Huge Deposit

[Parksy]

Personally I don't have any view as to whether the CC should require deposits because I'm not a CC member. I rarely use mainstream C&CC sites but often use the C&CC certified 5 van sites and they, like CC sites don't ask for a deposit although I'd be happy to pay a deposit if asked. I also use selected commercial sites from time to time and they invariably ask for a deposit.

My post was in order to open a sensible forum debate and compare aspects of both clubs to try to fathom out why one club has an element of dissatisfaction within it's membership if forum posts are to be beleived while the other club seems to operate without the same level of disappointment.

Does the CC have a greater number of members who use caravans? (the C&CC have many tent campers within it's membership)

Does the C&CC include any process within its online booking system that (apart from deposits) could be successfully emulated by the CC to keep it's membership happy.

I take the point regarding the blame culture but I was hoping to try to pin down what is really happening as opposed to internet speculation and anger at the present situation that we often see.

Why are pitches on C&CC sites apparently available when they appear not to be on CC sites.

I've no idea if the Camping and Caravanning club limit the number of weekends that one could theoretically book in advance.

I've no idea if the Practical Caravan magazine has ever done an article on the differences or similarities between clubs so perhaps if one of the members of our forum submitted a letter or email to the editor who knows?

 

[AlanJ]

Sorry senior moment on previous post the C&CC rules state following...

"Advance Bookings - We will charge you a deposit of 25% of the total cost of a pitch (with a minimum charge of

 

[Lesley_374322271]

Sorry senior moment on previous post the C&CC rules state following...

"Advance Bookings - We will charge you a deposit of 25% of the total cost of a pitch (with a minimum charge of

 

[Thorpedo]

Agree with David Klyne and David.

If we had to pay deposits in December for breaks right through to September we simply wouldn't be able to book anything. It's a matter of simple economics and from what I read above the well off want to force the less well off out of the equasion.

To get bookings at weekends, bank hols or school hols is difficult already especially at popular sites so we have to book as much as possible as soon as it's available but could't do so if deposites were`demanded, that's why we use the CC and not the C&CC.

Strangly enough, last year due to bad organisation and too much family stuff going on we didn't book anything very far in advance. Despite showing full on the CC website, when we called last minute we got every site we wanted and when we wanted it.

Interestingly on each occasion contrary to opinion above the sites had very few spare pitches when we arrived.

Does this suggest that the current CC system is working very well by providing the ability to book well in advance plus some last minute availability and no one had to take out a bank loan the size of the Icelandic debt to pay the deposits.

Those who want to pay deposits have the C&CC club and those who don't have the CC club. Sounds idilic.

I congratulate the CC club on a system which does seem to work.

 

[DavidKlyne]

Its definitely time the Caravan Club started charging deposits as they used to do some years ago - its also time that they started to do something about persistent none-showers who abuse the present system - surely the club computer system could flag these members up and personally I think they should be banned from using club sites especially those who dont ring to cancel beforehand so that soembody else can have their pitch - the same goes for CC members who turn up before 12 noon - I think the C&CC impose a fee on their members for doing this and rightly so

Jon

The Caravan Club do track members who no show. If a member no shows 3 times they get a letter warning them that their membership will be suspended if they do it again. So there is a system already in place.

David

 

[DavidKlyne]

Personally I don't have any view as to whether the CC should require deposits because I'm not a CC member. I rarely use mainstream C&CC sites but often use the C&CC certified 5 van sites and they, like CC sites don't ask for a deposit although I'd be happy to pay a deposit if asked. I also use selected commercial sites from time to time and they invariably ask for a deposit.

My post was in order to open a sensible forum debate and compare aspects of both clubs to try to fathom out why one club has an element of dissatisfaction within it's membership if forum posts are to be beleived while the other club seems to operate without the same level of disappointment.

Does the CC have a greater number of members who use caravans? (the C&CC have many tent campers within it's membership)

Does the C&CC include any process within its online booking system that (apart from deposits) could be successfully emulated by the CC to keep it's membership happy.

I take the point regarding the blame culture but I was hoping to try to pin down what is really happening as opposed to internet speculation and anger at the present situation that we often see.

Why are pitches on C&CC sites apparently available when they appear not to be on CC sites.

I've no idea if the Camping and Caravanning club limit the number of weekends that one could theoretically book in advance.

