CL Sites, Do you leave a tip?

al59wms
al59wms Forum Participant Posts: 3
edited November 2016 in Certificated Locations #1

After staying on two excellent CL sites recently, I was wondering whether members generally pay CL owners a tip on top of site fees. Both CLs were so good I felt that they deserved an overpayment, but I would like to know if this is the norm or an exception
for members using CLs

Comments

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,638
    1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited November 2016 #2

    I must say that we've stayed on many, many CLs and have never left a tip. However it's rather up to your good self. Perhaps it would be interesting to hear from any CL owners what they think.

  • moulesy
    moulesy Forum Participant Posts: 9,402 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2016 #3

    We've stayed on some excellent CLs this year, al, but no, we wouldn't leave a tip. We do, though, always write a review and trust that it will encourage more fellow members to give the site their custom. Happy

  • HBHF
    HBHF Forum Participant Posts: 36
    edited November 2016 #4

    does the 3.30 at kempton park count? :)

     

  • Vicmallows
    Vicmallows Forum Participant Posts: 580
    500 Comments
    edited November 2016 #5

    I hate the entire concept of 'tipping'; however I accept that in a few situations, such as Taxis, it is so universal as to be effectively compulsory.

    In the case of a CL (or any campsite) I would consider it totally inappropriate! ... it is almost as if you are saying you are superior and they are minions there to serve you. 

    Certainly leave an appropriate review, and in my experience owners DO appreciate a personal 'thankyou' email.

  • Longtimecaravanner
    Longtimecaravanner Forum Participant Posts: 642
    edited November 2016 #6

    We stayed on a site which closed on 31st October one year and we wanted to stay longer to go to the local firework display on 5th November. The site owner agreed that we could and when I went to pay I did refuse to accept the change, about six pounds if
    I remember rightly, as I felt that we had used more electricity than the site owner would have expected as it was out of her season.

  • ocsid
    ocsid Forum Participant Posts: 1,395
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2016 #7

    Until I read this posting the concept that one would tip a CL owner had not passed through my mind. I dislike the whole concept and only see it a reasonable practice where it is pretty evident the person providing the service is themselves employed on an abysmal wage, but despite this abuse still affords us attentive service.
    No I don’t see paying a site owner a tip as appropriate, but I want them to charge a decent price reflecting their cost and yielding a reasonable return. I don’t seek out the cheapest deal going, I am not looking for charity and want the network to survive.

  • al59wms
    al59wms Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited November 2016 #8

     "it is almost as if you are saying you are superior and they are minions there to serve you."

    Wow, really!

    Perhaps 'tip' is the wrong word then. An overpayment ( by refusing change) to show your appreciation for being allowed to stay is what I meant, not leaving a few coins on a plate in the shower room when you leave! 

  • Rocky 2 buckets
    Rocky 2 buckets Forum Participant Posts: 7,101
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2016 #9

    I do it when I feel I've got something above what I'd expected or someone has gone the 'extra mile'. I see it as an extra thankyou. No superiority involved here, I don't suffer that particular mindset thankfully. 

  • Fisherman
    Fisherman Forum Participant Posts: 2,367
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2016 #10

    Dont tip. Everyone should be paid basic pay for doing an excellent job., not depend on add ons.

  • BirchHillFarmCL
    BirchHillFarmCL Forum Participant Posts: 187
    Photogenic
    edited November 2016 #11

    Good reviews and recommending us to others are worth considerably more than a monetary tip.  The
    value of a good review is a boost to our morale and shows that our efforts are appreciated and the
    impact of the review is to increase our business.

    We occasionally get comments such as 'We really like your CL, but won't tell anyone else about your CL in case we can't get a pitch for our next visit'.  As CL owners, we find this attitude very frustrating, hence my comment that
    good reviews and recommendations are better than a tip.

    Ian Kelly

    01691 622951

    Caravan@BirchHill.co.uk

    www.BirchHill.co.uk

    Birch Hill Farm – a multi-award winning caravan site in the beautiful lake-lands of Shropshire - exclusively for members of the Caravan Club

    Read the reviews - look at the photos.

    Number 1398 in the 2015/16 Sites Directory

  • JillwithaJay
    JillwithaJay Club Member Posts: 2,485 ✭✭
    500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited November 2016 #12

    I wouldn't give a monetary tip but I've taken a bunch of flowers or a plate of home made cakes to reception on occasion.

    photo 78301b06-7bdd-45fe-8ae2-d4d2cae14135_zpssi5htrez.jpg

  • Kennine
    Kennine Forum Participant Posts: 3,472
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2016 #13

    We love CL's,  They are the jewel in the crown of the CC. --- I would not embarrass any Cl owner by tipping them.  I do however always thank them, as we would any host, at the end of our stay. We submit a good recommendation for any CL which we find excellent. 

    Cheers ..... K

  • Mitsi Fendt
    Mitsi Fendt Forum Participant Posts: 484
    100 Comments
    edited November 2016 #14

    It's not tipping I object to, but I do object to people leaving the place like a tip and expecting someone else to clean up after them. Am I referring to the wrong type of tipping?Laughing

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2016 #15

    Never, if they want more money they can always put the prices up!Surprised

    That would give quite a few members enough to gossip about for a few weeks!Laughing

  • IanHNW
    IanHNW Forum Participant Posts: 41
    First Comment
    edited November 2016 #16

    If exceptional service is received why not tip (cash or gift) the CC wardens who do not have high wages and everybody likes a thank you.

