If you made reservations at a camp and it was a weekend that they were furnishing food all weekend and they did not ask for a deposit- even after you emailed them and asked them what the deposit was-
And--- you cancelled 2 days before the ride and the campground owners email you and say they expect payment for the food-- would you send it??
Posted 2009-11-25 2:41 PM (#113632 - in reply to #113626) Subject: RE: Camping deposits
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069 Location: MI.
If there was a deposit you might have lost it for cancelling so late. So, I guess I could understand them wanting compensation for the food. Was there information available about cancellations when you booked your site?
Posted 2009-11-25 2:53 PM (#113634 - in reply to #113626) Subject: RE: Camping deposits
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 420 Location: Florida
2 Days before.. I would pay what they asked me too. That is short notice to cancel when they could have gotten someone else if you cancelled earlier to fill your spot. Times are tough all around and they had to put out their cash up front I am sure.
Posted 2009-11-25 8:31 PM (#113641 - in reply to #113626) Subject: RE: Camping deposits
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 447 Location: cedar rapids iowa
I am all about fair but it is poor business practice not to ask for a non reundable deposit. Sounds like they are new to this. If a deposit wasn't required I would make a reservation with the idea of cancelling and not being out anything. It is there mistake but to keep a good relationship you might pay them if it was a reasonable amount. They need to get there act together though and I hope they will learn how to run it properly and have all the rules in writing up front.
Posted 2009-11-26 8:39 AM (#113652 - in reply to #113626) Subject: RE: Camping deposits
Regular
Posts: 73 Location: MI
I have to second the question about was their cancellation policy posted or made available to you? This sounds like an advertised weekend, I would think they would post that information including when deposits are due and when cancellations have to be made. I understand you emailed the question about what the deposit was but you didn't give a time frame for when you made the reservation or when you emailed your questions.
Posted 2009-11-26 10:06 PM (#113672 - in reply to #113626) Subject: RE: Camping deposits
Veteran
Posts: 164 Location: Delaware
Two days out is really late to cancel unless there was an emergency. I have a campsite I frequent that you have to give a weeks notice or you pay the full price. You only have to pay a small reservation fee upfront and then the rest when you get there. If you don't show, cancel within the timeframe and they can't fill your spot then they expect full pay. If there is an emergency you needed to call and let them know and most of the time they will work with you. If you are a no show/no pay you will be blacklisted and they will let other campsites know also. Even though your site may not have a written cancellation policy there was a committment to camp and have food prepared for you.
Posted 2009-11-27 7:53 AM (#113675 - in reply to #113626) Subject: RE: Camping deposits
Veteran
Posts: 184 Location: Indiana
Thanks everyone for the responses.
They have no cancellation policy.
It's a small campground so I'm going to send the money.
We've been there a couple of times and maybe will go back in the future.
The thing that bothers me , and the only reason I really asked is after I made the reservations I emailed her about sending a deposit and she said they weren't asking for deposits- and then I cancel and she wants one.
Maybe lesson learned for the owners to be more business like
Posted 2009-11-27 2:02 PM (#113681 - in reply to #113626) Subject: RE: Camping deposits
Regular
Posts: 73 Location: MI
I think that if this is someplace you enjoy going and you're trying to be a good customer and keep a good relationship then paying for the food (but not the campsite) is a good compromise. If there's no cancellation policy then you have no obligation as you did not agree to anything (like a timeframe for cancelling). You may bring this up with them when you send in your check so this type of poor experience doesn't occur in the future.
Camping deposits