I've no idea if the Practical Caravan magazine has ever done an article on the differences or similarities between clubs so perhaps if one of the members of our forum submitted a letter or email to the editor who knows?

Parksy

I have no real knowledge of CC&C sites although I often read some disquiet about how some of them are run, the allocation of pitches and sometimes the size of pitches, especially for tenter with large tents. Putting my head above the parepet here is it possible the CC sites are more popular because they might be better and mainly in good locations? I would have thought the CC has far more caravanners as members than the CC&C, although both seem to try and out do each other on numbr of members.

David

 

[DavidKlyne]

Sorry senior moment on previous post the C&CC rules state following...

"Advance Bookings - We will charge you a deposit of 25% of the total cost of a pitch (with a minimum charge of

 

[AlanJ]

Alan

Is it 25% of the pitch fee and number of members stay? If so for a 2 week holiday that is quite a sizeable deposit. I thought they just charged

 

[AlanJ]

Info in response to David on comments above...

Hi David

It is 25% of the total (Pitch + Number of people)so yes it could get quite expensive if one tries to book loads of pitches for the season. Hence I tend to book when I have checked month/ten day weather forecast in the hope of getting decent weather (totally failed on all counts with the weather last year!!)

C&CC do have nice discounts for "age concession" which substantially reduces the cost for over 55 out of high season.

 

[DavidKlyne]

Hi Alan

Thanks for the clarification. Have to say that makes it sound even worst, particularly for families. I just wonder how many people would be less keen on deposits if they realised that they would be require to pay 25% of the whole fee. We tend to do the same as you and not book that far ahead unless we have a specific reason to do so. Our main holidays are spent in Europe and we don't even book there!

David

 

[AlanJ]

Hi David

Without starting the old debate all over again - the deposit could be a reason for perceptions on advance booking between CC & C&CC. But lets not go there again!!

Like you we will in future mainly tour across Europe during May - Oct. Thanks for the info on your website ref Germany I have now planned route via Berlin, North West Poland, down through central Poland to Krakow onward via Czech Rep to Salzburg & Innsbruck and then back up the Rhein valley etc.

So thanks for all the Germany info worth its weight in gold.

Alan

 

[DavidKlyne]

Hi David

Without starting the old debate all over again - the deposit could be a reason for perceptions on advance booking between CC & C&CC. But lets not go there again!!

Like you we will in future mainly tour across Europe during May - Oct. Thanks for the info on your website ref Germany I have now planned route via Berlin, North West Poland, down through central Poland to Krakow onward via Czech Rep to Salzburg & Innsbruck and then back up the Rhein valley etc.

So thanks for all the Germany info worth its weight in gold.

Alan

Alan

Glad it was useful. Be good to see a report back when you get home. Hope the trip goes well. We are tinking of Itanly this year.

David

 

[Poppasmurf]

I won't join the CCC because of this deposit system. With the Caravan Club, I can book a series of sites without having to lay out a large amount of money in advance. The ones I have just booked would have meant laying out

 

[Guest]

Just a little curious at the logic that seems to be put forward.

The deposit is a deposit against your site fees, so you are only paying in advance a portion of what you would pay anyway. So it appears that some are happy to pay the whole amount on the day they arrive, but not a 10% portion in advance, and 90% on arrival.

Very curious. Of course hotels make cancellation charges and holiday Companies also demand deposits 8 weeks ahead of the holiday. So camp sites are not being any different. They need to know what customers they are pretty sure they are going to receive, not 'maybes'.

Sorry, the implication is still that some people use the CC so they can make multiple bookings without redress if they decide to change their minds. Cancelling 5 days, or so before does not give anyone else many options, unless they also live locally, or happen to be in the area.

The deposit scheme at least implies a degree of commitment and of course it can be re-assigned to a new booking. If people wish certain dates then I do not see the problem about putting money where their 'mouth' is, so to speak.

 

[emmerson2]

Pay in full, up front. Refundable on death or major illness, with doctor's certificate. That'll stop the no shows, and the block bookers. What's the difference if you pay up-front or on arrival? You still have to pay, and if you pay up-front, you'll turn up. What's the problem?

 

[Thorpedo]

Agree with what's said above deposits no peoblem. If that's what you want join the C&CC club.

If you don't want deposits join the CC club, seems simple and works very well.