  • AlanGL7
    AlanGL7 Forum Participant Posts: 113
    100 Comments
    edited November 2016 #17

    We give any unwanted change to the Alzheimer's Society. Some of our visitors know that this is what we do and we have collected £80 this year.

    Alan

    www.greenacrescl.co.uk

  • paul56
    paul56 Forum Participant Posts: 937
    500 Comments
    edited November 2016 #18

    We don't leave a tip as a rule but I have rounded up the site fees and if its only a couple of pounds or so I have said 'don't worry about the change'. I feel quite priviledged to have stopped in some back gardens/farmers fields and a lot of effort goes
    into some for anything between £12 and £15 a night.

  • Surfer
    Surfer Club Member Posts: 1,303
    500 Comments 100 Likes
    edited November 2016 #19

    After staying on two excellent CL sites recently, I was wondering whether members generally pay CL owners a tip on top of site fees. Both CLs were so good I felt that they deserved an overpayment, but I would like to know if this is the norm or an exception
    for members using CLs

    Do you tip the wardens when staying on a CC site?  What about tipping the shop assistant, the mechanic, the technician etc?  They all earn a reasonable wage.

    The only people we tip are people who do waitering in a restaurant and then only if the service has been good.  Unfortunately good service is a rarity. 

  • Brian1
    Brian1 Forum Participant Posts: 242
    100 Comments
    edited November 2016 #20

    Never, if they want more money they can always put the prices up!Surprised

    That would give quite a few members enough to gossip about for a few weeks!Laughing

    Agreed.

  • Brian1
    Brian1 Forum Participant Posts: 242
    100 Comments
    edited November 2016 #21

    I feel quite priviledged to have stopped in some back gardens/farmers fields and a lot of effort goes into some for anything between £12 and £15 a night.

    THis gets to the meat of the matter.  For many/most CLs the monetary reward is not a big issue.  TBH I get annoyed with some of those who complain that a particular CL is expensive.  They really aren't a good way to make yourself rich!  For many/most CL
    owners, friendly occupants who are courteous, considerate of others and not messy are what they want most.  As has been said, leave a good review. Tipping just spoils the ambience.Happy

  • Rocky 2 buckets
    Rocky 2 buckets Forum Participant Posts: 7,101
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2016 #22

    Tipping(or the thought of it) also frightens some folk tooLaughingLaughing.
    Now if it was-'CL sites do you Harumph?' then this thread would rival Sunday departuresHappy

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,829 ✭✭✭
    2,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited November 2016 #23

    Sure, if they are good and helpful to you then give them a bottle of wine, or some flowers for the lady, or some sweeties for their kids. Be generous.  

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2016 #24

    Do I leave a tip. No, I tidy up after me.

  • wye
    wye Forum Participant Posts: 241
    edited November 2016 #25

    No ... if your enjoy your stay and the CL is like described on in the handbook and web then I leave a good review and if I meet the owner I thank them , also of course leave the pitch how I would expect to find it ......

  • IanH
    IanH Forum Participant Posts: 4,708
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2016 #26

    We don't tip anyone.......cannot understand why some trades appear to expect an additional payment while others do not.

    We pay the advertised price and would always expect good service. If we don't get it, we don't use them again. Simple.

  • Takethedogalong
    Takethedogalong Forum Participant Posts: 17,044 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited November 2016 #27

    Never thought of leaving a tip for CL owners. We give them days and weeks of repeat business, a good review and recommendation to others, which is priceless in terms of easy marketing! Have bought flowers and a bottle for those owners who down the years
    have become almost friends. Nothing but praise for CL owners Happy

  • moonchip
    moonchip Forum Participant Posts: 106
    edited December 2016 #28

    We always tip or overpay without asking for change. Alternatively we buy a spray or flowers for the owners wife or leave a box of chocolates. It is simple courtesy which is well received & appreciated

    We've just got back from a CL and after paying but before leaving I enquired if the owners required any additional payment for us having the electric heaters on nearly permanently since arrival. The offer was declined but apprecaited

  • Supertractorman
    Supertractorman Forum Participant Posts: 79
    edited December 2016 #29

    Never thought of leaving a tip for CL owners. We give them days and weeks of repeat business, a good review and recommendation to others, which is priceless in terms of easy marketing! Have bought flowers and a bottle for those owners who down the years
    have become almost friends. Nothing but praise for CL owners Happy

    Write your comments here...

    Its lovely when you get a phone call from a new customer who has received a recommendation to visit your CL from another tourer during their travels, possibly worth more than any CL of the year competition.

    David  www.perthshirecl.co.uk

  • DaveandVicki
    DaveandVicki Forum Participant Posts: 192
    edited December 2016 #30

    We don't tip but as one of our regular sites provides postcards with site details and pictures we have one permanently on display in our car. Quite a few people have taken the site details.......

    ...might be why we can never get on in the summer. Frown

  • obbernockle
    obbernockle Forum Participant Posts: 616
    500 Comments
    edited December 2016 #31

    I doubt whether most CL owners are in it for the money!  In many cases it provides a modest income after expenses. Their time for maintenance, bookings,hospitality probably isn't even recovering the National Minimum Wage. I know that many CL owners do it
    for the good of their fellow mankind. Yes, that right, there are a lot of people in this game who actually enjoy what they do, providing us with lovely surroundings in which to stay a while. No doubt there is a small minority of exceptional people in all walks
    of life - we've met the occasional one over the years. As for tipping? I think most CL owners would like a bit of recognition for their effort, and respect for the place is a good start. Compliments are important to some people. A return visit or a personal
    recommendation is probably the best compliment. Sermon over.