Deposits
Comments
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As in my previous post David. Deposits will not solve the problem regarding weekends blocking longer bookings.
There are changes that might such as minimum bookings, inability to book 2 or even 3 day bookings more than a month ahead but but all have significant downsides and there is none that I would champion
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Deposits will solve neither of these issues although some believe they will. The only way to alleviate those booking issues is to create more pitches and open new sites.
Deposits can only serve to hamper younger members and families in my opinion from joining us tourers and enjoying our pastime to the full. I remember it was hard enough for us particularly at this time of year and when those unexpected (sometimes expected) financial challenges came along in our early lives. Most of us have been there I'm sure but some conveniently forget it seems.
Yet to hear a coherent arguement for deposits which will be helpful to the membership as a whole.
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And the occurrence of these cancellations we have been told, are in the grand scheme of things few and as for those inside the 72 hrs almost insignificant. Deposits will not solve these. In fact being able to cancel (within agreed parameters) or amend without finacial loss is a great attraction for many I think.
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+1
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I didn't mean to post just that. OOps
As far as cancelled bookings go there are three types of reason that I suspect covers the majority of cancellations; weather, illness and breakdowns/mechanical problems.
As I have said before: Nothing will change how these causes effect booking other than perhaps the weather aspect. Those that I suspect are most likely to cancel due to wet weather would be weekenders. If I were away for a week or on a tour a couple of wet days would probably be just one of those things. If I were away just for a weekend with wife and one or two kiddies weather might be more of an issue. If heavy rain was forecast would I be better spending an extra £35 on site fees, £20 on fuel to sit in the van or would I be better loosing the £25 and taking the kids to the cinema?
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Let's not forget that our club is not just one site, it is a whole network of sites across the length and breadth of the country. Being able to amend a booking or bookings across this network at any time, for whatever reason, within the agreed timescales, is almost unique within the industry. Long may this continue.
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With respect I think you may have missed the point I was trying to make, or perhaps I poorly expressed it, which was how does the Club assess feedback from members. I was putting the view forward that they may be more influenced by those that take positive action by mentioning deposits as a way of solving a certain issue than by the vast majority that don't mention it. It seems to be the way the Club come to lots of decisions.
As far as deposits I am somewhat agnostic about them. I think the system works fine as it is and would need convincing that it was worth all the bother. If they were introduced it would not be a deal breaker as like you I am used to paying them for C&CC sites. I tend not to book far enough ahead for them to be an issue. I could also argue, as a late booker, I benefit from the current system as I often pick up pitches which have been recently cancelled.
David
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I think in the next six months we plan to visit around 10 sites. Mainly for 4 or 5 nights each site. Ten sites at £25 would be £250, and I don't have that money spare at the moment, but will have in a month or two. Will paying a deposit make me more likely to go to these sites, no not at all, I will be going anyway, but it may make me find sites that do not require a deposit.. I am very happy with the situation as it is thank-you.
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I did not miss your point David. Perhaps I should apologise for quoting your post as I totally ignored your point
Like you David I doubt the value of deposits to the clubs system and particularly to club members. For me spending say £400 hundred for deposits just after Christmas is not a problem. For some it may be.
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The whole issue is somewhat nebulous. Even if deposits were to be introduced, the effectiveness of them in restricting "frivolous" booking would depend on the cancellation terms attached to said deposit.
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It might rein in specualtive booking. It is hard to believe all those bookings for a year in advance for the likes of Baltic Wharf will be honoured. However, it appears to me the increases in prices might be having a similar effect judging by the apparent lack of bookings at many of the Clubs' remaining sites.
peedee
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apparent lack of bookings
sorry and how do you know this? or wishful thinking? Been through many the club's booking pages for the forthcoming 12 months? And if so which ones, can't be any reason for you to do your usual and not names the sites?
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Then clearly enough people think the sites are good value.....
It doesn't matter to the club what you or Peedee think....
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Moaning about the prices is of no interest to a business, especially if you keep buying from them.
The dozen or so club sites I have stayed on this year have been close to full, across a mix of south coast to northern Scotland, school hols & not, weekend & weekday. That's why I say that it matters not what you think of the prices, if enough will pay them, then any business would charge them. Your personal "loyalty" and annual spend is irrelevant with a membership of 350,000. The club can fine tune its prices to fill it's sites. it tunes it's insurance as to whether it wants your business or not. Two years ago I was with the club, last year it was Saga, this year I'm back with club. If they want my business they get it (at the right price obviously), if they don't I take it elsewhere. That's why we are also members of CCC & use commercial sites when it suits us as well.
I have been using club sites for 40 years too, but some of those were in short pants with my parents.....
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Firstly my best wishes for the coming year David. The prices that you paid were not always in UK I expect. You may well feel that you received better value elsewhere David and, for you, I have no doubt that you did. However I received exactly what I wanted David
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You must tell me where these bargain sites are ET. The only full facs site I stayed on last year was £23 in low season. I'm obviously looking to stay in the wrong places.
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The only ones that I had not Deleted User from e-mails
Costs for two Adults 2018
Ayr Craigie Gardens 5th May £23.40
Meathop Fell 25th April £18.96
New England Bay April 30th £17.80
Blaidon Chains 25th June £22.80
Rowan Park 30th June £19.70
Shawsmead 6th September £21
St Davids Leithyr Meadow £19.68
Goweron 15th Sept £21
Moorhampton 20TH Sept £19.40
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Thanks for the clarification. I'll have to adjust to the fact that penny buns are no longer available at that price.
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Certainly do, skodaman. It was a decent magazine in those days!!
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I’m sure they took deposits when I first joined about 14 years ago. It was dropped soon after.
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There was also Exeter Racecourse, all year £20:20 and under; Godrevy Pk, 16-28Mar, 15 Apr-24 May, 1Oct-4Nov - £21 or less, White Water Pk all year apart from 29 Mar-14 Apr, 4-7May, 25 May-2 June, 20 July-1 Sept, (even Mid week over the X-mas/N.Y. period!!)-....etc the list goes on and on.
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