Affiliated Sites - terms and conditions
Having been a member of the Club for over 50 years I have made almost exclusive use of the Club owned sites rarely using Affiliated ones. However I decided to visit a AS site in Cambridgeshire. I am familiar with the terms and conditions of the Club relating to payment and cancellation. This site wanted full payment up front, not a problem. But, I discovered, it also has a draconian or some might say hard nosed commercial cancellation policy. Because of a medical emergency requiring a trip to local A & E department in the middle of the night I decided to cut short my holiday and return home. I informed the Affiliated site 3 days before my arrival date to be told you have cancelled within 14 days so you forfeit the payment, There was not even a hint of sympathy or empathy just a 'that's it attitude'. Whereas I appreciate it is my problem I do wonder at the cost implications for a large family or party booking, for say a week or a fortnight, The club site wardens, where I was staying, were most sympathetic even through they carried out the club policy as I left that one early to.
So what have I learned from this experience - to appreciate the Club we are so fond of and to avoided Affiliated Sites unless I can be sure not to have an emergency within 14 days of arrival - not so easy in your late 70's.
As they say in the commercial world 'Caveat Emptor' - let the buyer beware!!!!
Comments
-
Yes people often post to ask why the club doesn't adopt a more 'commercial' attitude and practices but this an example of what that really means.
0 -
We've often said here that the club's booking and cancellation policy is it's USP. Enjoy it while it lasts.
1 -
I have visited a number of "Affiliated" sites and believe they should be considered as being purely independent commercial operations with no relevance to The Caravan Club whatever. Some things worse, some better.
7 -
After visiting one I fully agree with you, not saying they were bad in any way but certainly nothing 'club' about them apart from the AS sign, I wonder what the benefits are to either party?
(again nothing wrong with nothing club either, everyone chooses what they like)
0 -
I think they are in places where this club have gaps?
Chew valley has come back as an affiliated site Adults only? they were in the late 1990s an affiliated site ,but it seems once they had a good customer base they decided to go it alone,but have in recent,years it seems decided this clubs support was missed
0 -
Agree, we use a lot of AS Sites, and know they are different in many ways. We completely accept the difference in terms and conditions. It’s harsh in the OP’s case, as of course a medical emergency of any kind can mean a loss on fees paid, but then holiday insurance might become prudent in the future. It’s usually standard practice for cottage and hotel bookings, even in UK.
There appears little doubt now that the Club is willing to give up on one of its USP’s, and is going down the route of deposits upfront. As yet, Members remain in ignorance of whether or not deposits might be refunded within a given timescale, with proof of an emergency. I for one doubt it, I think deposits will be retained. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Club actually started selling holiday insurance for UK visits as well.
The Club blinkers are coming off, and the commercial enterprise whip is in hand, all we need now is details of the runners and riders, and the date of the big race start.3 -
I have used that site on a number of occasions David. Last time I guess 5 or 6 years ago. First time about 23 years ago. I have used at least 4 Morris Leisure sites. I did not really like there facility blocks nor their location right by reception rathe than central. In general I prefer this club's sites but the Morris leisure sites serve a purpose with their location and are acceptable.
0 -
aWe have used Stanmore hall many years ago ,before it was bought by the present owners and much money spent on it to make it as it is now?
One thing that stood out then was how dark it was and you had to be carefull of where you trod as it was covered in goose and duck droppings, even away from the lake
We went as we had won some tickets for the Seven Valley Railway with a behind the scenes look,which was even better when they realised i was with the national railway
Oh was looked after by the staff at Bridgenorth while i was shown round the "mucky bits"
0 -
Peteno8, Sorry to read of your night time misadventure. Are you OK now?
But don’t give up on affiliated sites, privately owned sites, independent sites and CLs - there’s so much choice out there. But in case of future emergencies buy an annual travel insurance - firms like Staysure sell them for UK only, for all Europe, or for Worldwide - just as you wish.
0 -
And are such insurances free? they are not needed at the moment on club sites which the OP made use of almost exclusively, and while they be neceassy once deposits come that is a least a year away.
I'm sure the Op knows there is so much choice out there and maybe that is why they prefer club sites?
0 -
Weve have had a 'world wide' holiday insurance package for the last umpteen years for the various trips we take.
we've realised that it might be useful on our long camping trips as well as our other holidays.
I hadn't really thought about its potential in the UK touring arena but, if the club moves to a change in T/C it might be useful there as in the OP's circumstances.
we wait with 'bated breath' to discover the changes alluded to in JK's earlier post.
exciting, isn't it?
0 -
If The Club is really thinking about it they will offer cancellation insurance along with each new style booking. Something like the present terms for a mere £xx additional fee per booking.
2 -
I'm sure it would be a nice little earner as Arthur Daily would say for those that tour only in the UK. On our last holiday cottage holiday it was a few pounds per day with the letting company and added very little to the overall tie away.
The club could even offer a yearly rate?
0 -
Never fear Peteno8, it is not all as bad as some would have you believe, not all commercial sites have such draconian terms and are so hard nosed. Just check out the term before you make a commitment to avoid the types you have encountered.
peedee
0 -
Agreed, while onsite at one of our favourite commercials, we had to move a subsequent booking slightly. All done in the office with a smile. Took about 1 minute. No hint of any 'punishment'.
back there again for New Year.
0 -
I think moving a future booking is a totally different scenario to the medical emergency and cancellation talked about in the OP.
If that happens on most non club sites one usually loses everything.
1 -
The one affiliated site we use regularly is a delight.
You can prebook an actual pitch and on the one occasion we had to cancel a booking they were quite happy to transfer the ( modest) deposit to another booking, no fuss, no drama and all done in a friendly way.
An added bonus is that if you show your booking receipt at a nearby restaurant you get a 15% discount. The last time we were there we took advantage of this and I gave the 15% back as a tip. And I’m a Yorkshireman 😳
0
