the CC website. I changed my contact e-mail a while back to one I rarely use and that I am happy to throw away as I had concerns about CC security.

You already give the CC your credit card details when you pay for sites, pay your membership fees, buy insurance, book a ferry, buy any other products........unless you somehow pay cash for everything.

Which 'club figures'?

The 'Club' do not release figures about cancellations.

Why is it complicated to take deposits? Thousands of other companies somehow seem to manage it.

As I said before, there is no advantage to me personally in paying a deposit. I am only commenting on what is good business sense.

The 'Club' do not release figures about cancellations

I think you have not read my post accurately . I said late cancellations, these are the ones after the 72 hour cut off and the club does record these as you well know.

These (late cancellations) have been discussed on the club magazine, and in the Chairman's report.The club has stated that when deposits were removed the number of late cancellations and indeed no shows (that's people not turning up without notice) went down significantly.

As for business sense, I have less experience in business and therefore leave that to the club. (did you run a business or have experience in running a large successful organisation like the club btw?)

However I can only discuss what I see. I would think that as some sites are already full for July and August, and not just the honeypot sites (details on demand if you wish but you know I would never post anything without being able to substantiate it). I noticed in booking a week in Melrose next month that some weekends have already gone that the club appears to doing quite well so I let them get on with.

Thousands of companies do indeed charge deposits, but I can't see that a reason for the club to do that? I assume you want the club to carry on with it's child friendly fees, and the reduced fees (kids for a pound) as thousands of companies do the same? Quite of lot of the package deals even give free child places away. I think the club may wish to follow that

However the details are not held on their website which is a world of difference Ian

You are commenting on what you perceive to be good business practice. In the clubs situation they obviously do not see the necessity with their particular business model. Neither do I