Cassoa storage site

[jo3]

I have just had a run-in with my local storage site, where I've kept my van for 2 years. The argument was over payment, they said my annual fee was a week overdue and I pointed out that I hadn't received an invoice and was therefore unaware that payment was due. The attitude of the owner was disgraceful, accusing me of lying. What sort of Mickey Mouse business just rings up demanding money over the phone, without invoices. I could have paid by card but was too hacked off by their pushy manner.
I told him to stick it and have now taking my van away.
My question is whether complaining to Cassoa is worthwhile. Apart from their attitude towards customers, the security was laughable. The site (a silver cassoa site) is permanently open (no barriers) and supposedly operates on a password system, but I just drove in, hitched up my van and drove back out without anyone querying it.
If Cassoa, like many trade organisations, is merely in hock to the paying storage facilities I won't waste my time writing to them.

 

[RickStevens]

It may be worth checking with CASSOA, what the site need to be providing by means of security to warrant their silver status.
I dont know how often they are checked for compliance, but if they are providing everything that CASSOA state they should, then I doubt that they wiould be very interested in the owners attitude.
I use a CASSOA Gold site, and personally I have had no problems whatsoever with the owners, they have always been helpful and polite.
Given the fact that my insurance is discounted for using a CASSOA site, and there really isnt much price difference between the one I use, and a few 'farmers fields' which offer storage in the same area, I would personally rather use a CASSOA site, just for peace of mind.

When we first got onto our site, there was a waiting list, but now he has quite a few vacancies, so I wonder if the present economic situation has made people re-evaluate where they keep their caravans. I'm not in any way defending the way the owners spoke to you, but if its the same in your area, the guy may be suffering with a bit of a cash flow problem hence his keeness to relieve you of your hard earned cash.

 

[Pontyboy]

Hi Jo, that wouldn't happen to be the one in Merthyr would it? because it sounds very much like it.

 

[jo3]

That's spooky, yeah it is that one. I'm glad it's not just me who finds the attitude out of order. If they are so hot on payment, why don't they send VAT invoices. Not a very straight way of doing business.
I used the one in Bridgend for a couple of years and they were great, just a bit too far from home for me.
jo

 

[Pontyboy]

Empty post (likely not intentional - probably an Internet Explorer issue!)

 

[Pontyboy]

Empty post (likely not intentional - probably an Internet Explorer issue!)

 

[Pontyboy]

Empty post (likely not intentional - probably an Internet Explorer issue!)

 

[Pontyboy]

Don't know what happened to previous post, so here goes again. I thought it sounded like Jo as I store my van there too, well until next week. Like you, I have never received a payment reminder, they just phone you up about a week after it's apparently due, and then continue to tell you that you're late paying. I have also driven straight in, hitched up and driven straight out without anyone challenging me. I am mainly moving my van from there because I now find it a bit too tight to manouvre around there due to all the vans they have squeezed in there. As you know it used to be one way in up the ramp, and then exit the opposite side. Now it's in & out the same way, & it's not much fun when you are entering or leaving and someone else is trying the same. I have approached them voicing my concerns, but basically it's "tough". Try telling someone that after you've just clipped their pride & joy. Word of advice though, whatever you do, don't give them bank/card details over the phone. I made that mistake once, and all I will tell you is I won't do that again. I don't know if it's of any use to you Jo, but Pontypridd caravan & camping have started storing caravans, and that's where mine is going next week.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Helllo Jo,
Your assumtion is correct - Cassoa is a trade organisation, and it has no teeth other than to threaten to remove a site from its register.
I made enquiries and looked at some local sites and I conclude the token security measures thay have taken do not warrant the inflated storgae fees compared to other non Cassoa sites where I belive security may be better. The situation may be different elswhere in the counrty

I am no fan of the organisation, because it does not police its members, and there is some link with the insurance industry who make it clear that they would like caravan owners to use Cassoa sites by offering premium discounts. but the reduction in premiuns dose not offsett the extra storage costs.
I object to Casooa sites basically claiming they are better because of improved security, but they do not take any responsibility if your caravan is lost or damaged whilst it is in thier care. So its a licence to print money. Only when these sites that are basically selling the thought of scurity actually take proper responsibility for property left in their care will I consider using one in preference to my current arrangmants.