Infact just like hotels, If your well healed pay a deposit 9 months up front and go to the Ritz, If your not so well off book with travel lodge where no deposits are required.

 

[grandadbaza]

Hi, I agree with Thorpedo, you pays your money and you takes your choice, I have been a CC member for 30 odd years and because I like there system ,twice tried CCC in that time and found it not for me , I do make quite a few advance bookings ,as I have done for years and never failed to show without giving at least 2 weeks notice, as for the person who said the popular sites that are booked months in advance are half empty due to no shows ,well I have never seen any evidence of this ,because we have lots of friends in the York and Derby area we spend a lot of time at both Rowntree Park and Chatsworth sites and I cant remember many empty spaces on a weekend,I wonder how many people commenting on this topic actually spend much time at CC sites, I am away in my van at least twice a month throughout the year,

There I have had my twopenceworth now ,feel a lot better LOL

 

[grandadbaza]

Hi, I agree with Thorpedo, you pays your money and you takes your choice, I have been a CC member for 30 odd years and because I like there system ,twice tried CCC in that time and found it not for me , I do make quite a few advance bookings ,as I have done for years and never failed to show without giving at least 2 weeks notice, as for the person who said the popular sites that are booked months in advance are half empty due to no shows ,well I have never seen any evidence of this ,because we have lots of friends in the York and Derby area we spend a lot of time at both Rowntree Park and Chatsworth sites and I cant remember many empty spaces on a weekend,I wonder how many people commenting on this topic actually spend much time at CC sites, I am away in my van at least twice a month throughout the year,

There I have had my twopenceworth now ,feel a lot better LOL

Just one more point ,could it be that all the people that are advocating deposits etc ,are the ones that are not as organised and expect that sites should have vacancies just in case they decide at the last minute to book, if you want to go to all the best ,theatres ,football matches,concerts etc etc you have to book in advance,ok you have to pay up front ,but that is why the CC is a club it is run for the benifit of its members not to make a big fat PROFIT

 

[Dustydog]

Grandadbaza

I'm very pleased you seem to have got all your weekends lined up. I don't know about half empty because I've never been able to get booked in. I did try just before New Year but was beaten to it. We wanted to have a full week at Chatsworth but that's impossible. As I said before I couldn't care less now as we have found far better places and CLs .

Do you think it would be more equitable if the CC kept back say 25% of the spaces for full weeks. If not booked by say end of february then let the spaces go for weekends. At least that would give everyone a chance.

You probably read the earlier posts about the the "Bun Fight". I for one am just not prepared to be party to such an adolescent scuffle.

Cheers

Dustydog

 

[Thorpedo]

I think Dustydog makes a very good point. If the CC club had staged releases of availability it may help although one would still need to get the proverbial finger out on release day.

To an extend they do this already. I know last year they held back on taking bookings on Grass pitches on two sites I wanted to use due to the wet weather in the spring.

It may be that there realy is later availabilty for week and late bookers after all.

 

[Guest]

Just to reply to Thorpedoe's comment on Travelodge. If he checks their T&C's he will find they deduct the full cost at the time of booking. That is far higher than a deposit. They also charge for using a credit card and of course are very unhappy if you try to pay cash.

Sorry, but it is a commercial world out there.

 

[Thorpedo]

Scotch lad

Ageed, my mistake, I should have typed Travel Inn not Lodge.

They take card details but don't take any money until you arrive.

 

[TD42]

I am definatly in favour of the deposit system i have never yet managed to book a site with the other club as they are always fully booked by many who only turn up if it suits them I suppose partly my fault as I do not want to book 6/7 months in advance

The

 

[Guest]

Thorpedo,

No probs. I am not trying to score points on easily made mistakes, but I am in favour of a deposit system as I think it does make for a more even 'playing field'. Genuine applicants for bookings have nothing to fear from it.

However, just to nit pick on your comment regarding no payment at time of booking, that is true, but the Company does take a 'charge' against your Card. This is usually about 100% of their estimate of your cost of stay. Although it does not appear it can mean that if you are near a limit on a Credit Card you may be turned down on a subsequent transaction, even although you think you are fine.

I would still argue there is no such thing as a 'free lunch' except possibly with the CC Booking Service.

 

[Robert_374332575]

I would agree that deposits are the way to go. We booked our summer holiday with the c&cc and paid a deposit of