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Quote: Originally posted by Jeanann on 18/5/2007

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I would always assume that if a deposit is required there would be some financial penalty for cancellation and £25 seems reasonable.  Even though there was only 5 hours between booking and cancellation I feel  the onus is on usr to make sure that we can make the commitment before we book.

Will the site let you change the dates to later in the year without penalty?

Jean

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A deposit wasn't paid though, was it? The full amount was debited and, if no mention was made of a non-refundable deposit at the time, I hardly think it is fair to keep £25 because they had to cancel 5 hours later (bearing in mind that, between booking and end of business, it was more like 3 hours).

If I book and pay a deposit, then I appreciate that will be forfeit if I cancel (and it depends how much cancellation notice you give, usually), but this is a bit unusual in that the booking was made,then cancelled, within a very short time span, and cancellation terms were not made clear at time of booking, nor apparently do they appear on the website.

Silly really, as if the manager been a bit more accommodating or had a better attitude, this thread might be about a positive experience and so encourage people to go there!

I'd print off the web page and send it to him, pointing out that no cancellation penalties are mentioned and that none were stipulated at time of booking, also the time frame involved in this. It wouldn't hurt also to mention that you are members of UKCS and had hoped to make positive recommendation of his site / policies, so are disappointed to now find yourself in this position.

If that doesn't work, you have to ask yourself if it is worth taking other steps for £25. I know it is a pain to lose it, and it must feel unjust, but maybe it might have to be marked down to experience (and I'll bet you will always check cancellation charges, in future!  )

Best of luck with it.

Quote: Originally posted by Liddenham on 18/5/2007

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If that doesn't work, you have to ask yourself if it is worth taking other steps for £25. I know it is a pain to lose it, and it must feel unjust, but maybe it might have to be marked down to experience (and I'll bet you will always check cancellation charges, in future!  )

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I think the inital fee when pursuing a claim through Small Claims Court is £200!

Can you name the site please? then no-one else gets ripped off

I'd ring trading standards and get some advice, quickly. Hope you get sorted.

Quote: Originally posted by caster on 17/5/2007

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The guys taking the p, in five hours he's hardly out of pocket, get back what you can for now then tell him you will claim the rest from the small claims court and will charge costs, copy everything

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agree, this is what I would do, be firm but fair dont be irate...but hopefully the threat of this will make him give you your money back.

Quote: Originally posted by Jeanann on 18/5/2007

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I would always assume that if a deposit is required there would be some financial penalty for cancellation and £25 seems reasonable.  Even though there was only 5 hours between booking and cancellation I feel  the onus is on usr to make sure that we can make the commitment before we book.

Will the site let you change the dates to later in the year without penalty?

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Jean, that would be my take on the situation too. If you pay in advance you expect the campsite owner to treat it as a deposit and hold a pitch for you. So its only fair that it would work both ways.

Good suggestion about asking to move the deposit to another date, I've done that before when I've had to change plans. MT