New booking system with deposits
Comments
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I agree fully PD but isn't it getting a bit late? It's supposed to be the 25th and it's now the 15th and half way through June. I'm flexible but others might want to book their dates for June 2023?
I suspect it's not going to plan and they can't deliver?
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The whole thing seems to be a bit strange to me. The Club clearly wanted it out there that they were intending to change the booking system and there were hints that we would be able to book pitch type but the biggest change was the (re) introduction of deposits. Getting that information out there sometime in advance of putting into operation did allow the Club to gauge reaction from members. That reaction seems to have broken down into three parts. Those that oppose deposits completely, those that don't like the idea but accept it could lead to improvements and finally those that thought there should be deposits anyway. So having navigated member approval or acceptance if became a firm commitment, if indeed that was ever in doubt? What seems to have caused an issue (as always!) is the implementation of the new booking system. Were we not told that it would be the same system as used for Overseas Sites which has been up and running for over a year? OK UK site booking are on a completely different scale to Overseas so not as simple as I suggest. What we don't know is what is causing the delay? Obviously training of site staff does take a while and hopefully will have shown up any shortcomings in the system. What do people think is a reasonable time before telling us that the system is now ready for implementation? Given that its not just about new bookings but also about amending bookings would one month be sufficient or perhaps less if they want to meet the June proposed date? Or would it be better to delay until March of next year when all sites will have reopened, or at least those that close over winter.
David
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I have been told by wardens on current site that the club has somehow not worked out a system for taking the deposits so cannot start bookings. Unfortunately some who like to plan in advance may look elsewhere. I wonder if that may already be happening because of the proposed changes or maybe it is just the COVID effect with people now travelling abroad.We have been on 3 sites now well under full capacity and sites ahead with good availability whereas last year they were full and we were checking every day to add extra dates. We have previously only booked club sites because of the flexibility if hospital appointments etc cause date changes. Now it seems sensible to do late bookings for next year which will make affiliated sites and others a possibility.
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I don’t see how the deposit issue can be causing empty pitches at this point as the system hasn’t started yet, as you say. I think it’s more likely to be cost, both of site fees and fuel, along with the general cost of living.
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I am sure those points will be strong contributory factors but maybe the prospect of the new system will have led to members looking elsewhere where they previously would have stuck to club sites. We have felt that club sites are costly but worth it for the quality and ease of amendment but the 3 week rule will change our booking habits.
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I should also have said that we tend to travel as planned but the current flexibility has given us the confidence to book ahead and occasionally have adjusted dates by a few days . If we will be penalised for changes with no option for cancellation insurance going forward we will be likely to do late bookings wherever suits at the time.
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Deposits are not a major issue for us as the majority ofcour bookings are made very close to the time we go. However, I have been arguing for members to be able to book a surface type for a number of years now, and I'm pleased that eventually, this seems to be imminent.
David
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I can't see that first point at all. If deposits were only a "prospect" at the time someone was looking to book, there'd be no need to look elsewhere. If they had been in force then you might have a point but as they weren't, I think it's arguable that their very absence could encourage people to book.
In any case, it's rare to find any type of holiday booking that doesn't call for a deposit, and often with much more stringent terms than this club is proposing, so deposits alone are little reason to go elsewhere in my opinion.
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I agree. As far as I am aware existing bookings are not affected and could be cancelled without any penalty, although would be subject to a deposit if amended. Given that, it is more likely that folk will be making bookings to get in ahead of deposits. However, if the OP is referring to bookings for June 23 and beyond, I suppose it could result in members looking elsewhere if these are not released.
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Again - seen on Facebook:-
Unconfirmed rumours from HQ are..... the new booking system has been pushed back until Sept at the earliest. This includes the 'D' word.
Current update will be to open June 23 bookings.0 -
Well I posted somewhere it wasn't likely for the 23rd.
However the question is when the July and August (they have been linked in the past) booking date will be? Back to the first week in July?
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Have the club given any indication yet to how this is going to work.
Will we still be able to amend a booking online, ie move one booking to another site or to another date.
What will be the time frame in which this can be done without penalties.
What will the time frame for cancelling bookings without penalties be.
If anyone could tell me this or point me in the direction of the info I'd be grateful.
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HB, they’re called ‘power trippers’ for a short while they feel important🤷🏻♂️
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Wow!
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Is posting on FB not behind a keyboard in all honesty?, I doubt if you met anyone in person you'd know them to enable you to discuss any issue🤷🏻♂️. Posts without solid intel is just fake news tbh.
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It might be helpful if when posting comments seen on Facebook/Other Forums that the Facebook Group/Other Forum is named? Also whether the poster has any official connection the the Club, ie site staff or whether the person has heard it third hand? I am sure a lot of us get chatting to site staff who may make a private comment to you as an individual but wouldn't what that broadcast as fact? I think in most conversations its easy enough to detect whether it is an opinion or a fact? At least then we would know from what point we were starting a conversation?
David
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Hi everyone,
The project is progressing fast and we’re pleased to announce the key areas of improvement will be delivered in the next few months. We want you to have the best possible experience when you're planning, booking and staying at any of our campsites.
Please keep checking on the website for further updates... Booking Experience
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Thanks for the update, but when will June 2023 (and July/August) be released for booking? I may have missed it but I can't find the date anywhere on the site?
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Not fake news then
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The FB post said (we're told) the deposit scheme would be implemented 25 June. Ro has posted saying "…..next few months".
You can deduce from that which seems the most factual 🤷🏻♂️
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